Nutrient Returns through Litter Fall in <I>Populus deltoides</I> Based Agroforestry System

Abstract

Field study was carried out to assess the leaf litter production and quantity of nutrients returned to the soil through litter fall of Populus deltoides (boundary plantation) based agroforestry system under irrigated condition. Litter fall was restricted upto a distance of 9m from the tree line and total amount of 913.8 and 1291.8 kg ha^-1 was estimated with 3 and 4 year old plantation, respectively. Maximum amount of leaf fall (46-57%) was collected from 0-3 m distance and reduced with increase in distance from tree line .. On an average, 557.4, 367.6 and 177.5 kg ha^-1 leaflitter was collected between 0-3, 3-6 and 6-9m distance, respectively. Considerable amount of nutrients was recycled to the soil through leaf fall. The return of nutrients through leaf litter into the soil decreased in the order ofCa > N > Mg> K > P. It was estimated that highest calcium of 18.3-24.3 kg ha.1 , followed by nitrogen of 11.2-12.5 kg ha^-l, magnesium of 7.8-10.0 kg ha^-1 , potassium of 6.9-8.9 kg ha^-1 , and phosphorus of 2.45-2.59 kg ha^-1, was added/returned to the soil during winter leaf fall of Populus deltoides