Growth of agarwood (aquilaria malaccensis) in enriched soils at Pulau Banding, Perak.

Aquilaria malaccensis, sometimes referred as "Gaharu," is well-known for its aromatic and extremely precious heartwood. Indicated by Red list, classified that these species as vulnerable base on the reduction about 20% over three generation cause by levels of exploitation and declined in population. However, knowledge on the potential of enriching the A. malaccensis using amendments is limited and less sources done. Therefore, this study aims to evaluate the growth response of Agarwood (Aquilaria malaccensis) before and after soil enrichments and to study interaction between growth and soil properties of Agarwood. Twenty-two samples of Aquilaria malaccensis tree were selected across three plots which were control (C), insect-frass amended soil (IF), and agarwood debris amended soil (D). The measurement of growth response in term of plant height, stem diameter, leaf number and soil properties (soil pH, temperature, and water content) were taken prior to enriched soil application and denoted day -11 and after the treatment application