Decomposition and Nitrogen Release Patterns of Parkiabiglobosa and Albizialebbeck Leaves with Nitrogen Fertilizer for Maize Production in Sudan Savanna Alfisolof Nigeria

Abstract

Biomass transfer or cultivation of leguminous trees has higher eco-friendly profiles for soil nutrients restoration especially nitrogen. The research is conducted on decomposition and nitrogen release patterns of Parkia biglobosa and Albizia lebbeck leaves with nitrogen fertilizer for maize production in sudan savannah alfisol of Nigeria. Data were analysed using (ANOVA). 56 % of N in the litter bag was released the first two weeks of biomass incubation and progressively increases weeks after planting. Decomposition rate constant (KD) ranged from 9.18 to 15.07 week -1 and the rates of plant residues was higher in Albizia lebbeck than Parkia biglobosa in both seasons. Nitrogen release rate constant (KN), ranging from 7.82 to 10.81 week -1 followed a similar pattern as the rate of decomposition with Albizia lebbeck releasing the highest amount of N followed by Parkia lebbeck. The rate of decomposition increased as week increased. Incorporation of Albizia lebbeck had significantly higher effect (p < 0.05) on growth parameter and yield component compared to Parkia biglobosa. The study concluded that Albizia lebbeck decomposed and mineralized faster for crop uptake under sudan savanna conditions. The study suggests that incorporation of Albizia lebbeck and up to 40 kg N ha -1 is a better combination for soil quality improvement and maize productivity in Makera, a semi-arid environment of Nigeria.

Improved legume fallows: Influence on nitrogen and microbial dynamics, and maize (Zea maysL) grain yield in sub-humid zone of West Africa

“…Among the plant species, however, grain yield was highest in Albizia amended plots in both year 1 and 2 (Table 6). This confirms an earlier study in Nigeria by Oyebamiji et al (2017) who showed that Albizia decomposed and mineralized N faster for maize uptake and improve yield under Semi-humid/arid environment.…”

“…In general, maize yield was higher in amended plots compared to the control; likewise, higher yield was recorded in year 2 than in year 1 (Table 6). This observation reiterates the important role that biomass from leguminous plants play in releasing N to improve soil organic matter quality and increase crop yield (Li et al, 2018;Oyebamiji et al, 2017). Similar to the findings of Haider et al (1991) there was a strong relationship between microbial biomass, N mineralization and maize grain yield in both cropping years (Table 6).…”

“…Therefore, we selected some of the most common leguminous trees and shrub available to smallholder farmers in the Sub-humid region of Ghana. These plants, Leucaena leucophala, Cajanus cajan, Albizia lebbeck and Moringa oleifera, are easily adapted and have the ability to restore the soil fertility by fixing nitrogen into the soil within a short period (Oyebamiji et al, 2017;Patel et al, 2015). For instance, the amount of N fixed by Leucaena; Albizia and Cajanus have been established (Kumar Rao & Dart, 1987;Mbaya et al, 1998).…”

Litter Production and Organic Compound Contents in the Sudano-guinea Savannahs of Ngaoundere, Adamawa, Cameroon

“…Cellulose content in litter ranged from 4.11 to 11.84%, that of lignins from 2.28 to 8.12%, that of NDF from 21.35 to 77.73, and that of phenolic compounds from 0.47 to 16.11%. These values were average relative to those reported by previous studies in the different savannahs [4,63], except for the phenol content which was among the highest values. Indeed, Mapongmetsem [5] reported for 8 plant species of Adamawa savannahs, cellulose, lignin, NDF and phenolic compound contents were very low compared to ours.…”

“…Mitchell et al [4] found in their litter production studies that the lignin content ranged from 1.73 to 3.60% for three species (Proteoid, Ericoid and Restiod) of savannahs of South Africa. Oyebamiji et al [63] also reported values from 8.24 to 11.06% for lignin and from 0.57 to 0.75% for phenolic compounds in the litter of Albizia lebbeck and Parkia biglobosa in the savannahs of Nigeria. The litter of Jatropha curcas contains a lignin content of 12.03% according to Abugre et al [64].…”