Effects of boundary plantation of eucalyptus on soil properties in an intensive agricultural area

This study explored the effects of eucalyptus boundary plantation on the physicochemical properties of agricultural soils. Two strategies were applied : (Strategy 1) comparing soil properties of rice fields surrounded or not by eucalyptus trees, and (Strategy 2) comparing soil properties as a function of distance (0, 10, and 20 m) from eucalyptus boundary. Both surface and sub-surface soil samples were collected and analyzedfor pH, electrical conductivity (EC), organic matter (OM), moisture, and the contents of macro-nutrients (N, P, K, S, Ca, and Mg) and micro-nutrients (Na, Cu, Zn, Mn, and Fe). The results from strategy 1 revealed that eucalyptus boundary significantly (p < 0.05) decreased soil pH, moisture, and Fe, while increases EC, OM, macro-nutrients compared to non-eucalyptus fields. Strategy 2 (ANOVA) exhibited significant (p < 0.05) effects on Ca and major micro-nutrients. Total Ca decreased with distance from eucalyptus boundaries, while Cu, Zn, and Fe increased. No significant distance-related differences were found for pH, EC, OM, moisture, or other macro-nutrients. Correlation analysis highlighted significant interrelationships among soil parameters and their associations with boundary proximity. The findings unveil that eucalyptus boundary plantations enhance OM and macro-nutrients in surface soils but can reduce moisture and alter micro-nutrient contents.