The use of phosphates in the cultivation of Hevea brasiliensis in Malaya

Abstract

The Malayan rubber industry has for some time relied on Christmas Island rock phosphate as its main source of fertilizer phosphate. Rock phosphate on acidic soils under heavy rainfall is generally as effective for rubber culture as more expensive soluble forms. Consumption of phosphates has increased sharply during the past decade, but the rate of increase is expected to slow down; after 1968 usage is likely to decline slightly to a steady level.