Natural growing site and cultivation of Pongamia (Pongamia Pinnata (L.) Pierre) as a source of biodiesel raw materials

Abstract Pongamia (Pongamia pinnata (L.) Pierre) is one of biodiesel source raw material plants. Natural site conditions and an appropriate planting technique of this species are necessary to be investigated. The purpose of this study was to assess the quality of natural growing site and the cultivation of pongamia through the plantation of seedlings based on provenances. The seedlings were originated from 5 different populations of Java Island. Soil was sampled at each location to determine the rate of soil fertility in natural habitat compared to soil sample at cultivation site. The plantation was carried out in Parungpanjang Research Forest with spacing of 3 m x 3 m. Characteristics of growth observed up to 6 months old were total height, stem base diameter, seedling survival percentage and leaf number. The results showed that pongamia in Java grows in less fertile natural habitats. The initial growth of pongamia provenance test in Parungpanjang showed that seedlings from Carita had the best growth of height (83.75 cm) and diameter (0.85 cm). Pongamia was able to adapt to the environmental conditions which are different from its natural conditions, indicated by the high percentage of survival i.e ranging from 88% (Kebumen) to 100% (Batukaras).