Dynamics of biomass and nutrient accumulation in rubber (Hevea brasiliensis) plantations established on two soil types: Implications for nutrient management over the immature phase

Abstract Rubber trees are the main source of natural rubber (NR). The area occupied by plantations rose from 3.9 million ha in 1961 to 12.5 2018. Both expansion marginal zones (prone biotic and abiotic stress), long-term tree cultivation traditional areas, raise questions about sustainability NR production a context climate change. Our study set out gain insights into biogeochemical cycles plantations, for better matching fertilizer inputs dynamics nutrient demand throughout growth. Nutrient accumulation biomass is major component biological cycle plantations. We studied two chronosequences covering whole lifespan plantation Ivory Coast managed on sandy soil at SAPH site, one clayey SOGB site. In total, 56 were destructively sampled 2-, 5-, 20- roughly 40-year-old stands. While use allometric relationships common estimating stocks planted forests, this was first provide equations predicting components. Allometric models applied inventory 4 commercial stands, each age estimate stand stocks. current annual increments peaked between 2 5 years after planting. They reached 80 kg ha-1 yr-1 N, 14 P 34 K (53, 7, 39 respectively SOGB), which highlighted importance an appropriate fertilization schedule young trees. At clear-cut (38–40 years), amounts nutrients accumulated 970 N ha-1, 188 366 941 Ca 255 Mg (907,118, 629 1499, 375 SOGB). Contrasting properties management practices sites had much greater effect P, K, than accumulation. Logging can lead considerable exports poor tropical soils. Harvest residues should be distributed uniformly plots so that roots quickly access released during decomposition.