Land productivity in rubber influenced by three critical parameters
2000
Sivakumaran, S. (Malaysia Rubber Board, P O Box 10508, 50716 Kuala Lumpur (Malaysia))
The interrelationships between land productivity and the three critical parameters namely tree productivity, stand per hectare and number of tappings have been elucidated and the impact of new technologies such as clones and exploitation systems on these interrelationships are highlighted. It is apparent that the various technologies recommended for adoption by the industry can markedly increase tree productivity but the translation of this enhanced tree productivity into the desired levels of land productivity is dependent on the other two key parameters namely stand per hectare and number of tappings, which are definitely beyond the scope of these technologies. The stand per hectare cannot be manipulated due to loss of trees over time to wind damage, root disease and brown bast. However, the number of tappings to be achieved according to frequency of tapping falls within the influence of plantation managements and smallholders. Land productivity can be maximised if the extremely high levels of tree productivity achieved with new clones or the novel RRIMFLOW system of exploitation as shown by supporting yield data given in this article, can be converted into yields per hectare with the maximum possible number of tappings according to the frequency of tapping. It is hoped that this article would enable the industry to have a better appreciation of the scope and potentials of the recommended various new technologies and encourage wider adoption in order as to enjoy the full benefits of these technologies, particularly with regard to realisation of higher margins of profitability per hectare under rubber.
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