Author(s): ZHU Kai, LIU Wen-jie, LIU Jia-qing, ZHU Xi-ai, CHEN Chun-feng
Pages: 337-342
Year: 2016 Issue:  4
Journal: Subtropical Plant Science
Keyword:  soil physicochemical property; rubber monoculture; rubber-based agroforestry ecosystem;
Abstract: To study effects of different types of rubber-based agroforestry ecosystems on soil physicochemical properties, soil samples from four rubber-based (Hevea brasiliensis) agroforestry ecosystems with different interplants (Camellia sinensis, Theobroma cacao, Flemingia macrophylla and Dracaena americana) and rubber monoculture in Xishuangbanna were analyzed and their physicochemical properties were comprehensively evaluated by principal component analysis (PCA), which provided a scientific basis of conversion rubber monoculture to rubber-based agroforestry ecosystem. The results showed that the soil water content, soil organic matter(SOM), soil bulk density, total soil porosity and soil hydraulic conductive in rubber monocultures were significantly different(P<0.05). In addiction, after conversion rubber monoculture to rubber-based agroforestry ecosystem, the content of SOM and total nitrogen increased by 21.3%—50.1%and 26.2%—39.9%, respectively. Meanwhile the values of bulk density decreased and soil water content, total soil porosity, soil hydraulic conductive increased greatly. It was further showed that conversing rubber monoculture to rubber-based agroforestry ecosystem was sustainable ways which could not only improve soil fertility but also conserve soil and water in Xishuangbanna.