ABSTRACT

Butin, Liezel P. Central Mindanao university, University Town, Musuan, Bukidnon. February 2011. Comparative Anaylsis of Soil Infiltration Capacity under Mahogany (Sweitenia Macrophylla KING) and Para rubber (Hevea brasiliensis HBK) Plantations in Musuan, Bukidnon.

Adviser: DR. GEORGE R. PUNO

A comparative analysis of infiltration capacity of the soil under Mahogany and Para rubber plantations was conducted. The study specifically aimed to determine the influence of soil properties on the infiltration rates as well as to account the differences of infiltration rates of the two plantations within CMU, Musuan, Bukidnon. The study was conducted in November 2010. Infiltration capacity was measured using double ring infiltrometer following the standard procedures as recommended by the American Standards for Testing Materials (ASTM No. D3385-03, 2003) and Brooks, et al., (1991) with slight modifications. Two sample plots were installed in each plantation with three replicates

and five repetitive measurements each instrument. On the average, the soil infiltration capacity of Mahogany was comparatively higher than Para rubber with a value of 109 mm/hr and 1020 mm/hr, respectively. These differences were statistically significant at 5% level with a t-value of 9.87. High infiltration values under the Mahogany plantation were presumably not influenced by soil physical properties. It was because the soil properties of the two plantations were observed to be very close with equal values particularly on soil texture being clayey, bulk density and particle density. As a corollary, high infiltration values in the Mahogany plantation was assumed to be brought about by the diversity

of species composition in its forest floor as well as coarser soil texture. On the contrary, the lower infiltration rate under the Para rubber plantation was due to the observed soil disturbance such as animal grazing, as well as weeding and harvesting activity as part of the maintenance operations. Although preliminary, the study revealed that Mahogany species is advantageous in terms of reducing runoff as manifested by higher values of infiltration. The result suggested that Mahogany can be a good species for reforestation considering surface runoff and soil erosion control purposes.