Global Forest Journal

Moraceae diversity in the Universitas Sumatera Utara’s arboretum

Arida Susilowati — 2024-07-30

The arboretum of the Universitas Sumatera Utara (USU) is an area for collecting and conserving tree species in North Sumatra. One of dominant family found in USU Arboretum is Moraceae. The objective of this reserach was to determine Moraceae diversity in the USU Arboretum. The census approach of vegetation analysis was used to determine the identity and abundance of Moracea. The research found 9 (nine) Moraceae species belongs to two genera in the USU arboretum, those were Ficus microcarpa, Ficus elastic, Artocarpus heterophyllus, Ficus padana, Ficus fistulosa, Artocarpus altilis, Ficus benjamina, Ficus ampelas and Ficus hispida. The species with the highest density value (57.92%) is Ficus hispida. The diversity index, richness index, and species dominance index were all quite low in the research location, with values of 1.455, 1.226, and 0.370, respectively. Meanwhile, the species evenness index at the research location is 0.662, which is classified into moderate. To improve the diversity of Moraceae in the USU arboretum, species enrichment activities are needed.

Evaluating land suitability for kemiri (Aleurites moluccana) as a multi-purpose tree species in community agroforestry land within Langkat District, North Sumatra

Rahmawaty — 2024-07-30

Evaluating land suitability for Aleurites moluccana in community agroforestry land within Langkat District, North Sumatra, is crucial for promoting sustainable development, enhancing livelihoods, and preserving ecosystems while honoring local traditions and cultures. The primary objective of this research was to evaluate and map the land suitability for A. moluccana within Langkat District, located in North Sumatra, Indonesia. To gather the necessary data, this study employed a survey method, involving the collection of soil samples from ten distinct land units within the field. The assessment of land suitability was carried out using the matching method. Geographic Information System (GIS) technology was utilized to create maps illustrating the distribution of land suitability, while a Global Positioning System (GPS) was employed to accurately record the coordinates of the collected soil samples. The findings revealed that within Gunung Ambat, Simpang Kuta Buluh, Rumah Galuh, and Telagah Village, the actual land suitability classes for A. moluccana were classified as moderately suitable (S2) and marginally suitable (S3). The prevailing limiting factors in this region were temperature (tc) and the characteristics of the root zone medium (rc). Consequently, this influenced the potential land suitability classes for A. moluccana, resulting in classifications ranging from highly suitable (S1) to moderately suitable (S2) and marginally suitable (S3). By implementing land suitability evaluation for A. moluccana in community agroforestry land, promoting sustainable land use, enhancing livelihoods, and conserving natural resources.

Community perception toward mangrove restoration program in Kampung Nelayan Seberang, Medan

Achmad Siddik Thoha — 2024-07-30

Indonesia has the largest mangrove forests in the world. However, Indonesia is also listed as the largest contributor to loss of the world's mangrove forests. Good mangroves will support the lives of coastal communities and vice versa. Mangrove forests in the area of Kampung Nelayan Seberang, Medan Belawan and its surroundings were also degraded. Therefore, degraded mangrove forests need to be restored through mangrove restoration activities with the involvement of the surrounding community. This community service activity through the Assisted Village Program will carry out mangrove restoration activities with the people of Kampung Nelayan Seberang. The success of restoration activities is determined by good understanding of the mangrove ecosystem and the commitment of the community to be involved in restoring it. The objective of this study was to identify understanding related to mangrove ecosystems and community perceptions of its restoration efforts. Collecting data was carried out by interviewing respondents who represented the population. Descriptive analysis is used to describe the socio-economic conditions, understanding and perceptions of the community regarding ecosystems and mangrove restoration. Generally, respondents understand the role of mangrove forests and agree that mangrove restoration must be done together. Amount of 53 - 83% of respondents agreed and understood that mangrove restoration is important for life and has an impact on income, social and cultural life. The results showed that 60 - 90% of respondents around the restoration area need a rehabilitation program and are willing to be involved in a mangrove restoration program with the parties.

Analysis of wildlife threat findings based on the SMART patrol application at Pemerihan Resort, Bukit Barisan Selatan National Park

Andika — 2024-07-30

Monitoring, managing, and maintaining conservation areas are challenges faced by various parties. The Spatial Monitoring and Reporting Tool (SMART) is an application used to measure, collect, evaluate, and improve the effectiveness of location-based monitoring and conservation activities and has been implemented at the Pemerihan Resort, Bukit Barisan Selatan National Park (TNBBS). Based on the SMART application, the research aims to analyze the findings of threats and wildlife on active patrol routes. The methods used are documentary studies and field observations. The data obtained from the documentary study is in the form of data from forest patrols for two years (2020-2022), then processed, classified, and analyzed into data on threat findings and wild animal encounter data directly or through signs of presence, which is then verified through field observations. The research results show that the data found from the SMART application during four patrol periods from 2020-2022 consisted of 143 threat findings and 841 wild animal encounters. The highest threat finding was animal hunting, with 56 findings (39%), and the lowest was logging, with three findings (2%). Twenty-three wild animal encounters were found directly or through signs of presence such as tracks, feces, scratches, and food remain. The highest wildlife encounter was the sambar deer (Rusa unicolor). The high threat findings indicate much human activity in the Pemerihan Resort Area, TNBBS, which can disturb wildlife and its habitats.

Anatomical characteristic and fiber morphology of fibrovascular bundle of Indonesian nipa (Nypa fruticans) frond

Estri Yosa Damanik — 2024-07-30

Nipa (Nypa Fruticans) is a palm tree that grows in wetlands and mangroves. Nipa fronds possess lignocellulose and hold the potential as a viable source for producing composite boards, pulp, and paper. This research aims to identify the anatomical and morphological characteristics of nipah fronds fiber, especially in the fibrovascular bundle. Nipa fronds were observed in the radial and longitudinal directions. There are four zones in the radial direction, consisting of the outer zone (convex and concave), middle zone, and inner zone. The longitudinal positions consist of the bottom, intermediate, and upper. Anatomical characteristics were observed using a light microscope focused on the fibrovascular bundle's characteristics. Fiber morphology was measured at each position with 20 repetitions of each measurement. The results showed that the number of FVB increased from the outer zone, especially convex towards the middle and inner zone. Thus, the outer fronds are denser than the inner zone. Based on observations of fiber morphology, the concave (radial) zone in the intermediate position (longitudinal) has the longest fiber compared to the other parts. Meanwhile, the cell wall thickness is greatest at the bottom of the concave zone. The widest lumen diameter is the convex zone at the bottom position. This research can conclude that the FVB of nipa palm fronds, both longitudinal and radial, are included in quality class III, which is good enough to be used as raw material for pulp and paper.

Optimizing calliandra (Calliandra calothyrsus) biomass pellets: Impact of particle size and bark composition

Wahyu Abdul Rahman — 2024-07-30

Calliandra biomass pellets offer a promising alternative energy source to replace fossil fuels. Typically, these pellets are produced by directly processing the stem and bark of the calliandra (Calliandra calothyrsus) plant without separation, aiming for manufacturing efficiency. This study investigated the quality differences between calliandra biomass pellets with and without bark and varying particle sizes. Particle sizes used were 20 mesh, 40 mesh, and 60 mesh. The pellets were made using a 12 mm diameter biomass pellet mold and a manual hydraulic press with a pressure of 3 tons. Characterization involved assessing proximate analysis, calorific value, physical and mechanical properties, and Fourier Transform Infrared analysis. The test results were compared with biomass pellet standards from Indonesia, Japan, Korea, and Germany. Results indicate that bark affects several properties, with higher ash content observed in pellets with bark due to the higher mineral content in bark. Volatile matter decreases with finer particle size, influencing combustion rate. Moisture content is higher in pellets with bark, impacting combustion efficiency and smoke production. Fixed carbon values are influenced by moisture and volatile matter content. Calorific values are generally higher in pellets without bark and smaller particle sizes. Density and compressive strength increase with decreasing particle size. FTIR analysis reveals differences in functional groups between pellets with and without bark, indicating variations in chemical composition. Overall, this research provides insight into the potential of calliandra biomass pellets with bark and without bark along with particle size as a renewable energy source.

The effect of the feed rate and revolutions of the cutting tool on the amounts of created chips in dust and respirable sizes from milling particleboards, and medium-density fibreboards

Martin Juda — 2024-07-30

The CNC finish milling of wood-based materials creates chips in a wide size range, where considerable amounts were found even below <10.0μm. The presented article studied the effect of technological variables on determined amounts of chips in dust sizes and respirable range from medium-density fibreboards (MDF) and particleboards (PTCB). The materials were milled at a constant width of cut (ae) by 1mm, with the feed speed (vf) in the range of 6, 8, 10, and 12m·min^-1, and with revolutions of the cutting tool (n) in the range of 16,000; 18,000; and 20,000revs·min^-1. In dust size, we cover chips in the size range below <0.125mm, and respirable size below <10.0μm. The dust sizes from collected chip samples were determined by sieve analysis with pre-defined mesh sizes by weighting the retained mass on specific sieves and with the laser analysis we estimated the amounts of chips in sizes <10.0μm. The number of chips in the dust size ranged for MDF by 34.7-40.8w% and in PTCB by 38.1-54.7w%. Amount of chips in respirable size for MDF by 0.01-18% and for PTCB by 0.01-4.5% of the total mass volume. Increasing the (vf) from 6 to 12m/min significantly lowered amounts of Fine and chips in respirable size (p<0.05) in PTCB, no matter on adjusted cutting tool (n). In MDF such effect was observed only with (n) 20000revs/min for respirable sizes.

Reducing, reusing, and recycling in the furniture industry: A mini-review

2024-07-30

This study explores sustainable practices within the furniture industry, focusing on the principles of reduce, reuse, and recycle. Through a comprehensive review of scholarly literature retrieved from databases like Scopus, Web of Science, and Google Scholar a moderate corpus of articles is identified. The analysis reveals a predominant emphasis on strategies aimed at minimizing resource consumption, extending product lifespans, and optimizing material recovery. While reduce, reuse and recycle serve as foundational pillars of sustainable furniture production, the literature also highlights complementary principles such as "rethink" and "refuse," urging critical reassessment and rejection of unsustainable practices. Despite the diversity in research interests and methodologies, the synthesis of findings underscores the need for standardization and comprehensive approaches to address environmental challenges throughout the furniture lifecycle. The study advocates for further research and collaboration to drive meaningful progress towards a more sustainable future for furniture production and consumption. This abstract encapsulates the key findings and implications of the study, providing a concise overview of the state of research on sustainable practices within the furniture industry. The aim of this short review is to analyse the scientific articles and their quantity relating to ecodesign in the furniture industry, with particular emphasis on the principles of reduce, reuse and recycle, as well as complementary concepts such as ‘rethinking’ and ‘refuse’.

Encouraging training skills in the furniture and woodworking industries through an innovative simulation-based approach

Julia Lange — 2024-07-30

The article presents the results of the project aimed at applying gamification in education. ENCOURAGING SUnRISE ERASMUS+ project builds on the emerging needs of companies in the Wood and Furniture Industry to give employment to young graduated generations (in HE and VET) including: students prepared technically and students motivated to work in this specific sector. To achieve this challenge, the project explored the use of gamification and the Simulation Learning Environment. In particular, ENCOURAGING SUnRISE introduced gamification to the Wood and Furniture Sector training program. The project is a step to trigger modernisation in initial and continuous VET in the sector through gamification and simulation tools. Therefore, the objective of this research was to prepare and investigate the influence of gamification and the Simulation Learning Environment in improving competencies in the furniture and wood sector, as an innovative educational solution. After identifying the needs and challenges, a selection of skills (soft and hard) was made to perform various tasks in the scenario-based simulation game. The quality assessment of the course has been highly rated by students, teachers, and workers As well as the rate of improvement of technical and non-technical knowledge at the end of the course. This creates a chance to respond to needs and opportunities of traditional industries by offering innovative didactic approaches. ENCOURAGING SUnRISE may in a modern and attractive way reinforce the top skills that the most outstanding workers of the sector usually display.

Table of Content

2024-07-30

Vol.02, No.02, July 2024