Thai Journal of Forestry

Application of SWAT Model for Spatial Runoff Analysis from Land Use Change in Nam Mae Suai Sub-Watershed, Chiang Rai Province

Natee Sodchuen — 2024-05-30

The Nam Mae Suai sub-watershed has water resource problems, including flooding and water scarcity every year. Consequently, the amount of water flowing into the Nam Mae Suai Reservoir may fluctuate due to land use changes in the past. Therefore, the Soil and Water Assessment Tool (SWAT) model was applied to assess the mean runoff and to analyze the water balance from the land use change effects from 2013 to 2018. The results showed that the SWAT model was effective in runoff assessment and water balance analysis for the Nam Mae Suai sub-watershed. The results of model calibration gave values for the coefficient of determination (R²) of 0.80, the Nash-Sutcliffe efficiency (NSE) of 0.76 and the percentage bias (PBIAS) of -9.2. It was found that between 2013 and 2018, there was a decrease forest area of 2.9 percent, converted to agricultural and residential areas, causing the average annual runoff to decrease by less than 1 percent. So, it can be observed that the amount of runoff during the dry period decreased by approximately 2 percent, especially at the end of the rainy season from October to December, due to decreasing rainfall, and reduction of forest areas into agricultural areas, causing water loss from evapotranspiration to increase by 2 percent. This causes the soil water storage and streamflow to decrease and the water yields also only slightly decreased. It can be concluded that the runoff volume and water balance of Nam Mae Suai sub-watershed slightly decreased from land use changes. (Overall decreased by no more than 2 percent)

Comparison of Physical and Mechanical Properties of Leucaena leucocephala (Lam.) de Wit Wood on Maejo University Phrae Campus

Thiti Wanishdilokratn — 2024-06-17

The physical and mechanical properties were compared of Leucaena leucocephala (Lam.) de Wit wood from three zones (forest, nearby building, and nearby reservoir) on the Maejo University Phrae Campus to assist in identifying ways to utilize this Invasive plant species. The physical properties of samples investigated were the moisture content and specific gravity, while the mechanical properties were the modulus of rupture (MOR), modulus of elasticity (MOE), compression parallel to grain, compression perpendicular to grain, hardness and shearing stress parallel to grain. The sample from the forest zone had the values for the moisture content of 25.70±1.32% and for the specific gravity of 0.63±0.03, for the MOR of 115.75±4.35 MPa, for the MOE of 10,055.09±27.55 MPa, for compression parallel to grain of 55.93±2.46 MPa, for compression perpendicular to grain of 6.03±0.62 MPa, for hardness of 4,217.30±43.67 N and for shearing stress parallel to grain of 20.82±1.02 MPa.

Recreational Value of Namtok Sam Lan National Park, Saraburi Province

Kanchana Khongphetphanao — 2024-06-18

The socio-economic characteristics of tourists visiting Namtok Sam Lan National Park, Saraburi province were investigated and the recreational value was evaluated based on the zonal travel cost and the individual travel cost methods. Data were collected from 400 tourists who traveled to the Namtok Sam Lan National Park during January–April 2022. The descriptive statistics were applied including the frequency, percentage, minimum and maximum numbers in each tourist group, in conjunction with stepwise multiple regression analysis at the 0.05 significance level.

The results showed that the average age of the tourists was 40.42 years and the majority were female (51.25%). Most tourists were at the educational level of a bachelor’s degree (63.75%). The main tourist occupation was private company/employee (37.00%) with the average salary for the respondents being 36,030.13 baht/month. Most visitors were first-time tourists (59.25%), while 87.75% came for recreational purposes. Furthermore, 72.00 % of the tourists traveled with their families, with the average number of people per group being 3. Most of the respondents (96.50%) traveled using personal vehicles and 94.75% intended to come back to the park again. The recreational value of the park based on the zonal travel cost method was 16,119,850.05 baht/year. Overall, the number of tourists visiting was related to their trip expense with the total individual travel cost was 33,624,910.30 baht/year. The other factors relating the number of tourists to the national park were travel distance and age of tourists.

Participation of Forest Fire and Haze Solution Network at Doi Suthep - Pui National Park, Mueang District, Chiang Mai Province

Sasima Khunthong — 2024-06-19

Participation of the forest fire and haze solution network was studied in the Doi Suthep-Pui National Park area, Mueang District, Chiang Mai Province. Data were collected from 135 network members using interviews. Descriptive statistics were used to determine frequency, percentage and average values, analyzing participation in five activities: setting forest fire management plans, conducting fire reduction activities, patrolling for forest fires, extinguishing forest fires and organizational forest fire management. Participation levels were categorized into five levels: 1) to inform, 2) to consult, 3) to involve, 4) to collaborate and 5) to empower.

The study found that the Network's participation levels were 45.19% at level 1, 23.25% at level 2, 26.71% at level 3 and 4.85% at level 4, with no activities at level 5. Five approaches were identified: 1) Continuous academic support from the forest fire agencies; 2) Strengthening the network with budget and modern equipment support; 3) Collaboration between the Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation and civil society for budget allocation; 4) Considering network's budget proposals; and 5) Encouraging network participation at all levels for maximum efficiency and as a model for supporting or promoting other networks.

Effect of Pressure Temperature on Particleboard Properties from Teak Sawdust in Phrae Province

Thiti Wanishdilokratn — 2024-06-19

The effects were investigated of various pressure temperatures on the properties of particleboard made from teak sawdust in Phrae province in total 9 panels were tested at 3 temperatures (80, 100 and 120 °C) using 3 replicates. The properties of the samples were tested according to the Thai Industrial Standard for Flat Pressed Particleboard (TIS) 876-2004 for: moisture content, density, water absorption, thickness swelling, internal bonding, modulus of rupture and modulus of elasticity. Using 120 °C of pressure temperature was the optimum average value and met the standard. The mean values were: 6.65±2.03% for moisture content, 688.90±10.27 kg/m³ for density, 37.73±20.67% for water absorption, 10.89±5.49% for thickness swelling, 0.43±0.02 MPa for internal bonding, 15.73±0.88 MPa for modulus of rupture and 2,384±11.95 MPa for modulus of elasticity.

Community Participation with Pangsak Community Forest Administration, Mae Poen Sub-district, Mae Poen District, Nakhon Sawan Province

Saminee Suksumek — 2024-06-19

Community Forest is the principle of forest resource management, to solve the problem of forest land encroachment and exceeding forest resource utilization, the objectives of the study to determine people and social and to determine the economic factors and level of involvement in affecting engagement for administrative management and capacity development guidelines in the Pangsak community forest in Nakhon Sawan Province. The research methodology was employed depth interview for data collection and analyze the position and potential by SWOT and TOWS matrix of 9 people. The survey research by questionnaire then analyze data by descriptive and inferential statistics, through data correlation by testing the hypothesis of 91 people using an independent t-test, one-way ANOVA, and Chi-square at a significance level of 0.10.

The study found that 62.64% of the respondents were female and their average age is 30-59 years old. Most of them graduated from primary school with there are 4-6 household members. The main occupation was agriculture and having the minor occupation was general contractor. Their household annual income is 50,001-100,000 Baht with expense of 75,001-100,000 Baht, which they have liability more than 100,000 Baht. There is a loan from the village fund. Land tenure is an agricultural land reform. There is a high level of use of natural resource utilization with average score of 3.93. The opinion on community forest management at the highest levels of economic society and environment with the mean 4.30 that provided by Public Participation (IAP2) at the levels of information. The level of satisfaction was 43.96%, in additional to analyze position and potential findings the situation is a cash cow. The outside pulls in, but the inside is outstanding for ready to be applied opportunities in the future.

Tourism Carrying Capacity Assessment for Phu Hin Rong Kla National Park, Phitsanulok Province

Patchara Panpoompo — 2024-06-28

The tourism carrying capacity was assessed of Phu Hin Rong Kla National Park based on the physical, facilities and biological/ecological and sociological aspects. Data were collected monthly from July 2022 to April 2023 (10 months). The physical and facility capacities could accommodate 970,984 and 2,327,971 tourists per year, respectively. Based on statistics in 2017, the maximum number of tourists was 320,675, which accounted for 24.55% and 10.24% of the physical and facility capacities, respectively, indicating that the number of tourists had a minimal impact and was lower than the park's capacity for these items. From the biological or ecological aspect, based on sampling along major trails, the area of exposed tree roots was 12.60%, which had a negligible impact. However, 3 and 6 species of young plants were highly affected and severely affected, respectively, while 1, 2 and 4 species of seedlings were moderately affected, highly affected and severely affected, respectively. From the sociological aspect, the park's capacity to support social psychology had an average score of 12.25%, suggesting a low impact, with the number of tourists not exceeding the area’s capacity to support psychological sociological aspects. Considering the biological or ecological carrying capacity, many plant species were affected to a severe and high extent. Guidelines should be developed for managing the area, such as restricting tourism to allow natural resources to recover by limiting the number of tourists or tours, to assist in the future sustainability of the area’s ecosystems.

Guidelines for Forest Fire Management in Community Forest at Mae Pong Sub-district, Doi Saket District, Chiang Mai Province

Sirorat Khunthong — 2024-06-28

Factors were analyzed influenced forest fires, forest fire management, the level of community participation and knowledge about forest fires in Mae Pong Sub-district, Doi Saket district, Chiang Mai province. The objective was to establish guidelines for the development of wildfire management. Data were collected based on interviews with 320 samples from a population of 1,598 households, with the sample number determined based on Yamane (1973). The data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, SWOT analysis and the TOWS matrix.

The study found that the primary cause of forest fire was its spread from agricultural land preparation by farmers around community forests (86.60%). Community forest fire management involved prevention, readiness for extinguishing fires, fire detection, fire suppression and performance evaluation, while overall community participation in forest fire management was minimal, with an average score of 1.84. All three aspects of planning, operations and monitoring and evaluation were low level, with average scores of 1.79, 1.92, and 1.82, respectively. Overall understanding of forest fires was at a moderate level, (64.30%). Four approaches for the development of participatory forest fire management identified were: 1) Training to enhance community knowledge in forest fire theory and basic practices; 2) Developing management plans and measures related to forest fires; 3) Enhancing public relations in all forms; and 4) Developing monitoring and evaluation of community activities.

Forest Fire Risk Area Assessment Using Satellite Images in Doi Phu Kha National Park, Nan Province

Thamrongrat Thanaphakphonchai — 2024-06-28

Forest fire risk areas were evaluated in Doi Phu Kha National Park, Nan Province using thermal infrared sensor (TIRS) data from the LANDSAT 8 satellite to estimate the land surface temperature (LST) along with forest profile data. Hotspot data were obtained from the VIIRS system to identify forest fires to determine the accuracy of the forest fire risk zone data during March 2017– March 2021. The results showed that hotspots with 23.45–31.01 °C surface temperatures represented 77.23% of the study area. The type of forest with the most hotspots was mixed deciduous forests (47.52%), with Mae Charim district having the greatest area with the risk of forest fire (16,889 ha). The type of forest with the highest risk of forest fire was mixed deciduous forests covering 34,333 ha (56.17%), followed by non-forest areas covering 26,249 ha (42.95%). This research identified the forest fire risk areas in Doi Phu Kha National Park, Nan Province which should assist with developing appropriate planning and management for forest fire prevention and control.

Reproductive Biology of Wrightia tokiae D.J. Middleton in Khunpawor National Park, Tak Province

Nonlapan Thongmee-eiad — 2024-06-28

The reproductive biology of Wrightia tokiae D.J. Middleton was studied in Khunpawor National Park, Maesot district, Tak province, Thailand during October 2022–September 2023. Floral biology and development, pollination, percentage of fruit set and diversity of insects were investigated using an air-flight malaise trap during flower blooming. The flowers of W. tokitae were generally in bloom from late May to June. Flower buds developed to inflorescence maturity in approximately 9–10 days. The W. tokiae flower was perfect, with cyme type inflorescence, the corolla light orange and rotate. while the fallen corolla was reddish. The pollen grains were monad and spherical. One flower produced, 6,633.40±750.50 pollen grains and contained 38.60±2.99 ovules. The average pollen-to-ovule ratio was 170.04±9.58, classified as facultative autogamy. The open-pollinated flower fruit set rate was 10.24 (n=127), while there was no successful outcome in the self-pollination set. The fruit set rates indicated that pollinators were required for reproductive success. In total, 20 species of visiting insects were identified to W. tokiae flowers (all moths in the Lepidoptera order). These insects play an important role in the pollination of W. tokiae as its flowers bloom at night.

Effects of Thinning Intensity on Production and Stem Form of Teak (Tectona grandis L.f.): A Case Study of Private Plantations in Mueang District, Uttaradit Province

Anongkhanee Ruantip — 2024-06-28

Thinning is one of the silvicultural methods used to increase the productivity of a forest plantation that often involves selecting trees to be removed based on their canopy class or spacing. This study investigated the effects of different thinning intensities on the productivity and stem form of teak (Tectona grandis) spaced at 4 m x 4 m in a private forest located in Mueang district, Uttaradit province, Thailand. A completely randomized block design was applied with 3 experimental treatments: moderate thinning (40% basal area removal), heavy thinning (60% basal area removal), and unthinned. Data collection was conducted 9 years after thinning. It was found that the stand density in the unthinned plot was significantly higher than in the thinned plots. The average diameter at breast height over bark (DBH) and the total tree volume (m3) were significantly higher in the thinned plots than in the unthinned plot. However, tree height was not affected by thinning. The mean annual increment (MAI) based on the DBH for all trees was significantly higher in the heavy-thinned plot compared to the unthinned plot. Calculation of the timber volume indicated there were significant differences in the stand volume, volume increment, and total volume among the plots. However, more trees in the unthinned plot were lost due to natural mortality than in the thinned plots. Considering stem form, the live crown ratio was higher in the thinned plots than the unthinned plot, whereas the slenderness ratio and artificial form factor were significantly lower in the thinned plots. In conclusion, thinning and its intensity positively affected tree growth and improved tree stem form.

Analysis of Factors in Selecting Suitable Areas for Installing Automatic Camera Traps in Network-Centric, Anti-Poaching System: Case Study of Mae Wong National Park, Kam Phaeng Phet Province

Peeranut Meevanasukkul — 2024-06-28

The current depletion of natural resources, forests, and wildlife is occurring due to illegal activities such as deforestation and wildlife hunting. The Network-Centric Anti-Poaching System (NCAPS) has been developed as a technological solution to counteract these challenges. This study focused on selecting suitable sites to install NCAPS and mitigate illegal activities affecting ecosystems. The research considered eight physical factors: elevation, slope, distance from villages, distance from roads, distance from streams, distance from guard units, distance from salt licks, and cell phone signal strength coverage. Utilizing the Analytical Hierarchy Process (AHP), pairwise comparisons were made of the data to determine the relative importance of these factors in the installation of NCAPS automatic camera traps. The analysis revealed that cell phone signal strength coverage was the most important factor, with the highest score of 0.324. Overlaying these factors identified five levels representing varying degrees of suitability for the installation of NCAPS. Notably, the most suitable area, comprising approximately 50.489 ha or 0.055% of the total area, was situated along the boundaries of Mae Wong National Park, in proximity to villages and roads. This comprehensive analysis suggested a sustainable management plan for Mae Wong National Park, emphasizing the strategic deployment of NCAPS to address issues such as intrusion, illegal logging, wildlife hunting, and external threats to wildlife.

Trees Carbon Storage Potential of Tak Municipal Parks, Tak Province

Chama Nualsri — 2024-06-28

Carbon storage in trees was assessed in 3 public parks of Tak province, Thailand: Krathong Sai Park, Mae Ping Tak Park, and Her Majesty the Queen's 60^th Birthday Anniversary (Chaloem Phrakiat) Park. In addition, green area management guidelines were proposed for increasing their carbon storage potential. The diameter at breast height (DBH) and height of the trees were recorded during January–May 2023. Then, biomass (both aboveground and belowground) and carbon storage were evaluated based on allometric equations and the carbon fraction. The results indicated that on all 3 areas, there were 423 trees in 52 species and 24 families. The total carbon storage was 129 ton with 9.8, 61.4, and 57.6 trees for Krathong Sai Park, Mae Ping Tak Park, and Chaloem Phrakiat Park, respectively. Burmese rosewood (Pterocarpus macrocarpus Kurz.) was the tree with the highest total carbon storage equal to 28.7 trees. Management guidelines to optimize tree density and increase carbon storage potential should promote planting 108, 148, and 480 additional trees in Krathong Sai Park, Mae Ping Tak Park, and Chaloem Phrakiat Park, respectively. These trees should be from fast-growing and long-lived species, such as Thai copper pod (Senna siamea (Lam.) Irwin & Barneby), Burmese rosewood, and Golden shower (Cassia fistula L.), as well as provincial trees, such as Ironwood (Xylia xylocarpa (Roxb.) W.Theob. var. kerrii (Craib & Hutch.) I.C.Nielsen). Planting trees also increases biodiversity habitat, especially for insects, birds, and small reptiles. In addition, the extra trees should attract more people to visit and use the area, stimulating the economy and giving local entrepreneurs more business opportunities. However, it is important to not damage any structures when planting trees. Furthermore, all developments should seek the opinions of both the direct and indirect users in order to ensure sustainable development that best meets the needs of urban residents.

Soil Fertility and Estimation of Carbon Sequestration in Forest Restoration at age 8 years in Phrae Province

Sirirat Somprakon — 2024-06-28

The soil properties and carbon sequestration were assessed in forest restoration aged 8 years in Ban Boon Jam, Nam Lao sub-district, Rong Kwang district, Phrae province, Thailand. The relationship was studied between soil factors and the appearance of varieties of plant. Data were collected from the topsoil at a depth of 0–5 cm and from the subsoil at a depth of 20–25 cm in restored forest, remnant forest, and agricultural areas. Soil samples were collected from 3 sites in each area based on a plot size of 40x40 m. Components of types of plant were collected from 5 plots in the forest restoration and from 3 plots in the remnant forest to assess carbon sequestration in plants in the areas.

The study results revealed that the surface soil pH in the remnant forest was neutral (6.77). The cation exchange capacity in the remnant forest was the highest (12.5 milliequivalents/100 g) and the organic matter contents in the remnant forest and restored forest were higher than in the agricultural area (6.65, 5.47, and 5.02%, respectively). Macronutrients and micronutrients in the remnant forest were highest. The chemical properties of the subsurface soil and surface soil were not much different; specifically, there were no significant differences in the physical soil properties at the 95% level. The assessment in the restored forest indicated there were 216.45 t/ha of biomass that sequestered 101.72 t/ha of carbon. The remnant forest had 406.78 t/ha of biomass, with an associated carbon sequestration of 191.17 t/ha. Compared to other areas, the amount of carbon sequestered depended on the number and size of trees. In addition, the soil in the restored forest tended to be more fertile. The data obtained could be used in guidelines for managing reforested areas and on the appropriate use of these areas to increase carbon sequestration efficiency in the future.

Characteristics of Subalpine Plant Communities and their Ecological Importance in Doi Luang Chiang Dao, Chiang Mai Province

Chalermpong Pongjun — 2024-06-28

Subalpine plant communities have unique characteristics and are very important in the ecosystem. Currently, there is increased awareness of climate change and its potential impacts on ecosystems in Thailand and globally, with the need to balance natural and environmental sustainability against human developmental pressures. However, there is limited knowledge regarding subalpine plant communities and the importance of subalpine plants for the well-being of natural ecosystems. Especially in Thailand, there has been little published Information and overall knowledge about research related to subalpine plant communities. The main aim of the current study was to provide information for the public and relevant people to understand the importance of subalpine plants from an ecological perspective Therefore, this article collected academic documents and fundamental knowledge related to subalpine plant communities, the biology of subalpine plants, characteristics of subalpine plants, the status of subalpine plants, the importance of equilibrium for the growth of subalpine plants, and the value and importance of subalpine plants as they affect the ecosystem. The results of the analysis showed that subalpine plants are important for their environmental and ecological services. The different characteristics of environment, topography, climate, and altitude were identified as influential factors for different plant societies. The accumulated information should help to promote the conservation of environmental diversity and to realize the importance of subalpine plants in Thailand for improved sustainability outcomes in the future.