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Research Article
ScienceAsia 29 (2003): 007-012 |doi: 10.2306/scienceasia1513-1874.2003.29.007
Spatial Variability of Total Nitrogen, and
Available Phosphorus of Large Rice Field in
Sawah Sempadan Malaysia
Eltaib Saeed Mohamed Ganawaa, Mohd Amin Mohd Sooma, Mohd Hanafi Musab,
Abdul Rashid Mohamed Shariffa and Aimrun Wayayoka
ABSTRACT: Accurate information on the spatial variability of soil chemical properties is very important in
developing site-specific management for large rice field. Therefore, sampling procedure for soil nutrients status
validated for developing variable rate of application of nutrients for rice is essential. Variability of total nitrogen(N),
and available phosphorus(P) was examined on 2300 ha rice field. The soil samples (n=240) were taken from 120
points; two points in each plot were taken at two depths: top-soil (0-20 cm) and sub-soil (20-30 cm). Collection
of the soil samples has been done in order to cover all types of the soil series dominant in the study area.
Differential global positioning system (DGPS) was used to locate the sample position, and variability of soil
chemical properties was analysed by geostatistical techniques. Total N, and available P varied greatly for both
depths as indicated by variogram analysis. The range of total N varied between 0.434 and 0.475 km for top- and
sub-soil depth, respectively, and available P between 0.597 and 0.610 km for top- and sub-soil depth, respectively.
The kriging maps showed the spatial variation for soil chemical properties measured. The results suggest that
soil chemical properties measured may be useful in the field management zones that could maximizeapplication
benefits.
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a Department of Biological and Agricultural Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Universiti Putra Malaysia, 43400 UPM, Serdang, Selangor, Malaysia.
b Department of Land Management, Faculty of Agriculture, Universiti Putra Malaysia, 43400 UPM, Serdang, Selangor, Malaysia.
* Corresponding author, Email: taib123@hotmail.com
Received 2 Nov 2001, Accepted 16 Jul 2002
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