Assessment and Evaluation of Bris Soil and its Implication on Maize Crop in Merang- Terengganu Region of Malaysia

The research objectives focus on the evaluation of the physical properties of BRIS soil; to investigate the limiting factors for maize crop; also to create the awareness of the farmers as to the fertility and soil characteristics for better maize production and the effort to increase maize crop production.        Soil fertility status of soil series are classified as very low to low, except Base Saturation because the soils are strongly influenced by sea movement. The soil suitability was S3-twrne for Baging and Rhu Tapai, S3-twrnx for Rudua, and S3-twrn for Jambu with the soil productivity of around < 1, 1-2 and 2-3 tons dried maize per ha per year respectively. The needed efforts to improve soil capability from actual to potential soil suitability for maize cultivation are i.e. cover the soils with mulch, make sprinkle irrigation, make dam for water holding and retention, give and maintain organic matters in the soils and do not burn biomass, fertilize soils with NPK and organic fertilizers, do wash elements of Na and H and break down shallow spodic horizons, make terraces and mix mineral subsoils to BRIS soil to improve CEC. Keywords: Assessment, Evaluation, Bris Soil Series, Physiography, Maize, Terengganu,

Effects of organic fertilizers on growth and yield of Roselle (Hibiscus sabdariffa L.) on BRIS soil

The application of organic fertilizers on roselle has generated much interest among the researchers and farmers for the past two decades. However, little attention is given on the plantation quality in Beach Ridges Interspersed with Swales (BRIS) soil. Roselle is generally preferred because it is rich in ascorbic acid and anthocyanin that are very beneficial for health. This study determined the growth, yields and antioxidants of roselle on BRIS soils after application with different rate of organic fertilizers. Roselle was treated with five different rates of goat manure i.e. T1 (control), T2 (40 mt/ha), T3 (80 mt/ha), T4 (120 mt/ha) and T5 (160 mt/ha). Plant growth, yields and antioxidants of roselle calyxes were determined at three weeks interval for 21 weeks. Generally, organic fertilizer treated roselle showed significant increased (p<0.05) plant growth and plant yield. Higher rate of organic fertilizer, particularly T5 (160 mt/ha) increased the stem diameter and stem height, leaves number and leaves area as well as the biomass and number of calyx. Organic fertilizer treatments had no significant effect on ascorbic acid, carotenoids and anthocyanin production except for T3 treated plants whereas, chlorophyll content was significantly induced (p<0.05) in response to organic fertilizer treatments. In conclusion, application of organic fertilizers at higher rate showed positive effects on the growth, yield and antioxidant content of roselle. Therefore, organic fertilizer should be frequently applied in the farms to get the best growth and yields of the plant

BRIS Soil Suitability Assessment on Sweet Potato in Merang- Terengganu Region of Malaysia

The research objectives focus on the evaluation of the physical properties of BRIS soil; to investigate the limiting factors for sweet potato crop; also to create the awareness of the farmers as to the fertility and soil characteristics for better sweet potato production and the effort to increase sweet potato crop production. Soil fertility status of soil series are classified as very low to low, except Base Saturation because the soils are strongly influenced by sea movement. Soil fertility status of soil series are classified as very low to low, except Base Saturation because the soils are strongly influenced by sea movement. However, Baging and Rhu Tapai soil suitability in terms of nutrient where mostly M/nU/d, with SU at the slope; for Rudua and Jambu they are mostly S with no trace of some soil criteria. However the needed efforts required in improving the soil capability from actual to potential soil suitability for sweet potato cultivation can be seen in the agronomic requirement table above. Hence, cover the soils with mulch, make sprinkle irrigation, make dam for water holding and retention, give and maintain organic matters in the soils and do not burn biomass, fertilize soils with NPK and organic fertilizers. Keywords: Suitability, assessment, Bris soil series, Soil Profile, Terenggan