Decomposition and nutrient release from the mixed leaf litter of three agroforestry species in the Sudanian zone of West Africa

Abstract This study was carried out to determine the rates of decomposition and nutrient release from pure mixed leaf litter samples three agroforestry species ( Azolla africana Desv., Detarium microcarpum Guill. Perr . Vitellaria paradoxa C.F.Gaertn.) that have potential use as green manure. Litterbags containing a total 5 g different quality levels were incubated under field conditions July November in 2017. Litter (N, P, K) assessed each litterbag. The rate k ) indicated A. decomposed faster = 0.406 week −1 than its mixture with V. 0.114 D. 0.103 slowest found for 0.075 0.071 litters Mixing increased both litter. We conclude mixing can accelerate poor represents practical biomass management option farmers improve cycling systems.