Synchronization of nutrient release from Gliricidia sepium with nutrient uptake by Maize through biomass decomposition

2013

English

Organic resources play an essential role in soil fertility management in the tropics by their short-term effects on nutrient supply and longer-term contribution to soil organic matter (SOM) formation. Although the nutrients released by the decomposition of the amendments are central to the success of crop production, little is known regarding the recommended timing of application on the decomposition process and whether the nutrient release is synchronized with plant requirements. The result on decomposition of biomass shows slow release of nutrients in a decreasing order of P <N<K. Potassium was the most mobile element and Phosphorus was strongly retained by the decomposing leaf biomass. Applying biomass at the same day of planting and one week before planting did not produce significant difference in grain yield (P<0.05). However, applying biomass at 2 WAP significantly increased grain yield (p<0.05). Yield increments of over 173% and 276% were recorded for the major and minor seasons over the control from the applied biomass at two weeks after planting. Treatment comparison within the major and minor season indicated that the biomass significantly reduced the susceptibility of maize to lodging. Lodging was reduced by 29% and 38.5% for the major and minor season respectively. The results indicate a positive synergy between nutrient release and uptake by maize when Gliricidia sepium leaf biomass was applied at two weeks after planting.

Agyeman, K.; Berchie, J. N.; Gaisie, E.; Adomako, J.