Nutrient release from decomposition of A. mangium and Nephrolepis sp. litter

Abstract

In agricultural activities, fertilization is important. However, in some cases, plants can grow well without continuous fertilization. This due to the influence of plant litter and the presence of undergrowth which is a source of organic matter that supplies nutrients to the soil. The objectives of this study were to know the dynamic of nutrient release from litter decomposition and to find out the amount of nutrient content provided by decomposition of A. mangium and Nephrolepis sp. litter. Fresh litter of A. mangium and Nephrolepis sp. were put in the open area in a 0.2 m2 container with a water tank underneath. The leachate was taken every week, then the macro and micronutrients were analyzed in the laboratory. The results showed that the nutrients in the litter were released gradually through the leaching process from the first week of experiment. This indicates that since the beginning of decomposition process, the nutrients released can be used by plants. The highest nutrient released was potassium equivalent to 76.1 kg K ha−1year−1 for A. mangium and 114.7 kg K ha−1year−1 for Nephrolepis sp. Thus, the presence of litter and undergrowth has the potential to be used as fertilizer and contribute to providing nutrients for plants.