Investigation of soil physical properties under Shorea peltata sym. in Tengaroh Forest Reserve, Johor Bahru, Malaysia

Abstract

Soil properties of tropical rain forest in Southeast Asia have been characterized by several researchers. However, empirical data on soil characteristics under rehabilitation program are still limited or even lacking. A study was conducted to characterize the soil physical properties under different densities of Shorea peltata species. The objective of the research was to determine the relationship between Shorea peltata species and soil physical properties. Twenty observational plots, 50 X 50 m namely, rare (A), low (B), moderate (C) and high (D) densities were established. Each plot was divided into 10 subplots. Five subplots were selected randomly. Soil samples were collected using auger at 0 -15 cm, and core-ring at 0 - 10 cm depth. The results show that there was a significant difference among the groups. Analysis of the relationship between soil physical properties and site variables showed that moisture content, bulk density, particle density, silt and clay were the important factors in the distribution of Shorea peltata species in the study sites.