Variasi Karakteristik Pertumbuhan Pohon dan Pendugaan Kualitas Kayu Mahoni (Swietenia mahagoni (L.) Jacq) di Kebun Masyarakat Kecamatan Medan Tuntungan

Abstract

Mahogany (Swietenia mahagoni (L.) Jacq) is a type of plant originating from tropical areas. This plant has fast growth and can produce hard mahogany wood used for furniture. Mahogany plants are categorized as plants that grow rapidly and have high economic value. Therefore, information on tree growth and estimating the quality of mahogany wood is very important for managers to determine the rotation age and to improve product quality and the suitability of wood properties according to the needs of the developing industry in Indonesia. The purpose of this study was to analyze tree growth and the quality of mahogany wood in the community forest of PT Agung Gunawan Ternak Cacing, Medan Tuntungan District. Measurement of growth characteristics and estimation of wood quality were carried out by census on all mahogany trees. Measurement of growth characteristics was carried out by measuring the total height, trunk diameter, clear bole height, and crown diameter. Estimation of wood quality was carried out by taking core samples, which were then tested to determine the physical properties of the wood, namely moisture content, specific gravity, and density. Based on the results of growth measurements, the average total height was 19.8 m, the average stem diameter was 26.52 cm, the average clear bole height was 9.63 m, and the average crown diameter was 4.2 m. Meanwhile, the estimated wood quality had an average moisture content of 106.54%, an average specific gravity of 0.35 and an average wood density of 0.69 gr/cm3. Tree growth and the quality of mahogany wood in the community garden of PT Agung Gunawan Ternak Cacing, Medan Tuntungan are varied and are included in the strength class IV.