WHICH LEAF POSITION IN THE CROWN OF <em>TECTONA</em> <em>GRANDIS</em> (TEAK) SHOULD BE SAMPLED FOR FERTILITY (NUTRITIONAL) EVALUATION?
Keywords:
Canopy tier, Tectona grandis, foliage, leaf veins, fertility evaluation, Penambang Series soilsAbstract
The fertility status of leaf tissues of Tectona grandis of various age groups and at various positions of the canopy was assessed via foliar sampling and chemical analysis. A single factor analysis was used to test for differences in elemental concentrations between the top, middle and lower canopy tiers. In addition, an F-test was carried out between the elemental concentrations of the foliage and leaf veins. Elemental levels of N, P, K, Mg, Cu and Zn in the foliage were generally higher in the apex zone, while those of Ca and Mn were higher in the lower tier of the canopy. In general, leaf tissues from either the top or middle tier of the sun-exposed canopy of Tectona grandis appeared suitable for the evaluation of nutritional status.