Decomposition and Nutrient Release Patterns of Leaf Mulches oF Leucaena Leucocephala, Gliricidia Septum and Cassia Spectabilis in the Humid Zone of Ghana

Abstract

The rate of decomposition and nutrient release of leaf mulches of Leucaena leucoceophala, Gliricidia septum and Cassia spectabilis were investigated under field conditions using wooden square frames over a period of 70 days. Decomposition rates followed the order Leucaena leucoceophala > GlfricIdia septum > Cassia spectabilis with half-life values of 18 days, 35 days and 69 days respectively. Nutrient release ranked as follows: K>Mg>N>P>C>Ca for Leucaena leucocephala, K>Mg>P> N -Ca> C for Gltricidia septum and K>Mg>P>A5 Ca-C for Cassia spectabilis. The nutrients and lignin levels of the material played key roles in determining decomposition and nutrient release patterns. Significant sod nutrient enrichment occurred under decomposing leaf mulches within 0-30 cm layer depth