Book Description

Teak is native to Lao PDR, occurring in the forests bordering Thailand and Myanmar in Xayabuli and Bokeo provinces. Approximately 15,000 ha of teak has been planted in woodlots, primarily in Luang Prabang province of Lao PDR. These woodlots produce a timber of high value that is used for a variety of purposes in local markets, and has strong demand in international markets such as China and Vietnam. Teak has proven to be highly suitable for cultivation in smallholder woodlots and agroforestry plants in northern Laos (at elevations between 300 and 600 m a.sl.), when established in conjunction with annual crops following a 3-5 year fallow. While Lao smallholders have been growing teak for many years, there is only very limited information available on the best cultural and management practices. This manual is designed as a practical field guide, primarily for use by staff in the District Agriculture and Forestry Offices, to provide reliable information to support extension and training activities with smallholders. Additional training materials are also available for distribution to farmers. Adoption of the silvicultural and management practices outlined in this manual will result in better quality, faster growing teak, that have higher value, with the potential to be harvested at an earlier age. In the longer term, widespread adoption of improved teak management is also expected to result in social and environmental benefits to individual growers and communities in the upland areas of northern Laos. The key extension messages for Lao farmers are: 1. Use the best quality planting stock available; 2. Plant trees no closer than 3 x 3 m, with wider spacing (low stocking rates) suitable on sloping lands and in agroforestry trials; and 3. To maximise growth rates and increase value, farmers must manage their teak plantings to reduce competition from weeds when they are young, and to manage competition between trees commencing 4-6 years after planting.--Abstract.