Soil Physicochemical Properties of Shorea macrophylla sites in Reforested Area of Gunung Apeng Forest Reserve

A study on the soil physicochemical properties in reforestation sites planted with Shorea maerophylla with different age stand was conducted at Gunung Apeng Forest Reserve, Serian, Sarawak. Aim of this study is to discuss the current soil condition after establishment of enrichment planting for reforestation purpose. The status of the soil morphological properties were further discussed for further clarification on the soil genesis within the reforestation sites which were established using Shorea maerophylla as preferred species. In this study, the study plot which was planted with Shorea maerophylla in year 2008 and 2011, respectively were selected. Soil samples were collected at the depth of 0-10 cm in the different sampling points namely; on planting line (OPL) and between planting line (BPL). The soil analysis such as bulk density, pH, EC, total nitrogen, total carbon, available phosphorus and soil texture were performed. The findings showed that the soil in the study plots were acidic in nature with sandy texture. The clay content is low with approximately 22% at the study plot. The soil pH, EC, CIN ratio and soil hardness were significantly different in both plot SM 08 and SM 11. The result on planting line (OPL) was emphasized as it represents each plot. From the soil physical analysis, it can be assumed that soil hardness or compaction on planting line (OPL) in both plots were obvious due to the silviculture maintenances by workers which leads to the trampling on soil surface. Further analysis on the soil nutrient status should be conducted at sites with different planting ages in order to provide representative status of the soil at reforestation sites in Gunung Apeng Forest Reserve