Enhancing soil chemical properties at plantation riparian buffer zone using leguminous cover crops: A review

Abstract

Abstract The construction of a reserved area known as riparian buffer zone (RBZ) in oil palm plantation is one of the conservation measures that helps to protect the nearest water sources from negative impact of adjacent land uses. Most of the plantation planted different types of leguminous cover crops (LCCs) at the RBZ area, considering the benefits and economical planting cost. However, little is known on the changes of soil properties sited in the RBZ which has been planted with different LCCs. As such, this paper intends to review the enhancement of soil chemical properties, specifically the soil pH, soil macronutrients and soil micronutrients at RBZ planted with different LCCs. The review encompasses the most common LCCs planted which are limited to Mucuna bracteate, Pueraria phaseoloides, Clitoria ternate, Calopogonium mucuinodes and Centrosema pubescens. The effects of these LCCs on abovementioned soil properties were discussed and the issues on fertilizer run-off as well as the impact on the soil chemical properties at RBZ is critically reviewed. Findings showed that the planting of LCCs demonstrate a positive uptake of the run-off nutrients from adjacent land use, reflected by the amount of nutrients fixed by the LCCs as well as nutrients left in the soil. The findings also reveal that there is evidence on the enhancement of soil fertility in RBZ, due to the decomposition process followed by nutrient recycling of LCCs residues. This review suggested that the planting of LCCs in RBZ can enhance the soil chemical properties, reducing the fertilizer run-off through efficient nutrient uptake and act as the buffer zone to conserve the nearest water sources, leading to the sustainable environment in oil palm plantation.