Effects of calcium, boron and nitrogen fertilization on the growth of teak (Tectona grandis) seedlings and chemical property of acidic soil substrate

Abstract

Many teak plantations are established on acidic soils with low nutrient availability. There is also poor documentation of nutrient budgets for teak, therefore, a pot experiment with optimal hybrid regression design (Roquemore R311A) was implemented with calcium, boron and nitrogen treatments with teak seedlings (Tectona grandis L.f.) planted in acidic lateritic red soil substrate. Seedling growth, biomass production and root development, and soil pH, and exchangeable Ca and Al concentration were measured. Plant height, root collar diameter, biomass of leaves, stems and roots, root volume, taproot length, number of lateral roots of teak seedlings were significantly and positively correlated with soil exchangeable Ca, pH and Ca/Al molar ratio, and negatively correlated with exchangeable Al. All growth traits were significantly affected by calcium, nitrogen and their interaction, but B fertilizer and other interactions had insignificant effects. To effectively cultivate teak seedlings in acidic soil substrates, 1.68 g kg−1 quicklime (CaO) and 0.65 g kg−1 urea was suggested to be added to neutralize soil acidity, and enhance soil exchangeable Ca content and Ca/Al molar ratio. Urea should not be added without quicklime.