Decomposition and nutrient mineralisation of leaf litter in smallholder cocoa agroforests: a comparison of organic and conventional farms in Ghana

Asigbaase, Michael; Dawoe, Evans; Sjogersten, Sofie; Lomax, Barry H.

Abstract

© 2020, The Author(s). Purpose: Although litter decomposition and nutrient release patterns have been studied in cocoa agroforestry systems in general, studies focusing on organic and conventional cocoa systems are lacking which is critical as organic farms are particularly dependent on nutrient returns from decomposing litter. Materials and methods: Dynamics in leaf litter decomposition and the mineralisation of macro- and micro-nutrients in organic and conventional cocoa agroforestry systems were studied using the litterbag technique for 12months. Results: The average monthly mass loss was more than two times higher on organic farms (9.2–14.4gmonth−1) compared to conventional farms (4.2–7.3gmonth−1) in the first five months. The annual rate of decomposition (k) was higher on organic farms (1.9) compared to conventional systems (1.4). The time required for 50% (t50) and 99% (t99) decomposition of leaf litter was both lower on organic farms (t50 = 0.4years, t99 = 2.6years) than conventional farms (t50 = 0.5years, t99 = 3.5years). The estimated k values for macro- and micro-nutrients on organic cocoa systems ranged from 2.3 for calcium to 4.5 for potassium compared to 1.6 (Ca) to 2.8 (K) on conventional farms. The k values of all nutrients (except nitrogen and phosphorus) were significantly greater on organic farms than conventional systems. The estimated k values for both litter decomposition and nutrient mineralisation correlated with soil pH and moisture content, but not initial litter chemistry. Conclusions: Organic management of smallholder cocoa agroforestry systems enhanced leaf litter decomposition and nutrient mineralisation through improved soil conditions. Thus, organic management of cocoa agroforestry systems may contribute to sustainable cocoa production in smallholder systems through enhanced nutrient return from litter decomposition.

Citation

Asigbaase, M., Dawoe, E., Sjogersten, S., & Lomax, B. H. (2020). Decomposition and nutrient mineralisation of leaf litter in smallholder cocoa agroforests: a comparison of organic and conventional farms in Ghana. Journal of Soils and Sediments, https://doi.org/10.1007/s11368-020-02844-4

• Journal Article Type: Article
• Acceptance Date: Nov 24, 2020
• Online Publication Date: Dec 7, 2020
• Publication Date: Dec 7, 2020
• Deposit Date: Dec 7, 2020
• Publicly Available Date: Dec 7, 2020
• Journal: Journal of Soils and Sediments
• Print ISSN: 1439-0108
• Electronic ISSN: 1614-7480
• Publisher: Springer Verlag
• Peer Reviewed: Peer Reviewed
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11368-020-02844-4
• Keywords: Earth-Surface Processes; Stratigraphy
• Public URL: https://nottingham-repository.worktribe.com/output/5125656
• Publisher URL: https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s11368-020-02844-4