Effects of Combined Nutrient and Water Stress on the Growth of Hopea Odorata Roxb. and Mimusops Elengi Linn. Seedlings

Abstract

The growth of Hopea odorata and Mimusops elengi seedlings under drought and various fertilization rates under nursery conditions was investigated. Both H. odorata and M. elengi seedlings responded differently to fertilizer application and drought. Application of slow-release fertilizer (Best Tab, 20:10; 5 NPK) at 30 and 50 g promoted greater height growth for H. odorata and M. elengi seedlings, respectively. M. elengi seedlings were able to tolerate high fertilizer application (50 g), but the resulting form (small trunk diameter and excessive height) was not suitable for urban planting. Growth of H. odorata seedlings was greatly promoted through application of 30 g of fertilizer under well-watered conditions, resulting in a much more balanced growth in terms of shoot and root ratio, which is vital for plants growing in the harsh urban environment where competition for water and nutrients is usually intense.