Soil erosion control and nutrient cycling capacity of Palawan State University rubber plantation in Rizal, Palawan, Philippines

Abstract

The study determined the capacity of the ten-year-old rubber plantation (Hevea brasiliensis) of Palawan State University (PalawanSU) and the adjacent natural forest to control soil erosion and cycle nutrients. This was done by collecting eroded soils from these sampling sites every two weeks from February to May 2018. Results of the study show that the PalawanSU rubber plantation has better soil erosion control and nutrient cycling capacity than the adjacent natural forest. There was a significant difference (p < 0.05) in the amount of eroded soils in the rubber plantation at 24.34 kg ha-1 yr-1 and the natural forest at 47.69 kg ha-1 yr-1. This means that the plantation’s capacity to hold soil in place is almost twice as high. Phosphorus was found to be significantly higher in the rubber plantation soils. Together with potassium, it was also higher in its leaf litter. Additionally, its nutrient conservation mechanism can further increase its value as an essential economic crop that can accommodate seasonal drought stresses in Palawan and elsewhere in the country.