Indeed, tree planting density was identified as one of the major constraints impeding the introduction of understorey crops in teak plantations. In our study site in Luang Prabang Province in Laos, teak trees were usually planted at 2-meter intervals. With this relatively high density, the canopy closed only a few years after the trees were planted, which did not allow sufficient light to reach the ground for understorey development. To allow understorey crops to develop, a minimum of 3 meters between trees is necessary, in addition to pruning and thinning at regular intervals (about three years). These activities are beneficial for both the harmonious and productive growth of teak trees, and also for the development of the understorey crops. Another important constraint to understorey development was fire spreading from adjacent plots cleared to grow annual crops.
Indeed, tree planting density was identified as one of the major constraints impeding the introduction of understorey crops in teak plantations. In our study site in Luang Prabang Province in Laos, teak trees were usually planted at 2-meter intervals. With this relatively high density, the canopy closed only a few years after the trees were planted, which did not allow sufficient light to reach the ground for understorey development. To allow understorey crops to develop, a minimum of 3 meters between trees is necessary, in addition to pruning and thinning at regular intervals (about three years). These activities are beneficial for both the harmonious and productive growth of teak trees, and also for the development of the understorey crops. Another important constraint to understorey development was fire spreading from adjacent plots cleared to grow annual crops.