Soil physicochemical changes that have occurred following replacement of tropical rainforest with high value plantation crops have been studied. The bulk density increased due to loss of organic matter. The profile water content, water storage and the water in take rate were conspicuously lower in soil under teak (Tectona grandis), red oil palm (Elaeis quineensis), and padauk (Pterocarpus dalbergiodes) as compared with virgin forest. There was a decline in organicmatter, Bray's P and available K when forest was removed for raising plantation crops. CaCO3 content was completely lost from profiles of red oil palm.
Tropical rain forest, plantation crops, organic matter, profile water storage
