Effects of soil amendments on survival and early growth of three timber species grown on sand tailings in the peninsular Malaysia

Existing large tracts of tin tailings are problematic soils that were created from natural lowland rainforests of high biodiversity in Peninsular Malaysia. These ex‐mining sites are low in biodiversity with poor natural succession. Especially, isolated patches of tin tailings trapped in agricultural and urban developments have virtually very little natural regeneration. Hence artificial regeneration needs to be carried out. Successful tree planting techniques developed for greening sand tailings have been recorded. Yet, there is a lack of scientific data to support the soil amendment treatments recommended. This study was embarked with the aims to determine the effects of soil enrichment on survival and growth of Acacia mangium × Acacia auriculiformis (Acacia hybrid), Swietenia macrophylla (mahogany) and Khaya ivorensis (khaya). The study plots were established as a 3x4 factorial combination of soil amendments, fertilizer treatments and tree species in a completely randomized design. Fertilizer treatments...