GROWTH OF TREES PLANTED IN DEGRADED FOREST LAND

Fast-growing tree species planted in the Makiling forest in Los Banos, Laguna and degraded forest land in Carranglan were examined to analyz e the characteristics and productivity of these tree species in each a rea. Acacia auriculiformis was found to be the most adapted species to degraded land, followed by yemane (Gmelina arborea). Yemane showed ex cellent growth where the physical soil properties were improved. Yeman e and teak (Tectona grandis) were fire-tolerant species and their grow th gradually improved. Annual height increment of Dipterocarpaceae see dlings planted under A. auriculiformis ranged from 30 to 40 cm and the height of some of them exceeded 4 m. Litter on the Acacia forests amo unted to more than 1,500 g/m2. The values were almost twice those of t ree species for long-rotation forests in Los Banos.