Preliminary assessment of growth and leaf nitrogen of Hopea odorata established in two different soil conditions

Ahmad Azaruddin, M. N. and Adzmi, Y. and Adnan, M. and Mustafa Kamal, M. S. and Mobd. Fauzi, R. and Anuar, A. R. (2000) Preliminary assessment of growth and leaf nitrogen of Hopea odorata established in two different soil conditions. Journal of Tropical Plant Physiology, 1 (1). pp. 73-80.

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Abstract

A study was conducted to assess the growth, leaf chlorophyll and leaf nitrogen content of Hopea odorata planted at different site conditions at an expressway. Measurements recorded were overall tree height and stem diameter at breast height (dbh), relative leaf chlorophyll and foliar nitrogen content. Fully developed leaves were sampled for foliar nitrogen analysis while portable chlorophyll meter, SPAD-502, was used for in-situ quantification of relative leaf greenness. Statistical analysis was carried out using Statistical Analysis System (SAS). The growth of Hopea odorata was found to be affected by soil conditions at the study site. Significant differences in overall height and dbh were observed between two soil conditions, namely disturbed and undisturbed soils. Similarly, significant differences were seen in relative leaf chlorophyll content, foliar and soil nitrogen (N) between the two site conditions. Trees planted on undisturbed soil contained higher foliar N content and displayed higher SPAD value for relative chlorophyll content. Limited availability of nitrogen due to poor soil condition was suggested as one of the reasons for unsatisfactory growth of Hopea odorata on disturbed and cut soils. A positive significant correlation between leaf nitrogen content and SPAD value was observed indicating a direct relationship. This preliminary observation suggests that SPAD-502 chlorophyll meter is potentially useful as an alternative to assess leaf chlorophyll as well as leaf nitrogen content of Hopea adorata.

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