Nutrient and biochemical composition of common tree leaf biomass.
Isaac S. R., Nair M. A.
Author Affiliation: College of Agriculture, Padannakad, Kasargode 671 328, Kerala, India.
Indian Journal of Agroforestry 4 : 145-147
Abstract : A study was conducted in Kerala, India to evaluate the resource quality of green leaves and litterfall of 6 commonly grown homestead trees, viz., mango (Mangifera indica), jack (Artocarpus heterophyllus), cashew (Anacardium occidentale), ailanthus (Ailanthus triphysa), wild jack (A. hirsutus) and mahogany (Swietenia macrophylla), for use as organic manures. Results revealed significant differences in the chemical composition of the green leaves and litterfall among the different species. The nutrient composition of the leaf biomass were greatly composed of the major mineral elements and lower amounts of micronutrients were found in the green foliage than the corresponding litter. The N content of leaves decreased as leaf age increased irrespective of the species. P, K and Mg contents in the leaves also exhibited the same inverse relation with age. Nevertheless, Ca content was higher in the green leaves. The micronutrient concentrations (Zn, Mn, Cu and fe) were observed to be higher in the litterfall compared to the green leaves in all species. Cellulose, lignin and hemicellulose contents were higher in cashew, mahogany and mango, respectively. The biochemical parameters were higher in the litter than in the green leaves.