Soil organic C and nutrient contents under trees with different functional characteristics in seasonally dry tropical silvopastures |
| |
Authors: | Pere Casals Johanna Romero Graciela M. Rusch Muhammad Ibrahim |
| |
Affiliation: | 1. Centre Tecnològic Forestal de Catalunya (CTFC), Ctra de St. Lloren? de Morunys, km 2, 25280, Solsona, Spain 2. Tropical Agricultural Research and Higher Education Center (CATIE), Cartago, Costa Rica 3. Norwegian Institute for Nature Research (NINA), Norway, Norway
|
| |
Abstract: | Aims The selection of tree characteristics is critical for the outcome of the tree effects on soil fertility in silvopastoral pastures. This study aims to quantify the effects of trees on soil nutrient and C stocks, as well as assessing differences on the effects between legume (Albizia saman; Enterolobium cyclocarpum) and non-legume tree species (Tabebuia rosea; Guazuma ulmifolia). Methods In Central Nicaragua, soil was sampled (0–10 cm deep) in paired plots, under both a canopy and in open grassland, in 12 sites per tree species and analysed for organic C, total N stocks, available P and extractable K+, Ca2+ and Mg2+. To assess the effects of herbaceous composition and cattle to soil proprieties, we recorded the cover of plant groups and assessed the mass of dung in each plot. Results Soil organic C and N, available P and extractable K+ and Ca2+ were higher under the tree canopy than under paired open grassland. The basal area of trees was positively related with the canopy effect on soil variables, thus suggesting that the age or sizes of the trees are relevant factors associated with the content of soil C and nutrients. No specific effects related to the legume species group were detected. Conclusions Our results indicate that in fertile seasonally dry subtropical pastures, scattered trees have an overall effect on soil fertility, and that the magnitude of the effect depends more on the tree characteristics (i.e. basal area, crown area) than on whether the species is a legume or not. |
| |
Keywords: | |
本文献已被 SpringerLink 等数据库收录! |
|