FERTILISER USE IN MALAYSIAN FOREST PLANTATIONS– TRENDS OF THE PAST AND STRATEGIES FOR THE FUTURE

Abstract

This paper summarises the historical perspective on the birth of planted forests in Malaysia and the various fertiliser use studies which have been carried out from 1977 to 2019 on Malaysian forest soils. It also aims to recommend a guideline on forest fertilisation based on past research and explores the possibilities of alternatives to fertilisers such as organic soil amendments and agroforestry systems that may advocate a sustainable solution in the long run to complement a circular bio-economy. It further highlights the requirement for smart silvicultural practices, in line with current trends and a changing climate, to boost forest plantation to meet the global demand for wood supply. Past researches and current needs will assist the development of a suitable framework on tree nutrient management for the future of planted forests.