Determination of soil properties at Bukit Wan, Kuala Terengganu area with and without plantation of rubber tree / Mohamad Amirfirdaus Zulkefli

Soil as diverse and dynamic natural resource is crucial to produce food, fibre, and other products as well as a vast choice of ecological services. For many applications, including agriculture, forestry, and environmental management, it is essential to understand the physical and chemical properties of soil. In this study, physical and chemical properties of soil in the rubber tree area has been analysed. The sample is taken from Bukit Wan, Kuala Terengganu (5.39586° N, 103.00617° E). The physicochemical properties of soil without rubber tree plantation also was determined to compare whether the properties of soil have changed because of agricultural activities. The results show that the change is not significant but the comparison between the properties of soil with and without plantation can be seen that the properties of soil has changed. The pH of the soil shows that the soil has become more acidic, the density of the soil has become denser and the texture of the soil has higher silt contain after the plantation. In summary, the agricultural activities have slightly changed the soil properties. Further study need to carried out to know whether the plantation give positive impact or not to environment.