Litter fall and potential nutrient returns from pecan nut (Carya illinoinensis) in agroforestry system in Indian Himalaya.

Abstract

Litterfall from trees is the main processes accounting for soil improvement in agroforestry systems. The extent of nutrient return into soil depends on the tree species, management practices and the quantity and quality of litter. A field investigation was carried out to study litterfall production and nutrient contents in the litterfall under crown of pecan nut tree in rainfed condition. Total annual accretion of litterfall found 2143.3 kg ha-1yr-1 and relative abundance of nutrients in litter fall of pecan nut tree were in the order of C>N>K>P. The total nutrient buildups from above mentioned litter fall of pecan nut could be carbon 901.91 kg ha-1 yr-1, nitrogen 57.44 kg ha-1 yr-1, phosphorus 3.21 kg ha-1 yr-1 and potassium 43.29 kg ha-1 yr-1 found in agri-horti system. There was significant build up of soil organic carbon and available NPK in the agrihorticultural systems.