Abstract
Intensive development on the vast peatlands of Sarawak has been planned for sago cultivation. Nevertheless, a number of unanticipated problems in large-scale sago cultivation have been highlighted−one of which is the trunking ability of sago palms. This study attempts at examining the relationship between the physical and chemical properties of peat against the growth pattern of sago palms. For this purpose, soil samples, water table data and palm growth were studied and analyzed at both trunking and non-trunking blocks on the Dalat Sago Plantation. The results revealed that the soils in the trunking blocks invariably contained higher levels of ash (minerals) and nutrients (nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium) needed to support the normal growth and trunking of palms. These mineral and nutrient contents were found to decrease from the periphery to the center of a peat dome. The productivity of cultivated palms was also compared with the degree of peat humification. No significant correlation was observed for these variables. The prevailing deficiency of nutrients in the soils of the non-trunking block suggests that supplementary nutrient input would be imperative.
https://ror.org/05b307002 
