SOIL MANAGEMENT GROUPS FOR MALAYSIAN SOILS

Soil Management Groups for Malaysian Soils 

SOIL MANAGEMENT GROUPS 

FOR MALAYSIAN SOILS 

1.1. INTRODUCTION 

Any attempt to increase the productivity of a crop such as oil palm or rubber must 

obviously look at all aspects of crop production. This begins with the soil or land on 

which the crop is planted. Unless the soil and the environment on which the crop is 

cultivated are characterized and the limitations present are identified, there will be a 

serious constraint in attempts to increase crop production. Knowledge of the soils, the 

slope, the environment especially climate, will greatly enhance our knowledge of the 

limitations to plant growth and help us to identify the corrective measures necessary 

to overcome them and thereby increase productivity. 

Towards achieving this objective of increasing the productivity of any crop in any 

Estate, a semi-detailed soil survey is carried out. The semi-detailed soil survey in 

addition to producing a soil map and characterizing the major soils in the Estate, helps 

to identify the problem soils in the Estate. The management implications for the 

various soils found in the area in relation to soil moisture availability and fertilizer 

management will be discussed below. 

1.2. CURRENT SITUATION 

The location of any Estate close to the main roads and access to urban centre will be 

quite good. Within the Estate well maintained earth roads often cover the whole of 

the Estate. The maintenance of the fields at the time of the survey can be good or bad. 

Crops have been planted in most of the Estate and the growth is fairly good. Flooding 

can be a major or minor problem in parts of the Estate. 

The objective of paper is to identify the soil related problems existing within the 

Estate and to suggest some corrective measures. Most of the crops can be young or 

old and if proper soil management practices are carried out then the full yield 

potential of the soils can be obtained and thereby increase profits. 

1.3. MAIN LIMITATIONS TO CROP PRODUCTION 

In order to improve the productivity of the soils in an Estate it is important firstly to 

identify the problems so that proper soil management techniques can be developed to 

overcome these. 

1.3.1. Climate 

The main characteristic of the climate in any Estate can be high or low rainfall with or 

without a pronounced dry period. A period of low rainfall is generally good for some 

crops as it helps to break the pest/disease cycles and there is an increase in the 

sunshine hours. This will increase photosynthesis and help improve yields. The 

heavy rainfall can cause severe erosion on the steeper slopes and flooding in the low- 

1


lying areas. Thus the climate in the Estate can well suited for crop cultivation but can 

cause soil erosion and lower yields due to loss of soil fertility. 

1.3.2. Topography 

The topography of an estate is often an important factor as it determines the runoff 

and soil erosion potential of the area. Topography also often determines the type of 

roads to be constructed and the method of harvesting used. The terrain in any Estate 

can be level/undulating/rolling/hilly/somewhat steep to steep. Thus soil erosion and 

runoff can be a problem in parts of the Estate. Due to the steep slopes terracing is 

difficult and soil erosion of major concern. Particular attention should be given to 

drainage channels and roads so that quick remedial action can be taken when erosion 

is noticed. 

1.3.3. Flooding 

If the topography in parts of the Estate is level, temporary flooding can occur in the 

Estate during the rainy seasons. Mature crops of oil palms are quite tolerant of 

shallow flooding and moderately high watertables. However deep water conditions or 

prolonged flooding, especially if the water is stagnant can kill young palms or retard 

the growth of older palms. Flooding can be a minor or major problem in the Estate. 

Rubber does not tolerate flooding. 

1.3.4. Soil Erosion 

Soil erosion and degradation is often a serious problem in the Tropics. This is mainly 

because of the intensity of the rainfall. Sandy and loamy soils have the potential to 

erode more quickly compared to clayey soils. In addition soils on steeper slopes can 

erode more rapidly and severely than soils on the gentler slopes. The potential for 

erosion in parts of the Estate can be high if parts of the Estate are on hilly and 

somewhat steep slopes and have topsoils that are loamy. Thus if these soils are not 

covered quickly then invariably soil erosion will take place. When the soil is exposed 

the raindrops not only break-up the soil aggregates, but carries away the clay particles 

in suspension leaving the bleached sand grains behind. The erosion that takes place is 

not only physical but also chemical as the nutrients are also leached away. In an 

effort to minimise soil erosion and loss of soil fertility both terracing and cover crops 

have been established. Steps must be taken to monitor and ensure that the soil is 

properly covered and that the terraces are well maintained. A potential source of soil 

erosion are the roads and drains on the steeper slopes. During the rainy season when 

water runs down the slope along the drains and roads, the water picks up momentum 

as it runs down the slope and causes rills and gullies to form. To prevent this, silt 

traps and breaks should be constructed. All roadcuts should also be covered with 

vegetation to prevent landslips. These silt-traps and breaks should be checked 

regularly and cleared of debris. The use of oil palm fronds to minimise soil erosion 

should be practiced. It is not necessary that the fronds be stacked only in the 

interrows but they can be stacked around the palms or on the lips of terraces so as to 

break the flow of surface runoff. This method of soil conservation is particularly 

important once the crops are bigger and the canopy closes and when the cover crop is 

drastically reduced by shading. 

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1.3.5. Soil Fertility 

Most tropical soils have a low fertility status. This is mainly a result of the high 

temperature and rainfall in these areas resulting in intensive weathering and leaching 

leaving the soil impoverished of nutrients. The soils of any Estate can have high, 

moderate to low fertility status. Most of the unplanted soils are developed over 

igneous/metamorphic or sedimentary rocks. Thus if high yields of crops are to be 

obtained then a good dosage of fertilizers are essential. Leaf analysis coupled with 

field visits to check on the condition of the palms can be used to monitor the level of 

nutrients. 

Nitrogen if present is mainly in the organic matter which is generally moderate to low. 

The cover crop replaces some of the lost nitrogen but this is not enough and needs to 

be supplemented. 

Aluminium saturation with its related phosphate fixation is another common problem 

in the Tropics. Fortunately crops such as oil palm and rubber can tolerate quite high 

aluminium saturation values. The use of cover crops and phosphate fertilizers can 

help minimise these problems. 

Most other nutrients such as calcium, magnesium and minor elements such as boron, 

copper and zinc are also expected to be low to moderate in these soils. These 

nutrients can be monitored through leaf analyses and applied as and when necessary. 

Thus if the fertility status of the soils in any Estate is low to moderate and hence a 

proper fertilization program is essential if high yields of crops are to be obtained and 

maintained. The nutrient levels can be monitored using leaf levels. 

1.3.6. Soil Fertility Evaluation of the Soils 

The fertility status of the soils in the Estate can be assessed using the soil analytical 

data available and comparing these with the criteria for oil palm/rubber/cocoa 

proposed by Goh et al. (1997). The criteria for oil palm are given in Table 1.1 while 

the evaluation using the topsoil and upper subsoil values for the soils sampled for 

analyses can be evaluated using Table 1.2 and 1.3. 

pH. 

Organic carbon. 

Nitrogen. 

Phosphorus. 

Exchangeable Potassium and Magnesium. 

Cation Exchange Capacity. 

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Table 1.1. Classification of soil nutrient status for oil palm (Goh et al., 1997). 

Status 

Parameter 

Very low Low Moderate High Very high 

pH < 3.5 3.5–4.0 4.0–4.2 4.2–5.5 > 5.5 

Organic C (%) < 0.8 0.8–1.2 1.2–1.5 1.5–2.5 > 2.5 

Total N (%) < 0.08 0.08–0.12 0.12–0.15 0.15–0.25 > 0.25 

Total P (µg g -1 ) < 120 120–200 200–250 250–400 > 400 

Available P (µg g -1 ) < 8 8–15 15–20 20–25 > 25 

Exchangeable K (cmol kg -1 ) soil < 0.08 0.08–0.20 0.20–0.25 0.25–0.30 > 0.30 

Exchangeable Mg (cmol kg -1 ) soil < 0.08 0.08–0.20 0.20–0.25 0.25–0.30 > 0.30 

CEC (cmol kg -1 ) soil < 6 6–12 12–15 15–18 > 18 

Table 1.2. Soil nutrient status of the soils in _______________ Estate. 

Parameter 

SOIL SERIES 

Depth (cm) 

pH 

Organic C (%) 

Total N (%) 

Total P (µg g -1 ) 

Available P (µg g -1 ) 

Exchangeable K (cmol kg -1 ) soil 

Exchangeable Mg (cmol kg -1 ) soil 

CEC (cmol kg -1 ) soil 

Table 1.3. Evaluation of soil fertility status of the soils in _______________ Estate. 

Parameter 

SOIL SERIES 

Depth (cm) 

pH 

Organic C (%) 

Total N (%) 

Total P (µg g -1 ) 

Available P (µg g -1 ) 

Exchangeable K (cmol kg -1 ) soil 

Exchangeable Mg (cmol kg -1 ) soil 

CEC (cmol kg -1 ) soil 

nd = not determined PASS – March 2010 

tr = trace 

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1.4. MINERAL SOIL MANAGEMENT GROUPS 

The soil survey carried out in an Estate can identify a number of different soil 

mapping units of which most soil units have been planted. Some of these units are 

not very extensive while others are more extensive. However in order to manage the 

Estate efficiently, these soil mapping units planted with crops can be grouped to form 

soil management groups. Each management group will consist of soils for which a 

set of management practices can be applied. A number of ______ soil management 

groups can be identified in the Estate. These are then summarised in Table 1.4 and 

discussed below. 

1.4.1. Soil Management Group A 

Soil Management Group A consists of deep (>100 cm) to moderately deep (50-100 

cm), well drained soils. These soils have a sandy clay, sandy clay loam topsoil that 

grade to a sandy clay (>35% clay) in the subsoils. These soils can occur on level, 

undulating, rolling, hilly, somewhat steep and steep terrain. Thus the moderate to low 

soil fertility status and soil erosion are the main problems of the soils in this Group. 

Thus the management of these soils requires measures such as fertilization. Soil 

erosion monitoring and mitigation measures need to be taken particularly on the 

steeper terrain. These include terracing, cover crop establishment and frond stacking. 

Where coarse sand dominates the soil, erosion potential is high. 

1.4.2. Soil Management Group B 

Soil Management Group B consists of moderately deep (50-100 cm) to deep (>100 

cm), well to moderately well drained soils with sandy clay loam (18-35%) subsoils 

and sandy loam to sandy clay loam topsoils. Most of these soils are developed over 

sedimentary rocks and sub-recent alluvium and can occur on level, undulating, rolling 

to hilly and somewhat steep to steep terrain. These soils have a low to moderate 

fertility status. Soil erosion and soil depth can also be a problem. Thus the 

management of these soils requires proper fertilization. Soil erosion monitoring and 

mitigation needs to be carried out. Soil conservation measures include terracing, 

cover crop establishment and frond stacking. 

1.4.3. Soil Management Group C 

Soil Management Group C consists of imperfectly, poorly and very poorly drained 

sandy clay to sandy clay loam textured soils. These soils can occur on level to gently 

undulating terrain. These soils have an imperfect to poor drainage and a low fertility 

status. The management of these soils requires drainage, flood mitigation and proper 

fertilization with special emphasis on P and K. 

5


Table 1.4. Soil Management Groups. 

Soil 

Management 

Group 

Soil 

Map 

Units 

Main 

Characteristic/ 

Limitation 

Peak Yield 

Management 

Extent 

Potential 

Practices 

Needed mt/ha/yr Ha % 

A 

B 

C 

D 

E 

F 

Deep (>100 cm) to 

moderately deep (50-100 

cm) fine sandy clay to 

clay (>35% clay) textured 

soils. Soil erosion on 

steeper slopes. 

Low fertility. 

Deep (>100 cm) to 


cm) well drained soils. 

Texture sandy clay loam 

(18-35% clay). Moisture 

stress and yield 

fluctuations. 

Soil erosion on steeper 

slopes. 


Deep (>100 cm), 

imperfect to poorly 

drained alluvial soils. 

Textures clay to sandy 

clay to sandy clay loam. 

Flooding and high water 

tables. 

Low fertility status. 

Shallow (100 cm) 

sandy (


Table 1.4. Soil Management Groups (cont’d). 

Soil 

Management 

Group 

Soil 

Map 

Units 

Main 


Limitation 

Peak Yield 

Management 

Extent 

Potential 

Practices 

Needed mt/ha/yr Ha % 

G 

H 

I 

J 

K 

L 

NAL 

Shallow (


1.4.4. Soil Management Group D 

Soil Management Group D consists of shallow (100 cm) sands and sandy podzols. The shallow (100 cm) soils are excessively drained with sandy textures. 

Thus low moisture and nutrient holding capacity and erosion and leaching losses are 

the main problems. Where strongly cemented spodic horizons occur within 50 cm, 

seasonal flooding can be a problem. This requires the spodic horizon to be broken. 

On the deep sandy soils, lack of moisture and low fertility are a serious problem. EFB 

or organic mulching is essential on these soils. Extra dosages of fertilizers using split 

applications would be beneficial. 

1.4.5. Soil Management Group E 

Soil Management Group E consists of shallow (50-100 cm)/moderately deep (100- 

150 cm)/deep (150-300 cm)/very deep (>300 cm) organic soils. These very poorly 

drained soils when drained and cultivated have problems of leaning palms, poor 

drainage and flooding coupled with complex nutritional problems. Trace elements are 

also a problem. The management of these soils involves controlled drainage and 

flood mitigation. Proper fertilization and trace element application are essential. 

Yields after about 12-15 years often decline. 

1.4.6. Soil Management Group F 

Soil Management Group F consists of shallow (


1.4.9. Soil Management Group I 

Soil Management Group I consists of poorly drained silty clay to clay textured soils 

developed over marine and estuarine clays. These soils can have an acid sulfate layer 

below 50 cm depths. The management of these soils requires controlled drainage, 

flood mitigation and proper fertilization with special emphasis on K. 

1.4.10. Soil Management Group J 

Soil Management Group J consists of true acid sulfate soils where the jarosite layer 

occurs within 50 cm of the soil surface. These poorly drained soils are developed 

over sulfidic marine clays or brackish water deposits. They are often silty-clay to clay 

textured. Their main limitation is their acidic nature which causes nutrient uptake 

problems and toxicity to roots. The management of these soils requires controlled 

drainage to maintain watertables around 60-80 cm depth. This is done by the use of 

tidal gates, weirs etc. and periodic flushing in the rainy season and the retention of 

water in the drains in the dry season. Potassium levels in these soils needs to be 

monitored and bunch ash or prudent EFB applications can be useful. Liming is 

generally not recommended. 

1.4.11. Soil Management Group K 

Soils in this Group are unripe and undrained potential acid sulfate soils developed 

over marine, estuarine or brackish water deposits. Currently these soils can be saline 

and cannot be planted unless drained. On drainage these soils can develop into Soil 

Management Groups I or J. 

1.4.12. Soil Management Group L 

Soil Management Group L consists of moderately deep (50-100 cm) to deep (>100 

cm) well to moderately well drained soils with sandy loam (10-18% clay) subsoils. 

They can occur on level to steep terrain depending on the parent material from which 

they develop. These soils are highly erodable, have low nutrient and moisture 

retention capacity and very low fertility status. Consequently yield fluctuations are 

common. The management requires moisture conservation, additional fertilization 

and soil conservation. 

1.5. ORGANIC SOIL MANAGEMENT GROUPS 

1.5.1. Soil Management Group Oa 

Soil Management Group Oa consists of shallow (50-100 cm) to moderately deep 

(100-150 cm), deep (150-300 cm), very deep (>300 cm) organic soils with sapric 

materials and no wood to 100 cm (e.g. Erong and Liku Series). These very poorly 





Yields after about 12-15 years often tend to decline. 

9


Soil 

Management 

Group 

Oa 

Oawd 

Oawu 

Oe 

Oewd 

Oewu 

Soil 

Map 

Units 

Table 1.5. Peat soil management groups map legend. 

Main 


Limitation 

Shallow (50-100 cm), 


cm), deep (150-300 cm) to 

very deep (300+ cm) sapric 

material, non-woody. 

Poorly drained. Low 

fertility. 



cm), deep (150-300 cm) to 


material with decomposed 

wood. Poorly drained. 

Stunted growth common 

after five years. Termites. 




cm), deep (150-300 cm) to 


material with 

undecomposed wood. 

Poorly drained. Stunted 

growth common after five 

years. Termites. Low 

fertility. High cost of drain 

construction. 



cm), deep (150-300 cm) to 

very deep (300+ cm) hemic 



fertility. 



cm), deep (150-300 cm) to 



wood. Poorly drained . 



Low fertility. Moderate 

drain construction costs. 



cm), deep (150-300 cm) to 


material with 


Poorly drained . Stunted 

growth common after five 

years. Termites. Low 

fertility. High cost of drain 

construction. 

Management 

Practices 

Needed 

Compaction of planting 

rows. 

High planting density. 

Water control and 

management. 

Good fertilizer programme 

with Cu, B and Zn. 


rows. 



management. 


with Cu, B, Zn. 

Thinning of stunted palms. 


rows. 



management. 





rows. 



management. 




rows. 



management. 





rows. 



management. 




Peak 

Yield 

Potential 

Extent 

mt/ha/yr Ha % 

26-28 

24-26 

22-24 

24-26 

22-24 

20-22 

10


Soil 

Management 

Group 

Oi 

Oiwd 

Oiwu 

Table 1.5. Peat soil management groups map legend (cont’d). 

Soil 

Map 

Units 

Main 


Limitation 



cm), deep (150-300 cm) to 

very deep (300+ cm) fibric 



fertility. 



cm), deep (150-300 cm) to 



wood. Poorly drained. 



Low fertility. High cost of 

drain construction. 



cm), deep (150-300 cm) to 


material with 


Poorly drained. Low bulk 

density. Stunted growth 

common after five years. 

Termites. Low fertility. 

High cost of drain 

construction. 

Management 

Practices 

Needed 


rows. 



management. 




rows. 



management. 





rows. 



management. 




Peak 

Yield 

Potential 

Extent 

mt/ha/yr Ha % 

22-24 

20-22 

18-20 

1.5.2. Soil Management Group Oawd 

Soil Management Group Oawd consists of shallow (50-100 cm), moderately deep 

(100-150 cm) and deep (150-300 cm) organic soils with sapric materials in the subsurface 

tier (50-100 cm) together with decomposed wood (e.g. Kabala and Kabok 

Series). These very poorly drained soils when drained and cultivated present 

problems such as leaning palms, poor drainage and flooding coupled with complex 

nutritional problems. Trace elements are also a problem. The presence of wood can 

cause desiccation of palms 5 years after planting if these palms have been planted 

over or close to old stumps or buried wood/logs as root development becomes poor. 

Termite activity can also cause problems. The management of these soils involves 

controlled drainage and flood mitigation and constant monitoring for termites and 

stunted palms. Proper fertilization and trace element application are essential. Yields 

tend to decline 12-15 years after planting. 

1.5.3. Soil Management Group Oawu 

Soil Management Group Oawu consists of very deep (>300 cm) organic soils with 

sapric materials in the sub-surface tier (50-100 cm) together with undecomposed 

wood (e.g. Karap Series). These very poorly drained soils when drained and 

11


cultivated present some problems such as leaning palms, poor drainage and flooding 

coupled with complex nutritional problems. Trace elements are also a problem. The 

presence of wood can cause desiccation of palms 5 years after planting if these palms 

have been planted over or close to old stumps or buried wood/logs as root 

development becomes poor. Termite activity can also cause problems. The 

management of these soils involves controlled drainage and flood mitigation and 

constant monitoring for termites and stunted palms. Proper fertilization and trace 

element application are essential. Yields tend to decline 12-15 years after planting 

1.5.4. Soil Management Group Oe 

Soil Management Group Oe consists of shallow (50-100 cm) to moderately deep 

(100-150 cm), deep (150-300 cm), very deep (>300 cm) organic soils with hemic 

materials and no wood to 100 cm (Non-identified yet). These very poorly drained 

soils when drained and cultivated have problems of leaning palms, poor drainage and 

flooding coupled with complex nutritional problems. Trace elements are also a 

problem. The management of these soils involves controlled drainage and flood 

mitigation. Proper fertilization and trace element application are essential. Yields 

after about 12-15 years often decline. 

1.5.5. Soil Management Group Oewd 

Soil Management Groups Oewd consist of very deep (>300 cm) organic soils with 

hemic materials in the sub-surface tier (50-100 cm) together with decomposed wood 

(e.g. Gali, Adong and Gondang Series). These very poorly drained soils when 

drained and cultivated present some problems such as leaning palms, poor drainage 

and flooding coupled with complex nutritional problems. Trace elements are also a 

problem. The presence of decomposed wood can cause increase in the cost of drain 

construction and often results in desiccation of palm 5 years after planting if these 

palms have been planted over or close to old stumps or buried wood/logs as root 

development becomes poor. Termite activity can also cause problems. The 

management of these soils involves controlled drainage and flood mitigation and 

constant monitoring for termites and stunted palms. Proper fertilization and trace 

element application are essential. Yields tend to decline 12-15 years after planting. 

1.5.6. Soil Management Group Oewu 

Soil Management Group Oewu consists of shallow (50-100 cm), moderately deep 

(100-150 cm), deep (150-300 cm) and very deep (>300 cm) organic soils with hemic 

materials in the sub-surface tier (50-100 cm) together with undecomposed wood (e.g. 

Alan and Taniku Series). These very poorly drained soils when drained and 



presence of undecomposed wood can result in higher costs of drain construction and 

can cause desiccation of palm 5 years after planting if these palms have been planted 

over or close to old stumps or buried wood/logs as root development becomes poor. 





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1.5.7. Soil Management Group Oi 

Soil Management Group Oi consists of shallow (50-100 cm) to moderately deep (100- 

150 cm), deep (150-300cm), very deep (>300cm) organic soils with fibric materials 

and no wood to 100 cm (e.g. Changkat Lobak and Arang Series). These very poorly 





Yields after about 12-15 years often decline. 

1.5.8. Soil Management Group Oiwd 

Soil Management Group Oiwd consists of shallow (50-100 cm), moderately deep 

(100-150 cm), deep (150-300 cm) and very deep (>300 cm) organic soils with fibric 

materials in the sub-surface tier (50-100 cm) together with decomposed wood (e.g. 

Klias and Salleh Series). These very poorly drained soils when drained and cultivated 

present some problems such as leaning palms, poor drainage and flooding coupled 

with complex nutritional problems. Trace elements are also a problem. The presence 

of the decomposed wood increases slightly the cost of drain construction and can 

cause desiccation of palm 5 years after planting if these palms have been planted over 

or close to old stumps or buried wood/logs as root development becomes poor. 





1.5.9. Soil Management Group Oiwu 

Soil Management Group Oiwu consists of shallow (50-100 cm), moderately deep 

(100-150 cm), deep (150-300 cm) and very deep (>300 cm) organic soils with fibric 

materials in the sub-surface tier (50-100 cm) together with undecomposed wood (e.g. 

Anderson and Tinjar Series). These very poorly drained soils when drained and 



presence of undecomposed wood can significantly increase the cost of drain 

construction and cause desiccation of palm 5 years after planting if these palms have 

been planted over or close to old stumps or buried wood/logs as root development 

becomes poor. Termite activity can also cause problems. The management of these 

soils involves controlled drainage and flood mitigation and constant monitoring for 

termites and stunted palms. Proper fertilization and trace element application are 

essential. Yields tend to decline 12-15 years after planting. 

1.6. OVERALL YIELD POTENTIAL 

The Estate/Plantation often would have already put into practice many of the 

recommended practices. Crops often have been well established and maintained. 

These need to be regularly examined and quick remedial measures taken to correct 

any slope failure and soil erosion. Regular fertilization is often practiced but this can 

be further fine tuned using the soil map and with the use of foliar analysis and field 

visits by agronomists. When all of these measures are practiced then an overall yield 

13


in the range of 28-32 mt/ha/yr and 26-30 mt/ha/yr should be obtainable on the better 

soils of Management Groups A and B respectively. In the case of the imperfectly to 

poorly drained soils of Management Group C a yield potential of 28-34 mt/ha/yr are 

obtainable with good management. The sandy soils of Group D can, with good 

management, give yields of 18-24 mt/ha/yr but large inputs are required. On the 

poorer organic soils of Management Group E a yield of 24-28 mt/ha/yr should be 

obtainable but water management is essential. On the shallow soils of Group F a 

yield of 24-28 mt/ha/yr are obtainable. On the shallow lateritic soils of the Group G 

yield variation with rainfall can be expected. A yield of 22-28 mt/ha/yr is possible 

depending on rainfall distribution and management. On the limestone soils of Group 

H a yield of 22-26 mt/ha/yr are obtainable. On the coastal marine/estuarine clay or 

silty clay soils of Group I with good water management a yield potential of 28-34 

mt/ha/yr should be possible. On the true acid sulfate soils of Group J and the drained 

potential acid sulfate soils of Group K a yield potential of 24-32 mt/ha/yr is possible 

depending on water management and optimum fertilizer applications. 

In the case of the organic soil Groups, the yield potential would depend on the nature 

of the organic soil materials, the presence/absence of wood and whether the wood id 

decomposed or undecomposed. The depth of the organic soils may also influence the 

yield (see Table 1.5). 

14

SOIL MANAGEMENT GROUPS FOR MALAYSIAN SOILS

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