MODELING OF TREE GROWTH AFTER FOREST FIRE IN MOUNT CIREMAI NATIONAL PARK, INDONESIA

Abstrak

Forest fire is a massive threat to tropical forests, causing various negative impacts on nature and human beings. Forest fires often lead to alterations of forest structure and its functions. This study on tree growth after forest fire was conducted using a simulation model. The model was performed at the individual level of the plant community and built to analyze the potential for tree growth and scenarios for post-fire recovery. Five important tree species from the montane forest of Mount Ciremai were chosen to build the model based on four main parameters: plant growth rate, diameter at breast height (DBH), tree-to-grass competition, and tree-to-tree competition. The scenario for post-fire recovery was simulated by replanting similar species with 5 cm DBH seedlings. Predictions from our model showed that most of the chosen species would recover to their pre-fire condition after 37–50 years. Considering the limitations of competition after replanting, it is suggested to minimize tree-to-tree competition and apply silvicultural treatments to maximize tree growth and community recovery.