Effects of Leafy Biomass of Some Agroforestry Tree Species on Light Fraction Organic Matter Content of Soil

Abstract

A study on light fraction organic matter was carried out on soil where leafy biomass of Enterolobium cyclocarpum (ENCY), Treculia africana (TRAF), Anogeissus leiocarpus (ANLE), Gliricidia sepium (GLSE), Leuceana leucocephala (LELE) were used as mulch. Soil samples were collected in each plot at two auger points 0-15 cm and 15-30 cm and then homogenized for laboratory analysis. ANLE was observed to have significant higher values (6.37, and 6.52) on soil pH, and at day 28 on soil pH respectively. Light fraction organic carbon (LFC) also experienced significant higher value (3.48 g/kg) at day 28 in ANLE leafy biomass. However, LELE had the significant highest values (0.37 g/kg, and 1.44 g/kg) on light fraction nitrogen (LFN), and at day 42 on LFN respectively, while, microbial population count (MP) was highest in ENCY (183516667 cfu/g), and (726666667 cfu/g) at day 14 respectively. It is therefore concluded that the leafy biomass investigated had improving positive effects on light fraction organic matter.

Keywords: Organic matter, Soil content, Light fraction, Leafy biomass, Tree species