PERTANIKA JOURNAL OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY

This study aimed to examine the effect of the application of dolomite and kieserite on the growth and nutrient uptake of rubber tree saplings and the relationship between K:Mg ratios in soils and nutrient uptake. The experiment followed a completely randomized design with five replicates. Budded stumps of RRIM 600 rubber were planted in soil with low extractable Mg (< 0.30 cmol_c kg^-1). Kieserite application at a rate of 0.5 cmol_c Mg kg^-1 significantly promoted the greatest sapling height, stem diameter, Mg and S concentrations, and leaf chlorophyll levels. High kieserite application rates (1.0 cmol_c Mg kg^-1) were more likely to decrease K and N uptake significantly. Applying dolomite (0.5 cmol_c Mg kg^-1) also significantly increased rubber growth compared with the control treatment but the significant increases were lower than those for kieserite application. Applying K at 72, 108, and 180 mg kg^-1 significantly increased leaf K concentration, but significantly decreased Mg concentrations. Therefore, rubber plantations should apply Mg at a rate of 0.5 cmol_c Mg kg^-1 in the form of kieserite, and a ratio of K:Mg 2:1 is suitable for promoting rubber tree growth.

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