Abstract
Decomposition and nutrient release dynamics of leaf litter of Ficus benghalensis, a common agroforestry species in southern dry agroclimatic zone of Karnataka, were studied using the standard litter bag technique in surface and subsurface methods of application. Results revealed a marginally higher rate of decay in subsurface placement (22.5% of initial litter mass remaining after one year of decomposition) compared to surface treatment (28.3% of initial litter mass remaining). Litter quality (lignin content and lignin/N ratio) and climatic and soil conditions of the study site (monthly rainfall and soil moisture) were found to influence the rate of decomposition. Mineralisation of litter was found to be in the order K > N > P. The paper further discusses the implications of these results for rainfed farming in Mandya and emphasises the potential of F. benghalensis in reducing nutrient input costs for resource-poor dryland farmers.
Highlights
Agroforestry systems with scattered trees in croplands have traditionally played a pivotal role in sustaining rural livelihoods in semiarid zones of the world
Leaf litter decomposition of Ficus benghalensis, factors influencing decomposition process, and pattern of nutrient release were assessed with the objective of eliciting information that may help resource-poor farmers to optimally exploit Ficus litterfall to reduce input costs for farming
In the case of F. benghalensis leaf litter decomposition in Mandya, a biphasic mode of decay was apparent with an initial rapid phase of mass loss in first 6-7 months, followed by a later slower phase from 8 to 12 months
Summary
Agroforestry systems with scattered trees in croplands have traditionally played a pivotal role in sustaining rural livelihoods in semiarid zones of the world. Farmer interviews revealed that litter from Ficus trees helped to reduce compost usage by 3 tonnes per hectare. Scientific studies on the value of Ficus trees as source of litter nutrients in agroforestry systems of semiarid tropics are lacking. The relative value of litter as a source of nutrient is dependent on its decomposition rate, which in turn controls the release of the tissue-held mineral ions [2]. Leaf litter decomposition of Ficus benghalensis, factors influencing decomposition process, and pattern of nutrient release were assessed with the objective of eliciting information that may help resource-poor farmers to optimally exploit Ficus litterfall to reduce input costs for farming
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