Effect of forest plantation age on the chemical and physical soil properties

Lee, King Ling (2008) Effect of forest plantation age on the chemical and physical soil properties. [Project Paper] (Submitted)

Text lp FSPM 2008 25.pdf Download (5MB)

Abstract

Land degradation and declining soil fertility are challenges to productivity of forest plantations. Changes in soil properties could be used as indicators to monitor forest plantation management and productivity. This study highlights the changes of soil chemical and physical properties under A. mangium plantation. The plantation area is situated in Bintulu, Sarawak. Parameters measured in this study include soil pH, C, N, available P, bulk density and soil texture. Soil pH in the 0-15 cm and I5-30 cm soil layers declined significantly with stand age. Significant differences were observed between soil C content at different age of stands where the youngest stand has higher soil C content than the 3- and 5-year-old stands. Soil N content of the I-year-old stand was also significantly higher than the 3- and 5-year-old-stands. As stands gel older available P dropped significantly in the soil surface. In the subsoil layer, available P of the 1-year-old stand was significantly higher than 3- and 5-year-old stands, while no difference was observed between the 3- and 5-year-old-stands. Bulk density (g cm-3) in the 0-15 cm soil depth increased insignificantly with stand age. In the 15-30 cm subsoil layer, significant increases were observed between the younger and the oldest stands. Soil texture of the 1- and 3-year-old A. mangium plantation was identified as sandy loam, while the 5 year-old plantation was of sandy clay loam. Soil under the 3-year-old stand showed higher sand percentage. The highest silt content was found in the youngest stand, while the oldest stand recorded the highest clay content. Almost all soil quality attributes showed declining trend with stand age. The continuous decline in soil quality indicated that the present land management is not sustainable. Therefore, improved management is imperative to sustain soil quality and maintain long-term productivity of the plantation forest.

Item Type:	Project Paper
Subjects:	S Agriculture > S Agriculture (General) S Agriculture > SB Plant culture S Agriculture > SD Forestry
Faculty:	Faculty of Agriculture and Food Sciences
Depositing User:	Ms. Hairoon Juhaili
Date Deposited:	11 May 2026 01:27
Last Modified:	11 May 2026 01:27
URI:	http://psaspb.upm.edu.my/id/eprint/2745

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