Influences of rubber plantations of different ages on soil productivity in Xishuangbanna

It was essential to understanding the impact of rubber plantation processes on soil productivity for providing scientific basis for maintaining and protecting soil quality. in Xishuangbanna. This study compared soil texture, soil bulk density, soil moisture content, soil nutrition content, soil pH at 0-30 cm soil layers among low hill rainforest and rubber plantations of different ages in Xishuangbanna Dai Autonomous Prefecture, Yunnan Province, Southwest China, based on the method of combining field observation and laboratory test. Results showed: (1) It had significantly altered the soil characteristics beneath the canopy for the conversion of tropical seasonal rainforests to rubber plantations, and the subsequent planting, development, and management of these rubber plantations. This transformation has significantly enhanced the differences in soil properties and soil productivity between the same soil layers of low-hill rainforests and rubber plantations. (2) The planting and management practices of rubber plantations have significantly increased the clay content in the 0-30 cm soil layer beneath the canopy, while simultaneously exacerbating soil acidification. (3) That were relatively high for the clay content, soil organic matter content, and water retention capacity of the 0-30 cm soil in 20-year-old rubber plantation. The soil productivity of which was 58.48%, 73.34%, and 136.80% higher than that of low hill rainforest, 30-year rubber plantation, and 10-year rubber plantation, respectively. The conversion from tropical seasonal rainforest to rubber plantations altered soil structure and reduced soil productivity. High-investment artificial assistance can optimize the combined physical and chemical properties of rubber plantation soils and improve soil productivity. However, soil productivity might be decreased with long-term harvesting of crops while simultaneously reducing nutrient and maintenance management inputs. Further research should be conducted on the mechanisms by which land use changes and production management impact soil productivity. Those research must determine critical artificial energy input levels to guide the implementation of effective soil management and maintenance strategies.