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Nutrient Dynamics Associated with Leaf Litter Decomposition of Three Agroforestry Tree Species (azadirachta Indica, Dalbergia Sissoo, and Melia Azedarach) of Bangladesh

Mahmood Hossain
Forestry and Wood Technology Discipline, Khulna University, Khulna -9208, Bangladesh.

Mohammad Raqibul Hasan Siddique
Forestry and Wood Technology Discipline, Khulna University, Khulna -9208, Bangladesh.

Md. Saidur Rahman
Forestry and Wood Technology Discipline, Khulna University, Khulna -9208, Bangladesh.

Md. Zaber Hossain
Soil Science Discipline, Khulna University, Khulna-9208

Md. Mahedi Hasan
Forestry and Wood Technology Discipline, Khulna University, Khulna-9208

Abstract/ Executive Summary:

Azadirachta indica A. Juss, Dalbergia sissoo Roxb., and Melia azedarach L. are little studied species in nutrient return capabilities from leaf litter decomposition to maintenance of the soil fertility despite their importance in agroforestry practices of Bangladesh. A leaf litter decomposition experiment was conducted using a litter bag technique to assess the nutrient return efficiency of these species. The decomposition rate of leaf litter was highest for M. azedarach and lowest for D. sissoo. Rainfall and temperature of study sites showed a significant (p<0.05) positive relationship with the rate of leaf litter decomposition. The highest decay constant was observed for M. azedarach (6.67). Nitrogen and Phosphorus concentration in leaf litter showed a decreased trend sharply at the end of the first month, whereas rapid decrease of Potassium concentration was reported within 10 days. Conversely, higher concentration of nutrient was observed at the later stages of decomposition. All three species showed a similar pattern of nutrient release (K > N > P) during the decomposition process of leaf litter. Among the studied species, D. sissoo was best in terms of N and P return and A. indica was best in terms of K return.

Keywords: Agroforestry; Decay constant; Decomposition; Leaf litter, Nutrient dynamics

Location: Khulna University campus

Start Date: 00-00-2008

End Date:

Program Area: Crop-Soil-Water Management

Commodity: Fertilizer and manures

Objectives:

The aims of the pre-sent study were to examine and compare the decomposition and nutrient releasing pattern during the leaf litter degradation of A. indica, D. sissoo, and M. azedarach.

Methodology:

Description of study site This study was conducted in Khulna University campus in 2008 under mixed plantations of A. indica, D. sissoo, Lagerstroemia speciosa, Emblica officinalis, Swietenia mahagoni, Leucaena leucocephala, Cassia siamea, M. azedarach and so on. The tree density of the site is 800 stems⋅ha-1. The climate is humid-subtropical with a mean temperature of 18−23ºC in winter and 27−31ºC in summer. Mean annual rainfall is 1980 mm; summer (May to September) contributes about 81% of the annual rainfall while winter season contributes about 19% of rainfall. Soil is clayey and pH is around 7.9. Sample collecting and processing The leaf litter decomposition experiment was conducted using a litterbag technique (Mason 1977) for five months. Bulks of yellowish senescent leaves of M. azedarach, A. indica and D. sissoo were collected during the peak period of leaf shedding (March 2008). Leaf litter was air-dried at room temperature and mixed thoroughly. Two grams of leaf litter for individual species were taken as an individual sample. Individual samples were placed into a nylon bag of 300 mm×150 mm with 1-mm2 mesh size. To prevent the leaves from folding and clumping they were laid flatly inside the bags. Eighty bags for each species were placed in the field and 10 bags were brought back to the laboratory for calculating fresh to oven-dry weight ratio at 80ºC to constant weight. Ten bags for each species were collected at ten days intervals for the initial month and subsequently at monthly intervals for the remaining months. The collected samples were then gently washed to remove sediments and dirt particles by using a soft brush under slowly running tap water followed by final rinsing in distilled water. Each sample was then oven-dried at 80 oC to constant weight. Mass loss and decay constant The loss in dry mass of samples was calculated from initial converted oven-dry weight and remaining mass. The rate of decomposition was calculated from percentage of mass loss divided by respective days of collection. Decay constants for leaf litter were calculated using negative exponential decay model. Statistical analysis The rates of mass loss and nutrients (N, P and K) concentrations in leaf litter were compared among the different stages of decomposition of the study and also with the tree species. This comparison was performed by two-way analysis of variance followed by Duncan Multiple Range Test (DMRT) using SAS 6.12 statistical software. Moreover, the relationships among the rate of leaf litter decomposition, monthly rainfall amount and monthly mean temperature were evaluated by correlation analysis using SAS 6.12 statistical software.

Source of Information: Journal of Forestry Research (2011) 22(4): 577-582

Article Link (Online Journal): DOI 10.1007/s11676-011-0175-7

Funding Source:

Budget:

Total Budget (Tk.) :

Achievement/Findings:

The amount of nutrients added to the soil through leaf litter depends on the litter quality, climate, individual nutrient concentration and their dynamics during the process of decomposition. The added nutrients may contribute to the sustainability of soil fertility, which is becoming an important phenomenon for agro-forestry practices. Among the considered species, D. sissoo was found to be the best in terms of N and P while A. indica wasbest in terms of K.

Knowledge Management: Journal