SPECIES RICHNESS AND SOIL PROPERTIES IN Nepenthes HABITAT AT BRIS ECOSYSTEM IN SETIU, TERENGGANU

Abstract

A study was carried out to investigate the species richness of Nepenthes in the BRIS ecosystem at Kampung Rhu Tapai, Setiu, Terengganu, and their relationship with soil parameters. Selective sampling was conducted in two sites (Plot A and B) using a 100 m2 quadrat in each site. Nepenthes were identified to species level, and the number of individuals was counted. Soil samples were taken next to the Nepenthes’ rhizosphere to determine the soil properties. A total of 689 Nepenthes individuals were found within the plots, which comprises three species: Nepenthes ampullaria, N. gracilis and N. rafflesiana. Independent samples t-test was conducted to compare the number of individuals in Plot A and Plot B. The result suggested that the abundance of Nepenthes spp. between these two sites was not significantly different. Regarding the species, Nepenthes gracilis was found in a high abundance in both plots. Nepenthes in these sites thrived in the soil with low pH value, ranging from 3.4 to 3.9. Meanwhile, the percentages of organic matter in the study area were ranging from 12.30% to 72.80%.