Decomposition of Entandrophragma Cylindricum Tree Prunings in Agroforestry System in Onne, Rivers State
Koyejo, A.O, Koyejo, O.A, Olatidoye, O.R, Adetunji, A.S.A study was conducted at Swamp Forest Research Station, Onne, Forestry Research Institute of Nigeria, to evaluate the rate of decomposition of E. cylindricum tree prunings. The experiment was a 2x8 factorial in a randomized complete block design with three replications. The first factor comprises two placement methods (surface-placed and soil-incorporated) and the second factor comprises eight biweekly sampling intervals (2 – 16 weeks). The litterbag technique was employed. Results indicated that the Total leaf decomposition (100.0%) of soil incorporated leaf litter was obtained at the 16th week after litter placement (WALP). Soil-surface placed had 98.00% at 16th WALP. Leaf half-lives of the soil-surface placed and soil incorporated were 5.08 and 2.10 WALP respectively. The turnover coefficients (k1) of the soil surface-placed and soil -incorporated leaf litter of E. cylindricum were 6.93yr-1 and 17.33 yr-1 respectively. The high rate of fresh leaf decomposition and subsequent release of nutrients make E. cylindricum leaf pruning a good source of organic manure for soil fertility restoration