Characterization, Changes in Soil Properties and Vegetation Distribution as Affected by Topography in Ayer Hitam Forest Reserve, Selangor, Peninsular Malaysia

Abstract

The influence of topography on soil classification is poorly understood in Ayer Hitam Forest Reserved, Malaysia. Topographic vegetation-soil interrelations are important because plants are used to indicate environmental conditions and potential forest productivity. This study aims to identify the effect of topography on soil development and classification, soil chemical properties and forest composition according to toposequence. 5 plots surveyed on 100-150cm soil profile depth to identify soil development, soil classification and soil nutrient status (i.e (OM, Al, pH, K, Na, Ca, Mg, CEC, Base Saturation). Besides, the distribution of vegetation measured to evaluate the plant basal area and diversity. Soil subgroups ranged from Fragic Hapludults in the ridge, Typic Hapludults and Plintic Hapludults on the middle slope, Typic Hapludults on the lower slope, and Typic Hapludults in footslope. Each soil subgroup has its own characteristics at various elevations (Morphologhy and Physio-chemical). Vegetation on each plot dominated by species of Euphorbiaceae, Myrtaceae, Dipterocarpaceae Malvaceae, Moraceae, Verbenaceae, Phylanthaceae, and Santalaceae .