JOURNAL OF CURRENT DISCOURSE AND RESEARCH (JCDR)

DECOMPOSITION AND MINERALIZATION OF SELECTED LEGUMINOUS TREE SPECIES LEAF LITTERS AND THEIR IMPACT ON SOIL NUTRIENTS

Abstract

The condition of a site is a function of processes acting upon it. This affect both the physical, chemical and biological attributes. Four leguminous tree species P. biglobosa, L. leucocephala, T.indica, and A. lebbeck leguminous were used. Degraded soil samples were collected. Both the soil and leaf litter were air-dried. Routine soil analysis was carried out. For the decomposition experiment, 120g of leaf litter from the four (4) selected species were put inside the litter bags and buried in the soil inside the cement bags. Results on decomposition and chemical properties showed that T. indica has the highest value. L. leucocephala significantly (p<0.05) improved the clay and silt contents of the soil. The study revealed that T. indica and L. leucocephala litter were high-quality litters that decomposed very rapidly to release a considerable amount of nutrients within a short period of time. Hence, they are recommended for quick nutrient restoration.