Leguminous tree species are known to replenish soil nutrients through biological N fixation, mulch effect and recycling of other nutrients from the deeper soil layer to the topsoil, when managed in agroforestry systems. The soil available phosphorus (P) status and inorganic P-forms (fractionation) in a long-term gliricidia-maize trial was studied to understand the effect of additions of gliricidia prunings combined with and without inorganic fertilizers (N and P). Addition of gliricidia prunings and inorganic N and P fertilizers significantly increased phosphorus uptake by maize. Bray P1 had strong correlation with P uptake by maize in gliricidia/maize intercropping (r = 0.81, p
Publication year
2007
Authors
Mweta D E; Akinnifesi, F.K.; Saka J D K; Makumba W I; Chokotho N
Language
English
Keywords
fertilizers, trees
Geographic
Malawi
