Biomass decomposition dynamic in agroforestry systems with iTheobroma cacao/i L. in Rionegro, Santander (Colombia)

The study was carried out in an agroforestry system (AFS) withcacao trees already established in La Suiza Research Center, Corpoica, located in Rionegro, Santander (Colombia). The objective was to evaluate biomass input and nutrient release rate of the species that comprise the AFS (Gmelina arborea,...

Full description

Autores:
Rojas M., Jairo
Caicedo, Victor
Jaimes, Yeirme
Tipo de recurso:
Article of journal
Fecha de publicación:
2017
Institución:
Universidad Nacional de Colombia
Repositorio:
Universidad Nacional de Colombia
Idioma:
spa
OAI Identifier:
oai:repositorio.unal.edu.co:unal/68189
Acceso en línea:
https://repositorio.unal.edu.co/handle/unal/68189
http://bdigital.unal.edu.co/69222/
Palabra clave:
63 Agricultura y tecnologías relacionadas / Agriculture
plant litter
nutrient release
organic matter
shade trees, cacao crop.
Rights
openAccess
License
Atribución-NoComercial 4.0 Internacional
Description
Summary:The study was carried out in an agroforestry system (AFS) withcacao trees already established in La Suiza Research Center, Corpoica, located in Rionegro, Santander (Colombia). The objective was to evaluate biomass input and nutrient release rate of the species that comprise the AFS (Gmelina arborea, Gliricidia sepium, Cedrela odorata, Theobroma cacao). The plant material decomposition process of the species was monitored with decomposition bags after 8, 15, 23, 84 and 113 days, evaluating remnant weight and nitrogen, phosphorous, potassium, calcium and magnesium content. Results showed significant differences in plant material decomposition of the species considered. The largest weight loss was found in G. arborea (87.55%) and the lowest in C. odorata (40.01%). The highest nutrient release value was found in G. arborea followed by G. sepium, and the lowest in T. cacao and C. odorata. Therefore, depending on the species that comprise the AFS there is a differential leaf biomass decomposition dynamic and hence, of the nutrient input to the soil. Of the species evaluated the highest input of new organic matter to the soil in this AFS comes from G. arborea. Altogether, the litter generated by the species evaluated contributed with 10% of the nutrients required for a cacao harvest.