Keragaman Pertumbuhan dan Pendugaan Kualitas Kayu pada Tegakan Jati Putih (Gmelina arborea) dan Mindi (Melia azedarach) di Arboretum Universitas Sumatera Utara

Abstract

White teak (Gmelina arborea) is a plant that has the potential to be developed in plantation forests and is a fast-growing exotic tree species. The planting technique is easy and has good economic value, as well as has activity as an antioxidant. Mindi (Melia azedarach) is a woody plant that grows easily in various soil conditions and is widely planted in the islands of Java, Bali, West Nusa Tenggara and East Nusa Tenggara. Mindi trees can be used as shade in coffee plantations, and as reforestation plants on degraded lands. Information on the growth and quality of white teak and mindi wood is needed to improve product quality and suitability of wood properties according to the needs of the growing industry in Indonesia. The purpose of this study was to analyze tree growth and estimate the quality of white teak and mindi wood in the Arboretum of the University of North Sumatra. This research was conducted from January 2023 to March 2023, at the Arboretum of the University of North Sumatra Durin Tunggal, Pancur Batu District, Deli Serdang Regency, North Sumatra. This research was conducted by census. Growth character measurements were stem diameter, branch-free height, total height, and crown diameter. Estimation of wood quality is done by testing the physical properties of wood, namely specific gravity, density, and moisture content. The results of growth measurements on white teak stands averaged a trunk diameter of 37.02 cm, a branch-free height of 4.88 m, a total height of 16.27 m, and a crown diameter of 5.05 m. While the estimation of the quality of white teak wood has an average specific gravity of 0.37, a wood density of 0.69 g/cm3, and a moisture content of 93.27%. While the results of the growth of mindi trees have an average trunk diameter of 28.67 cm, a branch-free height of 4.93 m, a total height of 14.14 m, and a crown diameter of 4.89 m. While the estimation of the quality of mindi wood has an average specific gravity of 0.46, wood density of 0.64 g/cm3, and moisture content of 40.59%. Tree growth and wood quality of white teak and mindi in the arboretum are varied.