Fine-root production in response to nutrient application at three forest plantations in Sabah, Malaysia: higher nitrogen and phosphorus demand by Acacia mangium

• Published in: Journal of forest research Vol. 14; no. 3; pp. 178 - 182
• Main Authors: Inagaki, Masahiro, Inagaki, Yoshiyuki, Kamo, Koichi, Titin, Jupiri
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Japan Japan : Springer Japan 01.06.2009; Taylor & Francis; Springer Japan; Taylor & Francis Ltd
• Subjects: Acacia mangium; Araucaria cunninghamii; Biomedical and Life Sciences; Forestry; Forestry Management; Life Sciences; Nitrogen; Nutrients; Plant Ecology; Plant growth; Plant Sciences; Plantations; Root-ingrowth core; Short Communication; Soils; Swietenia macrophylla; Tree Biology; Tropical plantations; Root-ingrowth core; Tropical plantations
• ISSN: 1341-6979; 1610-7403
• DOI: 10.1007/s10310-009-0113-0

We measured fine-root production at Acacia mangium (AM), Swietenia macrophylla (SM), and Araucaria cunninghamii (AC) sites in response to nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P) application using the root-ingrowth core method for a period of 5 months in Sabah, Malaysia. Root growth increased significantly using a combined N and P application at the AM site, whereas it did not increase at the SM and AC sites. The number of nodules at the AM site increased significantly following N application and the combined application of N and P. Root production was not significantly enhanced by nutrient application at the SM and AC sites. At the AM site, both P and N were in high demand despite a larger N pool compared with at the SM and AC sites. These results can be explained by the larger nutrient demand by legumes. We conclude that both N and P is limiting for AM plantations under natural conditions and that N fertilization may be more effective than expected, depending on the site conditions.