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Arsyad (2016) argues that if the entire natural
factors contribute to the existence of a species in a
certain place are limited, the distribution pattern of
the species will be much easier to determine. This
condition can be easily identified with the random
distribution pattern which was also found in this
research. The Morishita Index (Iδ) values of
durian (Id=0.2441), breadfruit (Id=0.0027), and
mango(Id=0.0056) suggested that these plants
were distributed randomly in Laguna Lake
areas while nutmeg (Id= 1.035) had a clumped
distribution pattern. Odum(1993) agrees that
random distribution pattern is often found in plant
populations. A particular environment rarely shares
similar characteristics with other environments in
the same area. Therefore, this sort of competition
becomes the most common interaction established
among plants (Gibson, 2006). Each of the individuals
struggles for similar resources, water, sunlight,
space, and nutrition (Tolangara, 2017).
3.2.2 Growth (Competition) Strategies
Developed by the (Targeted) Plants
The height and stem diameter of the targeted plants
were observed for 10 weeks (5 months). These
parameters were then compared to those of other
plant species that grew in similar regions. The results
were then used to determine the growth strategies
developed by the targeted plants. No substantial
improvement was found in the height and stem
diameter of the targeted plants. Therefore, it can be
concluded that there was a competition between the
targeted plants and other plants species in the areas.
This competition may be defined as one of the
interaction forms established among the plants to
fight over limited natural resources that are available
in a limited space and a limited period of time which
can adversely affect the plants’ growth (Leksono,
2007).
The figures found in the previous sections
presenting the targeted plants’ height and stem
diameter suggest a hindrance in the growth of
durian, breadfruit, mango, and nutmeg observed in
this study. The obstacles faced by the targeted plants
to grow properly are the result of interspecific
competition which usually occurs between different
species of the same ecological area (Leksono,2007)
where the dominant parties always secure the safest
place. The interspecific competition between
organisms can result in different growth abilities that
allow the non-dominant plants to develop a strategy
called the K-strategy (growth strategy)
(Hardjosuwarno, 1993). Therefore, despite the fact
that the plants may have received very little light,
water, and nutrients, they are still able to develop the
K-strategy (growth strategy) which is usually
applied by terrestrial plants to survive in nature
(Backer, 1987) in (Tolangara, 2012).
3.2.3 Environmental Factors that Affected
the (Targeted) Plants’ Growth
There are some environmental factors that may
affect plant growth. These factors include the soil
pH, soil texture, moisture, and light intensity. Based
on the results of the observation conducted on the
environmental parameters, it was found that the
targeted plants (durian, breadfruit, nutmeg, and
mango) grew under acidic-neutral conditions (pH
between 5,6-6,6). A soil with a pH ranged between
5,6-6,6 normally contains high manganese, boron,
copper, zinc, nitrogen, potassium, and sulfur and
carry little phosphorus, calcium, and magnesium
(Foth, 1994). This typical soil is considered healthy
for plants. Therefore, it can be concluded that the
targeted plants have been kept under the best soil
condition.
The difference between plant spacing categories
is easily seen from the criteria for the opening of the
canopy. Meanwhile, planting density can be
measured based on the volume, the base area and the
number of trees per hectare. The planting density
falls into three categories as follows:
1. High density, where there is more than 70%
canopy cover,
2. Medium density, where there is around 40-
70% canopy cover,
3. Low density, where there is less than 40%
canopy cover (Leksono, 2007).
High density prevents plants to grow properly due to
the hard competition to obtain sufficient sun rays,
water, and minerals. There will be a hindrance in the
plants’ growth but it will not take a long time since
the dominant parties will eventually win and the
non-dominant groups will be left to die. On the other
hand, low planting density can result in producing
trees with a large canopy which have many short
branches. A well-managed planting area always has
an optimum condition that allows good absorption
of sunlight and mineral nutrients. Therefore, forests
with a less dense canopy layer usually harbor young
trees or saplings. These open areas are mostly
overgrown with weeds that may interfere with the
growth of the main plant species or staple plants
(Tolangara, 2017).
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