Abstract
The use of location-specific and underutilized organic residues (OR) as soil amendments in small-holder agro-ecosystems is promising. Six ORs (Leucaena leucocephala, Centrosema pubescens, Gliricidia sepium, Pueraria phaseoloides, Azadirachta indica, and Theobroma cacao) were amended to three tropical soils each at 24 mg g−1 dry soil in 120-day incubation study to estimate their nitrogen (N) mineralization and microbial biomass carbon (C) dynamics. Inorganic N contents varied among ORs, soil type and incubation days. Regardless of soil type, Gliricidia had the highest inorganic N among the studied ORs. Mineralization rate of 1.4 to 1.5 mg N kg−1 soil day−1 was observed for Lego and Tec soils, respectively, and was twice higher than Nya soil. However, Nya soil released higher inorganic N than Tec and Lego soils, implying high N mineralization efficiency in the former. Consistent soil pH increase was respectively observed for Theobroma and Pueraria treatments in all soils. Moreover, Theobroma and Pueraria amendments showed the highest soil microbial biomass C (MBC) at the end of the incubation. The assessed soil properties likely affected by the dominant edaphic factors and management influenced differences in MBC and dissolved organic carbon (DOC) while OR quality indices controlled N mineralization. Thus, we conclude that soil properties and OR type are important factors for optimal utilization of organic resources.
Highlights
A significant proportion of agricultural soils in Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) including Ghana are depleted of essential nutrients for optimum crop growth [1,2]
Irrespective of organic residues (OR) and soil type, the highest inorganic N content was observed on day 120 while the least was on day 90 of incubation (Figure 1)
In 120-day controlled incubation experiment, we observed a stronger influence of soil physicochemical factors (TC, TN, CN ratio, soil organic matter (SOM), and texture) on dissolved organic carbon (DOC) dynamics than OR quality
Summary
A significant proportion of agricultural soils in Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) including Ghana are depleted of essential nutrients for optimum crop growth [1,2]. Such soils, characterized by low amounts of soil organic matter (SOM) are the livelihood base for many rural populations in the region. Farming practices in Ghana are based popularly on inorganic fertilizers with minimal SOM improvement strategies [6,7,8]. A more sustainable farming option would be to increase crop yield while maintaining the productive potential of soils since it provides a means of living for a significant rural Ghanaian population
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