Integration of plantation crops with several timber species: effects on growth and yield / Ahmed Azhar Jaafar

This research has been conducted to gather information about the integration of plantation crops such as oil palm and rubber with several timber species. The study involves government andprivate agencies and farmers practicing this type of agro forestry activities. It has been found that the most common type of integration involves rubber and sentang implemented by smallholder farmers to supplement the low income generated by rubber especially during the low productive periods and during replanting of the main aops. The research has shown that most respondents applied the normal agricultural management practices as in monoaops but has not experienced any adverse effects in relation to plant growth and yield (both the aop and the timber trees). This indicates that integration of crop plants and timber species is a viable approach to-improve farm income. However the respondents do indicate the need for more technical advice from related agencies to improve the implementation of their integration programs and acquire better outcomes in terms of yield and income