Research Article

Effects of Climatic Variations on Leaf Litter Production in A. Floribunda Agroforestry System in South - East Nigeria

Keyejo, A.O1, Okpara, D.A.1, Onyeonagu, C.C.1, Eteng, E.U1*
1 Department of Soil Science and Meteorology, Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, Umudike, Abia State, Nigeria
* Corresponding author: eteng_emem@yahoo.com
Published: Aug, 2020
DOI: 10.67042/njss.2020.9n60i10d
Pages: 42-48
Views: 513
Downloads: 664

Abstract

Field experiment was conducted between 2016 and 2018 at Forestry Research Institute of Nigeria (FRIN), Humid Forest Research Station, Umuahia, South-east Nigeria, to study litter production and climatic influence in Allanblackia floribun- da (oliv) agroforestry system. The experiment was laid out in a randomized com- plete block design (RCBD) with three replications. Litter trays were used for monthly collection of leaf litter. Results indicated that soil chemical properties namely pH (H2O), organic matter, total nitrogen and potassium increased with tree age from 4.8%, 1.3%, 0.07% and 0.07 Cmol/kg respectively in 2016 to 5.8 %, 3.2%, 0.30% and 0.1 Cmol/kg respectively in 2017. The dry season months of November, December, January and February gave significantly higher leaf litter- fall (23.76 – 43.50 kg/ha in 2016/17 and 34.75 – 151.22kg /ha in 2017/18) than the rainy season months of April to October (4.96 – 14.53 kg/ha in 2016/2017 and 8.81 – 17.96 kg/ha in 2017/2018) cropping seasons. Leaf litter production positively and significantly correlated with maximum temperature (r = 0.60*) and (r = 0.70*) and negatively correlated with rainfall (r = -0.74**) and (r = -0.60*) and relative humidity (r = -0.86**) and (r = -0.79**) for 2017 and 2018 respec- tively, with a bimodal pattern showing leaf litter peak production in January and December. The high production of leaf litter during the dry season served as a protective cover for the soil against the scorching heat of the dry season sun.

Keywords

A. floribunda Agroforestry system Climate variation Leaf litters

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How to Cite

A.O, K., D.A., O., C.C., O., & E.U, E. (2020). Effects of Climatic Variations on Leaf Litter Production in A. Floribunda Agroforestry System in South - East Nigeria. Nigerian Journal of Soil Science, 30(2), 42-48. https://doi.org/10.67042/njss.2020.9n60i10d

K. A.O, O. D.A., O. C.C., and E. E.U, "Effects of Climatic Variations on Leaf Litter Production in A. Floribunda Agroforestry System in South - East Nigeria," Nigerian Journal of Soil Science, vol. 30, no. 2, pp. 42-48, August 2020. doi: 10.67042/njss.2020.9n60i10d

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