Fertility and fertilization issues in rubber plantations: new insights from recent research works
Résumé
Fertilization is a key cultural practice for any crops. However, few research works about the management of fertilization in rubber plantations have been published compared to other crops. Indeed, the relationship between fertilization and latex yield is still a matter of debate. On the other hand, concern about soil fertility of rubber plantations has raised with the extension of plantations in marginal areas and the long-term cultivation of rubber trees on the same lands in traditional areas. Therefore, there is a need to update and complete the knowledge on the management of fertilization and soil fertility in rubber plantations with regards to both the productivity of the plantations and the sustainability of rubber based agro-ecosystems. In this communication, we present a review of the scientific literature on this topic as well as some results from studies recently conducted in Thailand. These works provide a more comprehensive understanding of the effect of fertilization on the latex yield and functioning of a mature rubber plantation. They also highlight the importance of the management of soil fertility during the immature phase of the rubber plantations. As a conclusion, we discuss the alternative strategies to sustainably manage the fertility of rubber plantations.