Properties of sandy soil and allelochemical compounds of heath forest in Rantau Abang, Terengganu, Malaysia: implication for ecological sustainability and biodiversity conservation

Kamoona, Suhair and Ramya, Razanah and Wan Daud, Wan Masyitah and Mohd Hatta, Farah Ayuni and Othman, Rashidi (2023) Properties of sandy soil and allelochemical compounds of heath forest in Rantau Abang, Terengganu, Malaysia: implication for ecological sustainability and biodiversity conservation. International Journal of Innovative Research and Scientific Studies, 6 (2). pp. 344-357. ISSN 2617-6548

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Abstract

Kerangas or heath forests are found on podzolised siliceous sands (spodosols), where gradually decomposing organic matter occurs on the soil’s surface. Changes in the extent of podzol development, soil consistency, and poor nutrient contents signify the unique properties of sandy soil in the heath forest at Rantau Abang, Terengganu, Malaysia. Unfortunately, the sandy soil’s chemical and physical properties are in critical condition due to human activities such as cutting and burning, impacting the sustainability of this ecosystem and its ground cover of shrubs, sparse grass and sedge. Therefore, it is crucial to study the properties of sandy soils in heath forests before their extinction. This analyzed the physical and chemical attributes of heath forest sandy soils regarding heavy metal toxicity, pH, concentrations of carbon, nitrogen, available phosphorus, cation exchange capacity (CEC), allelochemical compounds, total phenolic content in the soil, soil colour, and soil texture. The solid was found to be nutrient-deprived due to its extreme acidity and toxicity. The results showed that allelochemical matters were higher in plants but not in the soil attributes and the water bodies, along with a highly active response in young plant tissues due to their sources of phenolic content. Remarkably, the overall phenolic content was observed to be considerably high in the semi-mature phase of vegetation.

Item Type:	Article (Journal)
Uncontrolled Keywords:	Allelochemical, Heath forest, Heavy metals, Low pH, Nutrient deficiency, Sandy soil, Soil acidity
Subjects:	BPG Islamic geography G Geography. Anthropology. Recreation > GE Environmental Sciences Q Science > QD Chemistry Q Science > QE Geology S Agriculture > SB Plant culture S Agriculture > SD Forestry T Technology > TP Chemical technology > TP248.13 Biotechnology
Kulliyyahs/Centres/Divisions/Institutes (Can select more than one option. Press CONTROL button):	Kulliyyah of Architecture and Environmental Design Kulliyyah of Architecture and Environmental Design > Department of Landscape Architecture
Depositing User:	Dr rashidi othman
Date Deposited:	29 Mar 2023 12:13
Last Modified:	09 May 2024 12:38
URI:	http://irep.iium.edu.my/id/eprint/104219

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