Effects of four depths of spodic horizon on root morphology and nutrient partitioning of kenaf grown on sandy beach ridge soil

Abstract

Kenaf has a potential to be an industrial crop in Malaysia. Hence, this study was conducted to investigate the root morphology, nutrient partitioning and yield of kenaf at various depths of spodic horizons in beach ridges interspersed with swales (BRIS) soil. Study was conducted at RhuTapai Research Station, Terengganu, Peninsular Malaysia. Kenaf was grown at L1 20 cm, L2 48 cm, L3 77 cm and L4 118 cm depth of spodic horizons. Texture was sandy with more than 90% sand. Soil pH ranged from 5.17 to 5.27, TC content ranged from 0.10 to 0.39% and TN content ranged from 0.01 to 0.03% at surface of the sandy soils at four locations with different depths of spodic horizons. Stem of kenaf was found higher in carbon and nitrogen content while bark was found in higher content of phosphorus grown at 20 cm depth of spodic horizon as compared to other depths of spodic horizons. No visual deformation was observed in roots of kenaf; generally kenaf root growth was stunted with the increase in depth of spodic horizons. Yield of kenaf decreased from 12, 19 and 21% at 48, 77 and 118 cm depths of spodic horizons as compared to 20 cm depth of spodic horizon, respectively. It is concluded that spodic horizon at 20 cm depth was not a problem for kenaf cultivation on sandy beach ridges soils. Key words: Kenaf root morphology, nutrient content, yield, depth of spodic horizon, sandy beach ridges soils.