Abstract
This study describes the impact of young high-density plantations of two native leguminous ( Albizia procera and A. lebbeck) and one non-leguminous timber tree ( Tectona grandis) species on the soil redevelopment process during the early phase of mine restoration in a dry tropical environment. There was a general improvement in soil properties due to establishment of plantations. Highest soil organic C values were found in A. lebbeck plantations and lowest in T. grandis plantations. Both A. lebbeck and A. procera substantially increased levels of nitrogen in soil. However, A. procera, with slow decomposing litter, was not as effective in raising N levels in the soil as A. lebbeck, indicating that all N fixers may not be equally efficient in raising soil N levels. Soil microbial biomass and N mineralization rates were always higher in plantations of N-fixer species. A continued increase with age in microbial C:total C ratio indicates these plantations have yet to reach steady state.
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
