EFFECTS OF CANOPY COVER AND FERTILIZATION ON THE GROWTH OF Ardisia silvestris Pitard IN LAO CAI

Abstract

The experiments investigating the effects of canopy cover and fertilization on the growth of Ardisia silvestris in Lao Cai province were arranged in a randomized complete block design with three replications. The results after 18 months showed that canopy cover and fertilization significantly affected growth performance and leaf yield. Ardisia silvestris is a shade-tolerant species, suitable for under-canopy cultivation. Plants grown under Manglietia conifera plantation forests with a canopy cover of 0.6 - 0.7 exhibited the best growth and highest yield. After 18 months, the survival rate reached 96.1%, the average basal diameter was 18.0 mm, the average height was 73.7 cm, and the average number of leaves was 13.8 leaves per plant, corresponding to a leaf yield of 446.0 kg/ha. Applying basal fertilizer at a rate of 0.2 kg NPK (16:16:8) per planting hole also produced the most effective growth performance under forest canopy conditions. After 18 months, the survival rate reached 90.6%, the average basal diameter was 16.9 mm, the average height was 72.1 cm, and the average number of leaves was 12.5 leaves per plant, corresponding to a leaf yield of 378.5 kg/ha. The 18-month trial results in Lao Cai demonstrated that Ardisia silvestris grows well and shows strong potential for cultivation under forest canopies. The study initially identified the appropriate canopy cover and fertilizer dosage for the growth of Ardisia silvestris under the canopy of planted forests.