Abstract
Artificial shading systems were experimentally developed in order to establish a plantation technique for degraded tropical forest ecosystems in Malaysia. For evaluating whether or not the planted seedlings grow properly with this shading system, photosynthetic active radiation (PAR), air temperature (T) and vapor pressure deficit (VPD) were measured inside and outside of the shelters. During shaded time, all climatic element values were lower than that of outside. The value of T and VPD did not increase dramatically when sun light directly entered the shelter. Although the micro-climatic factors showed slightly higher than adequate values needed for photosynthetic metabolism, the shelter created better conditions than those of open areas. Therefore, the present shading system would improve the conditions for planted seedlings in degraded areas.
