Some solutions to rehabilitate the stands of castanopsis boisii hickel et a camus forest in hai duong province

Some solutions to rehabilitate the stands of Castanopsis boisii Hickel et A.. According to the result analyses, I found several solutions to rehabilitate Castanopsis boisii species, fol

Some solutions to rehabilitate the stands of Castanopsis boisii Hickel et A Camus forest

in Hai Duong province Sturdent: Nguyen Minh Hien; Advisor: Bui The Doi

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

I would like to express my very great appreciation to Prof Bui The Doi from Vietnam Forestry University, my research supervisor, and Dr Nguyen Tuan Dung, my research co-supervisor, for their enthusiastic encouragement and useful critiques of this research work Without his thoughtful, patient guidance through every step of my research, this thesis could not have been realized

I would like to extend my thanks to Mr Hoang Duc Luu, the Forest Management Committee of Hai Duong province for accepting the responsibility of my research in the location as well as for his useful and constructive recommendations on this project

Many other people have contributed to the success of this thesis but I would like to particularly thank my parents and classmates from K57-CTTT for their support Last but not least this thesis could have never been complete without the support of Forest Resources and Environment Management Faculty of Vietnam National University of Forestry always encouraged me during the entire process of studying and doing research

ABSTRACT

This study was conducted to provide several biological characteristics of Castanopsis boisii such as ability to provide high nutrient food Several methods have been used to do field work and data analysis The basic data analysis indicated that Castanopsis boisii stand

did not only help local people reduce poverty, increase their income and living condition, but also help improve the beauty and environmental value for regional landscape According to

the result analyses, I found several solutions to rehabilitate Castanopsis boisii species,

followed by recommendations to effectively and sustainably develop this species in the study region

TABLE OF CONTENTS

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

ABSTRACT

TABLE OF CONTENTS

LIST OF TABLES

LIST OF FIGURES

ACRONYMS

INTRODUCTION 1

CHAPTER 1.LITERATURE REVIEW 3

1.1 In The World 3

1.2 In Vietnam 3

1.3 Characteristics of Castanopsis boisii 4

1.3.1 Morphological characteristics 4

1.3.2 Ecological characteristics 5

CHAPTER 2.STUDY GOAL, OBJECTIVES AND METHODLOGY 6

2.1 STUDY GOAL AND OBJECTIVES 6

2.1.1 Goal 6

2.1.2 Specific objectives 6

2.2 METHODLOGY 6

2.2.1 Secondary data collection 6

2.2.2 Fieldwork 6

2.2.3 Interview 12

2.2.4 Data analysis 13

CHAPTER 3.OVERVIEW OF NATURAL AND SOCIAL - ECONOMIC CONDITIONSS OF STUDY SITE 14

3.1 NATURAL CONDITION 14

3.1.1 Geographical location 14

3.1.2 Topography 14

3.1.3 Climate 14

3.1.4 Hydrological 15

3.1.5 Land resources 15

3.2 SOCIAL ECONOMIC CONDITIONS 15

3.2.1 Population 15

3.2.2 Economy 16

3.2.3 Infrastructure 16

CHAPTER 4.RESULTS AND DISCUSSION 17

4.1 Characteristics of the study site 17

4.1.1 Topography 17

4.1.2 Climate 17

4.2 Characteristics of Castanopsis boisii stand 20

4.2.1 Mature trees 20

4.2.2 Distribution of mature tree layer bases on the height and diameter 22

4.2.3 Distribution of regenerated trees bases on the height 23

4.2.4 Origin of regeneration 23

4.2.5 Shrubs vegetation 25

4.4.2 Adjusting the distribution of regenerated trees 28

4.4.3 Maintaining the soil moisture 28

4.4.4 The impact depending on origin of regeneration 29

CHAPTER 5.GENERAL CONCLUSION AND FUTURE STUDY 30

5.1 Conclusion 30

5.2 Shortcomings 31

5.3 Recommendations 31 REFERENCES

APPENDIX

LIST OF TABLES

Table 4.1: Weather data in Chi Linh Hydrometeorology forecast station (2014) .18

Table 4.2: Characteristics of mature trees in study site 20

Table 4.3: Standard deviation and coefficient of variation of H vn .21

Table 4.4: Standard deviation and coefficient of variation of D 1.3 .21

Table 4.5: Distribution of regeneration plant bases on the height 23

Table 4.6: Origin of regeneration trees in study site 24

Table 4.7: Characteristics of shrub vegetation in study site 25

Table 4.8: Necessary for coverage in each height levels 28

LIST OF FIGURES

Figure 4.1: Comparison precipitation and evaporation in Chi Linh 2014 19

Figure 4.2: Distribution of mature tree layer bases on the height 22

Figure 4.3: Distribution of mature tree layer bases on diameter 22

Figure 4.4: The distribution of origin of regenerated trees in study site 24

ACRONYMS

VNUF Vietnam National University Forestry

INTRODUCTION

Forest is one of the most precious resources in Vietnam, have many benefits such as disaster prevention, ecological protection, and social economic development support Forests and forest land make up to ¾ of the total area of the country [6] However, the quality and total area of forests have been declined significantly The main causes of this decline are due

to forest fires and human activities (i.e slash and burn cultivation or over exploitation)

Hai Duong is a province in the Red River Delta of northern Vietnam The natural area

of the province encloses 1661.2 km2, which is ranked 51st in the nation Hai Duong shares its borders with six other provinces: Bac Ninh, Bac Giang, Quang Ninh in the north; Hung Yen

in the west; Hai Phong in the East and Thai Ninh in the south Hai Duong has the tropical monsoon climate with typically cold winter, potentially hot summer and high humidity throughout the year Two types of wind mainly come from the South East and the North East The climate is divided into 4 distinct seasons From early February to early April, Hai Duong has more rain due to the transition from dry season to rainy season Rainy season lasts from April

to October In Hai Duong, the annual average rainfall is from 1,300 to 1,700 mm; the average temperature is approximately 23.3 oC; and the relative humidity average is around 85 - 87%

Castanopsis boisii (Dẻ Ăn Quả) belongs to Fagaceae, a native species with many

benefits such as wood for construction and furniture, In addition, it also provides high nutrient

food In Vietnam, Castanopsis boisii can be typically found in Quang Ninh, Nghe An, Bac

Giang and Hai Duong

Hai Duong province has 11263.97 ha of forested area, in which protection forest accounts for 4683.74 ha, production forest accounts for 5036.95 ha, and special-use forest

accounts for 1543.28 ha Chi Linh commune has the largest area of Castanopsis boisii forest

with more than 2000 ha which is mainly concentrated in Bac An and Hoang Hoa Tham communes

Forest rehabilitation in Vietnam in general, and Castanopsis boisii rehabilitation in

Hai Duong in particular, have drawn significant concern from the Government, MARD and

local authority This is mostly due to the economic and ecological values of Castanopsis boisii It is one of the forest species that can be growth by high quantity and can provide high

nutrient food It is also considered as a very promising tree species to support economic development and forest conservation in many regions in the country

In fact, local people are more focused on exploiting the benefits from Castanopsis boisii plantation forest, but have less concern on the future, regeneration and protection of this species This leads to the current degradation of Castanopsis boisii forest and therefore, makes regenerating and developing Castanopsis boisii in forested land a critical issue

From these reasons, proposed study on “Some solutions to rehabilitate the stands of

Castanopsis boisii Hickel et A Camus forest in Hai Duong province” has been chosen for

thesis I do hope to propose appropriate solutions for the mentioned issues

CHAPTER 1 LITERATURE REVIEW 1.1 In The World

The study of forest rehabilitation in the world has started early In 1930, Richards P.W was the first author to study forest rehabilitation According to his research regenerated species in each plot are distributed in cluster for rehabilitation Scientific research on forest rehabilitation has been more developed since 1950 For example, both researches from Barnard (1950) and Smith (1952) in Malaysia, and Lampreht in Venezuela (1954) indicated the need of using the existing vegetation with different side conditions to maintain the natural regeneration and additional planting to restore the forest structure similar to be the original structure.[2] While other researches by Weidelt (1968) on the upland abandoned forests in Brazil indicated the development of secondary forests would move towards the initial condition of primary forest in the number of species and species composition.[8]

In 1975, Whitimore studied on development of secondary vegetation and found that the time needed to regenerate forests by seedling to reach to the initial state can take hundreds

of years In 1996, Fedmaner found that the main factors affecting the process of forest rehabilitation are site conditions, component types and genetic resources

1.2 In Vietnam

In Vietnam, study on forest rehabilitation started since 1950s This study area continued to grow in 1961 During the 1990s, we saw more in depth studies on forest rehabilitation and forest succession in Vietnam

In 1993, for solutions regarding rehabilitation of forest ecosystems exposed to Agent Orange in the Southern part of Vietnam, Thai Van Trung concluded that, it was needed to go through two steps for rehabilitating those forests Planting species which have the ability to

synthesize natural nitrogen, and Cutting those planted species to regenerate by other species with more value and benefits.[9]

Nguyen Ngoc Lung (1995) stated on his research that, effective rehabilitation depended on many factors such as site conditions, characteristics of that species and social economic conditions of that region.[5]

Almost all studies have focused on understanding the law of succession process of forest rehabilitation These results serve as scientific basis for solutions of forest rehabilitation

1.3 Characteristics of Castanopsis boisii

1.3.1 Morphological characteristics

Castanopsis boisii has the average height is 10 – 15 m and average diameter range of

30 – 40 cm This species has straight and round stem Bark is grey while, thick and fissure with some small vertical cracks Young braches are smooth, while patches and long This species has mixed root system with tap roots and lateral roots are both well developed Leaves are simple and alternate which are 9 – 16 cm in length and 4 – 7 cm in width Leaf blade is narrowly elliptic to ovate – oblong or lanceolate – elliptic Head of leaf is slightly pointed, asymmetric leaf blade Adaxial surface is dark green and smooth, abaxial surface has scales with color in light pink Venation pinnate, lateral veins 10 – 14 pairs Petiole thin, 1.5 – 1.8

cm in length and stipule present

Flowers are unisexual catkins Male inflorescences are very slender, 5 – 12 cm in

calybium resembles a pointed acorn, the cupule is hard like that of beechnuts and spiny like that of chestnuts Three thickened reidges run the length of the calybium’s shell

1.3.2 Ecological characteristics

Castanopsis boisii flowers from September till November, fruit ripes from August to

October of the following year, or one ripening in every two years (Le Mong Chan, 2000)

(Nguyen Tien Ban, 2003) [4] According to Dang Ngoc Anh (1996), Castanopsis boisii starts

flowering and seed harvesting in the ages of 4 to 5, age for stable seed harvesting starts from the age of 10 and lasts for 40-50 years, the more productive stage is between 20- 35 years old [1]

Castanopsis boisii is evergreen tree, lucipetal, growth and develop well on sandstone This species naturally grow into populations in the hillside and foothills Castanopsis boisii

regenerates strongly on bare soil or under woodlands It is a pioneer tree species after clear cut (Le Mong Chan 2000; Nguyen Tien Ban 2003) [7]

CHAPTER 2 STUDY GOAL, OBJECTIVES AND METHODLOGY 2.1 STUDY GOAL AND OBJECTIVES

2.1.1 Goal

Contributing some solutions to rehabilitate Castanopsis boisii in Hai Duong province

for sustainable forest development

2.1.2 Specific objectives

 Determining the characteristic of stands of Castanopsis boisii Hickel et A Camus

 Purposing some solutions to rehabilitate Castanopsis boisii in the study site

2.2 METHODLOGY

2.2.1 Secondary data collection

Inheriting data from precious studies on natural condition, climate, hydrology, soil, natural resources, socio-economic condition of the study site There are very useful

information to suggest solutions for Castanopsis boisii rehabilitation

2.2.2 Fieldwork

2.2.2.1 Investigating mature trees, shrubs and regenerated trees

In Hoang Hoa Tham and Bac An communes, Setting up 4 sample plots with plot size

of 1000 m2 (40 m in length and 25 m in width) In each sample plot, establishing 5 sub-plots;

4 sub-plots at the 4 corners and 1 sub-plot at the center The shape of sub-plot is square (2 m x

2 m)

 Investigating mature trees:

- Measuring height: using the Blume-Leiss to measure tree height This device measures the elevation angle between the operator and measured points The person in charge must stand still in a location with 15, 20, 30 or 40 meters horizontal distance from the base of

a vertical tree where the required points on the tree can be seen

- Measuring diameter: using calipers to measure tree diameter The fixed arm is placed along one side of the tree, usually at 1.3m from the tree base The moveable arm is then placed flush against the other side of the tree and the scale is read directly The calipers must be located perpendicular to the stem axis

- Measuring crown diameter: using fiberglass tape to measure crown diameter by sketching the tape to both ends of the crown and read the value, by N-S and E-W axis

- Investigating growth quality by observation

2m

2m

 Investigating shrub vegetation:

- Investigating shrub vegetation in each transect line by establish plots with area 4 m2 (2m x 2m)

- The height of shrub vegetation is measured by fiberglass tape

 Investigating regenerated trees:

- Measuring height: Using fiberglass tape with accuracy of 1 cm

- Measuring diameter: Using fiberglass tape The tape is wrapped around the tree to measure circumference This value is divided by PI (3.1415…) to estimate diameter

- Origin of regeneration: Observe stem, if the stem is straight then it is the indicator

of regeneration from seed If the stem is curve then it is the indicator of regeneration from bud

Table 01 Tree data collection

Location:

Inventory date:

Forest type:

Surveyor:

No Name H H under D 1.3 Crown D Quality Note 1 Table 02 Shrubs investigation Location: Forest type:

Regeneration plot ID:

Surveyor:

Quality

Note

1

Table 03 Regeneration investigation

2.2.2.2 Investigating climate condition: determining temperature, moisture, rainfall

The study took the weather data from Chi Linh Hydrometeorology forecast station

2.2.2.3 Investigating the lighting conditions of regeneration plant through canopy coverage and statistic to process data result

Investigating canopy coverage based on 100 points in the plot Estimated value is either 0; 0.5; or 1 Canopy cover is the mean value of 100 point Measuring the coverage of shrubs in each sub-plot by estimating the percentage of area occupied by the shrubs compared

to the total area of the cell types

Table 05 Canopy cover

Interviewing to have information about Castanopsis boisii forest such as how they are

managed, harvested, and also the conditions to plant this species

1 Have you ever planted Castanopsis boisii specie?

2 Do you know about the condition to plant Castanopsis boisii specie?

3 Is there any factor that effect to the growth rate of Castanopsis boisii specie?

4 How much does it cost for 1 kg seeds?

5 How many kg seeds you can harvest per year?

6 Do governments support people to plant Castanopsis boisii specie?

7 How long is this specie harvested after planting?

8 Do people in here care about this specie?

9 Do you know about the current state of Castanopsis boisii specie?

10 Besides harvesting Castanopsis boisii, what do you do to increase income?

11 If you are supported by government, do you want to plant this species as your main

source of income?

2.2.4 Data analysis

Using EXCEL software to analyze and measure data

CHAPTER 3 OVERVIEW OF NATURAL AND SOCIAL - ECONOMIC CONDITIONSS OF

STUDY SITE 3.1 NATURAL CONDITION

Chi Linh has varied terrain, including mountains, hills and delta North and northeast

of the town is mountainous, belonging to the bow-shaped Dong Trieu’s mountain range There are hills along the High way 18 with the height of 50 – 60 m, the slope of 10 – 15o They are advantages for economic development of agriculture and forestry with the model hill garden

The annual average temperature is 23oC The months which have the highest temperature are June and July (36oC to 38oC) January and February have the lowest temperature (10oC to 12oC)

The annual rainfall is 1,480 mm, which mainly concentrated in June, July and August with 78% of the annual rainfall The average humidity is 85% with the lowest humidity at 33,5% in November The month which has highest humidity is April

Two main wind directions are north-eastern monsoon and southeastern North-eastern wind is more harmful to agricultural products and forestry products

In general, Chi Linh’s climate is suitable for planting agroforestry species, including

Castanopsis boisii

3.1.4 Hydrological

Chi Linh is influenced by the tides of Pha Lai river and Thuong river The average water current is 286 m3/s The lowest is 181 m3/s This town has 33 natural dams and a large ground water reserve that can enough to support people’s lives and production activities

3.1.5 Land resources

The total area of Chi Linh is 28.202,8 ha (01/01/2011) Including:

Agriculture land is 20.700,77 ha, accounting for 73.4 % of the total area Of those, 51.2 %, are for agriculture product, 46% are forestry and 2.8% are for aquaculture Non-agriculture land is 7.360,2 ha, accounting for 26.1 % of the total area

Unused land is 141,8 ha, accounting for 0.5 % of total area

3.2 SOCIAL ECONOMIC CONDITIONS

3.2.1 Population

The population of Chi Linh town as of 2015 is 175.000 people, with a density of 584 persons per km2 and uneven distribution The ethnic groups identified in the town is 15, mostly Kinh make up 95.1 % and other ethnic is Man, Hoa, Kho Me, Tay, Nung, San Diu, ect

The town has 79.167 labors, accounting for 55 % of total population Labor for agroforestry and fishery make up 75.4 % of total labor, labor for construction industry make

up 12.5 % of total labor and labor for service make up 12.1 % of total labor

3.2.3 Infrastructure

Electric power system is coverage whole the town, 100% households used electric for living and production Irrigation system is relatively complete, well plans on flood, storm prevention Transportation system is strengthened and the unqualified, high frequency of accident roads are improved not disturb traveling of people

CHAPTER 4 RESULTS AND DISCUSSION 4.1 Characteristics of the study site

4.1.1 Topography

Affecting of terrain on the survival and development of forest are clearly expressed Terrain significant impact on ecological factors such as rainfall, temperature, humidity, light, wind, etc which will affect the growth and development of forest, especially is regeneration

By using inheritance method, study site is almost hills with the height of 50 – 60 m, the slope

of 10 – 15o According to the book “Manual on land evaluation for reforestation”, slope is favorable and good for regeneration process because it limits surface erosion Absolute height

is low, favorable for reforestation activities, forest management and protection

4.1.2 Climate

Climate is one of major factors which influence on the growth and development of forest trees and forest vegetation through mode light, temperature and humidity, climate change will lead to a change of class vegetation The weather data in Chi Linh Hydrometeorology forecast station are show in below table:

Table 4.1: Weather data in Chi Linh Hydrometeorology forecast station (2014)

Data in table above show that, the average temperature in study site is not high 23.8

o

C, the month which has highest temperature is June (29.5 oC) and lowest temperature is December (16.5 oC) The average humidity in January and December is lowest (70% and 73%), highest in March (93%) The total annual rainfall reach 1097.7 mm, month which has highest rainfall is August (274.9 mm) and lowest is January (1 mm) The total annual evaporation is 881.3 mm, month which has highest evaporation is December (130 mm) and lowest is March (23.8 mm) Study site has mild weather, not occur disasters such as floods, drought Total thunderstorm day is low, concentrated from June to September Total sunny hour is 1457.9 hour/year, month which has highest total sunny hour is May (192.3 hours) and lowest is February (24.4 hours)

Figure 4.1: Comparison precipitation and evaporation in Chi Linh 2014

From October to February, study site has evaporation higher than precipitation, leading to lack of water during these months It is affect the germination of seeds and buds which simultaneously makes it difficult for regeneration of seedlings stage because during this period the plant needs a certain amount of moisture to grow and develop