Articles
THE EFFECTS OF SOIL APPLIED NPK FERTILIZERS ON THE GROWTH OF THE SAGO PALM (METROXYLON SAGU, ROTTB.) ON UNDRAINED DEEP PEAT
Article number
389_3
Pages
67 – 76
Language
Abstract
The effects of soil applied nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium fertilizers on the growth of the sago palm on undrained deep peat were studied over a twelve year period. Addition of 2 kg/point/annum sulphate of ammonia, 1 kg/point/annum Christmas Island rock phosphate and 2 kg/point/annum muriate of potash in the factorial trial failed to produce any significant growth response based on rate of frond production, palm girth and rate of palm height increase of the leading palm. This could be due to a number of reasons including unsuitable growth parameter measurement, nutrient dilution and movement from plot to plot due to waterlogged soil conditions and the encroachment of the extensive root system of the sago palm into adjacent treatment plots. The effects of nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium application on the nutrient content of the third frond and peat are given. The foliar N level was unaffected by application of sulphate of ammonia. Foliar P was increased from 0.108 to 0.116% while foliar K increased from 0.53 to 0.62% by application of the respective fertilizers. Application of P and K increased the total nutrients in the soil while N application did not. It appeared that P and K fertilization is important for the growth of sago on undrained deep peat soils.
Publication
Authors
K. Siong
Keywords
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