Muhammad Tahir Siddiqui, Sheikh Ali Abod and M Adnan Tariq
Keywords: Age, fertilizer application, nutrient concentrations, roots, soil/fertilization interactions, teak.
Abstract: Nutrient concentrations in teak roots as a result of fertilizer application were investigated in Peninsular Malaysia. Plant tissues are generally thought to exhibit pronounced effects of fertilizer and age, especially in tree roots. Numerous studies show that fertilization is most effective when trees are not water stressed. Present study revealed that almost all nutrients concentrations in roots of 1 and 2-year-old plants showed synergistic relationship with fertilizer additions. Nitrogen concentration in fertilized plants was 30%, P 16%, and Ca 5% higher than in unfertilized. Nitrogen, P, K, Ca, Mg, Mn and Zn were 183%, 200, 84, 241, 200, 59 and 42% higher, respectively in fine roots than in coarse roots. Results revealed that nutrient concentration decreased with increase in age and size. Highest nutrients concentrations were in roots of 1-year-old plants with >2.0mm diameter and decreased as tree advanced in age and diameter. Teak grows on a variety of geological formations; soil with pH 4.3 to 5.2, adequate porosity and drainage are the best soils for teak growth
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