Auraiwan Isuwan

pp. 297 - 305

Abstract

The experiment was conducted to investigate the effect of pineapple cropping on chemical and physical property changes of Tha-yang soil series, located on Tumbon Nong-ya-plong, Amphor Nong-yaplong, Petchaburi province. The experimental treatments were the different pineapple cropping soil ages
arranged in a completely randomized design, consisting of undisturbed soil (year 0) and pineapple cropping soil ages of 1, 4 and 8 years with 4 replications each. Soil samples were separated according to the soil level, namely Top-soil (0-15 cm.) and Sub-soil (15-30 cm.) for chemical and physical evaluation. The results showed
that soil chemical properties such as pH, OM, CEC, exchangeable Ca and Mg were decreased significantly (in both Top- and Sub-soil level), whereas available P and S were increased significantly in the 4-year soil samples when compared with undisturbed soil. However, soil physical properties were not significantly
different among cropping age treatments, except for clay particle in Top-soil which increased in the 4-year soil samples when compared with the 1-year soil samples and undisturbed soil. The results revealed that pineapple cropping notably reduced soil fertility. As a result, soil resource management and plant nutrient management strategies must be carefully planned and implemented for sustainable pineapple production.