Adaptation and productivity of kaliandra for biomass energy source

Abstract

Abstract The development of wood energy forest plantations is one of the government’s strategies to meet national energy needs. Kaliandra (Calliandra calothyrsus) is one tree/shrub species that is potential for biomass energy source due to its rapid growth and high calorific value. This study aims to analyze the level of adaptation and productivity of kaliandra planted in 3 spacing treatments in the Production Forest Management Unit (KPHP) Puncak Ngengas - Batulanteh, Sumbawa. The treatment of spacing applied is 4 m x 1 m or density of 2, 500 trees/ha (J1), 4 m x 2 m or density of 1, 250 trees/ha (J2), and 4 m x 2 m with stripe or density of 1, 850 trees/ha (J3). Measurements of adaptation and plant growth were carried out until 6 months after planting. The results of this study indicate that the J2 treatment showed the best level of adaptation with a survival rate of 89.3%, followed by treatments J3 and J1 with a survival rate of 85.9% and 84.4% respectively. The J3 treatment resulted in the best growth rate of Kaliandra plants with an average diameter of 18.1 mm, an average height of 244.9 cm and the volume of individual trees of 0.00085 m3/tree. The J3 treatment also produced the highest total volume, estimated biomass production and energy productivity compared to other treatments, which were 3.5 m3/ha, 2.7 tons/ha and 51.9 Gj/ha, respectively. Treatment of spacing indicates the influence on the level of tree adaptation and growth and estimation of biomass production and calorific value. However, the treatment of spacing does not show a clear pattern related to the effect of initial spacing on growth and productivity of Kaliandra at the beginning of the year.