Abstract:
South Kalimantan is a province with a fairly large wetland area so that the population of non-timber forest products such as sago (Metroxylon sagu Rottb.) Is widely found. Sago are found along the rivers, especially swamps. A good environment for sago growth is a muddy area, where breath roots aren’t submerged, rich in minerals and organic matter, groundwater is brown and reacts slightly acidic. Freshwater sago growth requires several substances, including potassium, phosphate, calcium and magnesium. Sago is a humid tropical lowland species, which can naturally be found on land with an altitude of up to 700masl. The best growing conditions are at an average temperature of 26°C, relative humidity at 90%, and solar radiation around 9MJ/m2/day. Sago grow well at an altitude of up to 400masl. Above 400masl, sago growth is stunted and starch levels are low. At an altitude above 600masl, the height of the sago is about 6 meters. Utilization of sago in Kalimantan is still not optimal, especially in the midrib and bark of sago palms, sago leaves mostly are only used as a substitute for rope. Sago fronds and bark are cellulose producers can be used for other purposes, however, research related to the use of sago fronds and bark hasn’t been widely carried out. Therefore, in this research, chemical content analysis, making pulp and pulp sheets will be carried out as well as physical testing of the resulting pulp sheets to see their suitability as a source of raw materials for pulp and paper.
