EFFECT OF POTTING MEDIA AND SIZE OF ROOT TRAINERS ON THE GROWTH OF <em>SHOREA</em> <em>LEPROSULA</em> SEEDLINGS

Abstract

A factorial experiment, consisting of six potting media and two sizes of root trainers, was carried out in the nursery of the Forest Department, District of Lentang, Pahang. Potting media used were 100% coconut husk, peat gro and decomposed oil palm mesocarp fibre. Another three media were prepared, consisting each of the above medium mixed with rice hulls in the ratio of 3:1. These media were filled into two sizes of root trainers (500 and 700 cm(3)) and were tested with Shorea leprosula seedlings. Measurements taken at six months after potting showed that increments in height and diameter as well as root and shoot dry weights of S. leprosula were significantly better in plants raised in medium containing 100% oil palm mesocarp fibre compared with the other media tested. In this medium, height and diameter increments, and root and shoot dry weights were 50.8 cm, 3.8 mm, 1.5 g and 6.8 g respectively. No differences were observed in these parameters when two sizes of root trainers were used. More than 90% survival was obtained in all the media used. The results indicated that decomposed oil palm mesocarp fibre has the potential to be used as a lightweight potting medium for forest seedlings. Being a waste product from oil palm mills, it is easily obtainable and cheap. As a lightweight medium, it will greatly facilitate transportation of seedlings to the planting sites.