Soil and light factors influencing the occurrence of Eurycoma longifolia Jack in lowland heath forest Rompin Peninsular Malaysia

Zahari Ibrahim, . and Nik Muhamad Majid, . and Azani Alias, . and Arifin Abdu, . (2006) Soil and light factors influencing the occurrence of Eurycoma longifolia Jack in lowland heath forest Rompin Peninsular Malaysia. [Proceedings Paper]

Tongkat Ali Eurycoma longifolia Jack is one of the most popular medicinal plants that is gaining greater recognition in Malaysia. This study on the site species relationship was intended to provide information for successful development of plantation and conservation of the species. The objective of this study was to identify the site characteristics especially soil characteristics and light intensity in relation to the occurrence of E. longifolia in its natural habitat. The study was conducted in a lowland heath forest located in Compartments 6 and 10 of Menchali Forest Reserve Rompin Pahang. A total of 20 vegetation quadrats each measuring 30m x 30m 900m2 were established in both compartments. The quadrats were classified into four groups based on the crown cover density of E. longifolia; namely rare E1 low E2 moderate E3 and high E4. The environmental variables viz. soil temperature moisture content pH bulk density particle density macronutrients organic matter and micronutrients light intensity and altitude were analyzed and recorded for each quadrat. Soil samples from 0 -15 cm and 15 -30 cm depths were collected from five locations in each quadrat and analysed for physical and chemical properties in the laboratory. Light intensity measurements were taken from three different positions in each quadrat using Lux meter TESTO 345. The results of soil analysis showed that most of the soil physical and chemical properties were significantly different among the cluster groups based on cover density groups in terms of total nitrogen N total phosphorus P calcium Ca sodium Na magnesium Mg copper Cu zinc Zn and soil pH. The correlation analysis between the soil parameters and cover density of E. longifolia showed that the soil parameters which influenced the distribution of this species are moisture content soil pH total P Ca Cu Zn Mn and Fe. Daily light intensity in Group E4 high density of E. longifolia ranged from 79.86 Lux at 0800 hour reaching a maximum of 1651.71 Lux at 1800 hour this light intensity might have also favoured the growth and the distribution of E. longifolia. This shows that E. longifolia is mainly found as understorey growth and is considered a shade-tolerant species. This implies that the site preferences and density of E. longifolia are also influenced by these factors. Information from this study would provide valuable input for the future rehabilitation restoration and conservation of this species in Peninsular Malaysia.

Full text available from:

Abstract

Tongkat Ali Eurycoma longifolia Jack is one of the most popular medicinal plants that is gaining greater recognition in Malaysia. This study on the site species relationship was intended to provide information for successful development of plantation and conservation of the species. The objective of this study was to identify the site characteristics especially soil characteristics and light intensity in relation to the occurrence of E. longifolia in its natural habitat. The study was conducted in a lowland heath forest located in Compartments 6 and 10 of Menchali Forest Reserve Rompin Pahang. A total of 20 vegetation quadrats each measuring 30m x 30m 900m2 were established in both compartments. The quadrats were classified into four groups based on the crown cover density of E. longifolia; namely rare E1 low E2 moderate E3 and high E4. The environmental variables viz. soil temperature moisture content pH bulk density particle density macronutrients organic matter and micronutrients light intensity and altitude were analyzed and recorded for each quadrat. Soil samples from 0 -15 cm and 15 -30 cm depths were collected from five locations in each quadrat and analysed for physical and chemical properties in the laboratory. Light intensity measurements were taken from three different positions in each quadrat using Lux meter TESTO 345. The results of soil analysis showed that most of the soil physical and chemical properties were significantly different among the cluster groups based on cover density groups in terms of total nitrogen N total phosphorus P calcium Ca sodium Na magnesium Mg copper Cu zinc Zn and soil pH. The correlation analysis between the soil parameters and cover density of E. longifolia showed that the soil parameters which influenced the distribution of this species are moisture content soil pH total P Ca Cu Zn Mn and Fe. Daily light intensity in Group E4 high density of E. longifolia ranged from 79.86 Lux at 0800 hour reaching a maximum of 1651.71 Lux at 1800 hour this light intensity might have also favoured the growth and the distribution of E. longifolia. This shows that E. longifolia is mainly found as understorey growth and is considered a shade-tolerant species. This implies that the site preferences and density of E. longifolia are also influenced by these factors. Information from this study would provide valuable input for the future rehabilitation restoration and conservation of this species in Peninsular Malaysia.

[error in script]

Item Type:	Proceedings Paper
Additional Information:	Perpustakaan Sultan Abdul Samad Universiti Putra Malaysia 43400 UPM Serdang Selangor Malaysia. RS180 M3I61 2005 Call Number
AGROVOC Term:	Soil
AGROVOC Term:	Medicinal plants
AGROVOC Term:	Simaroubaceae
AGROVOC Term:	Lowland
AGROVOC Term:	Heathland
Geographical Term:	MALAYSIA
Depositing User:	Ms. Suzila Mohamad Kasim
Last Modified:	24 Apr 2025 05:14
URI:	http://webagris.upm.edu.my/id/eprint/11722

Actions (login required)

View Item