Spatial Changes in Some Soil Properties Under Litchi and Mango Plantations

Abstract

To efficiently match crop demands, nutrient distribution under perennial horticultural trees needs to be assessed so that future placement, quantity, and type of fertilizers can be altered, if necessary. Soil samples were collected around litchi (Litchi chinensis Sonn) and mango (Mangifera indica) trees at various distances (i.e., 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5 m) from the tree trunk at 0–0.15 m, 0.15–0.30 m, 0.30–0.60 m, and 0.60–0.90 m depths where recommended fertilizer doses have been applied. Results revealed that the soil pH was significantly lower under litchi plants than under mango plants. Both EC and OC were significantly higher under mango than under litchi. Surface layer had the maximum available potassium (K) and phosphorus (P). DTPA‐iron (Fe), manganese (Mn), and zinc (Zn) were significantly greater in soils under litchi trees than in soils under mango trees, whereas the reverse was true for DTPA‐copper (Cu).

Keywords:

• Organic carbon
• nutrients
• micronutrients
• horticultural crops
• soil management