Of the many problem soils in Malaysia, the raised
coastal sand dunes soil, also locally known as ‘BRIS’
or ‘Jambu Series’ soil (USDA Albic Quartzipsamment)
is among the most challenging. The main hectarage
lies along the coast of Kelantan, Terengganu and
Pahang which experience extreme hot weather
during dry season and flooding during wet season
(Shamsuddin 1990). The topsoil (99% sand) usually
exceeds one meter depth and have poor water and
nutrient retention properties. Leaf scorching and
plant wilting are widespread during dry season when
air and surface soil temperatures are high especially
in the afternoon (Amir 1999). Besides the sandy
nature, soil heterogeneity is a common feature.
Pockets of high carbon occur due to organic material
accumulation