SOIL AND FOLIAR NUTRIENT COMPOSITIONS AND THEIR INFLUENCE ON THE ACCUMULATED BASAL AREA OF TWO MALAYSIAN TROPICAL RAIN FOREST RESERVES

Abstract

Total K was the main growth limiting nutrient in both reserves based on soil and foliar data. Nutrients N and P also influenced growth but relationships with basal area were only established after removing some out-lying points. Available and exchangeable soil nutrients were found to be poor indicators of growth. Physical properties such as bulk density, clay content, site gradient and available water also exerted some influence on tree growth. Soil data alone is inadequate for nutritional assessments. Foliar data is essential in order to be conclusive.