Rate of Decomposition and Nutrient Release from the Foliages of Acacia nilotica (L) in Three Alfisols

Abstract

Leaves of leguminous tree species used as manure are potential alternatives to commercial fertilizer for agricultural crop production. Acacia nilotica (L), Acacia is a genus of about 160 species of trees and shrubs in the pea family (Fabaceae). Acacia are native to tropical and subtropical regions of the world, particularly Australia (where they are called wattles) and Africa, where they are well-known landmarks on the savanna. This research is aimed at investigating and estimating the rate of decomposition and nutrients released from the foliage of Acacia nilotica (L) incorporated in three alfisols from the school farm of Bayero University Kano in a Completely Randomized Design (CRD) where the standard methods of laboratory analysis were conducted to determine the macro and microelements and nutrients released into the soils for three months of the study period. From the treatment involving Acacia nilotica (L), Magnesium (Mg) in Acacia nilotica (L) was found to be highly released at 1.66(cmol/kg) in loamy Soil. In contrast, Calcium (Ca) content was highly released in loam at 3.65(cmol/kg) by Acacia nilotica (L). The most active soil for decomposition and nutrient release was found to be highest in loamy soil followed by clay with the lowest rate in Sandy soil. It is advisable for farmers willing to practice agro-forestry to critically assess the leguminous tree foliage that would release the most significant mineral nutrients into a particular soil. Similarly, the nutrient demand of the crop that will be integrated should be studied.