Effect of chemical soil properties on the growth of cajuput (Melaleuca leucadendron (L.) Linnaeus) stand

Abstract

Soil chemical properties play important roles to support plant growth. It determines the nutrient availability which is required by the plant. This study aimed to identify the influence of soil chemical properties on cajuput stand growth. It was conducted in Forest Resort Gubugrubuh, Gunungkidul District. Data collection was undertaken in 3 sites that became the priority sites of cajuput establishment, namely site 75, site 78, and site 80. It was divided into soil sample collection and cajuput stand measurement. The soil sample was collected from surface layer at depth of 0-15 cm. Afterward, it was tested in the laboratory for soil pH, soil organic carbon, total nitrogen, available phosphorus, total potassium, and cation exchange capacity (CEC). The measurement of cajuput stand was carried out by N-trees sampling. The variable of the stand was described by diameter and basal area. Comparison of soil chemical properties and cajuput stand growth from each site were analyzed using One Way ANOVA (α=0.05) followed by HSD Tukey (α=0.05). Furthermore, we used Stepwise Regression (α=0.05) to identify the influence of soil chemical properties on cajuput stand growth. The results showed that total nitrogen was the only soil chemical parameter that was significantly different between sites (p<0.05). However, the growth of cajuput stands was not significantly different between sites (p<0.05). This study found that available phosphorus and cation exchange capacity had clearly influenced on diameter and basal area.