June 20, 2019 Journal article Open Access

Michael, Patrick S.

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{
  "publisher": "Zenodo", 
  "DOI": "10.5281/zenodo.3250845", 
  "container_title": "Bulgarian Journal of Soil Science", 
  "language": "eng", 
  "title": "Roles of Leucaena leucocephala (Lam.) on Sandy Loam Soil pH, Organic Matter, Bulk Density, Water-Holding Capacity and Carbon Stock Under Humid Lowland Tropical Climatic Conditions", 
  "issued": {
    "date-parts": [
      [
        2019, 
        6, 
        20
      ]
    ]
  }, 
  "abstract": "<p>Leucaena (Leucaena leucocephala Lam.) trees planted in alley cropping or established<br>\non fallowed farms by natural means contribute significantly to soil health and productivity by<br>\ninfluencing various soil properties. In this study, the effects of L. leucocephala (Lam.) on<br>\nsandy loam soil pH, organic matter content, bulk density, water-holding capacity and carbon<br>\nstock were investigated under humid lowland tropical climatic conditions in Papua New<br>\nGuinea (PNG). Soil samples were collected from 60 cm deep piths dug out from 1 m and 2 m<br>\naway from the base of the legume trees. The control soil samples were collected from<br>\nadjacent grassland dominated by Imperata cylindrica (L.), 10 m away from the legume trees.<br>\nIn all the piths, soil samples were collected from the 0-20, 20-40 and 40-60 cm profiles. The<br>\nresults showed presence of the legume trees acidifies the soil (lowers pH), lowers surface soil<br>\norganic carbon, improves the water holding capacity within the surface soils and helps<br>\nimprove bulk density, ideal for root growth. Comparatively there was more carbon in the<br>\nsurface soil of the grassland than under the legume trees. In most tropical regions, grasslands<br>\nare often set a blaze for various land uses and the high carbon content is a potent source of<br>\nCO<sub>2</sub> emission, contributing to the greenhouse gases (GHG) in the atmosphere. The low<br>\ncarbon stock measured under the legume trees means reduced emission of CO<sub>2</sub> when burnt<br>\nand more benefits for the sandy loam soil. This study has implication for management of<br>\nsandy loam soil using L. leucocephala (Lam.) under humid lowland tropical climatic soil<br>\nconditions.</p>", 
  "author": [
    {
      "family": "Michael, Patrick S."
    }
  ], 
  "page": "33 - 45", 
  "volume": "4", 
  "type": "article-journal", 
  "issue": "1", 
  "id": "3250845"
}