The Role of Litterfall Production, Decomposition and Nutrient Dynamics under Land Use Influences: Implication to Agroecosystems Health in Aleta Chuko, Ethiopia

Investigating litterfall, decomposition rate and nutrient dynamics for tree species enlighten for predicting nutrient cycling and compost production. The study aimed to measure litterfall of seven woody species in Coffee-Enset agroforestry (CEA) and eucalyptus camaldulensis in woodlots, to determine the decomposition rate, nutrient contents and returns of leaf litter. Samples were taken over three transect lines with three replicates for each species litterfall and decomposition experiments for one year using litter traps and nylon-mesh litter bags, respectively. Monthly litterfall ranged from 40.9 for C. arabica to 79.7 g m ^-2 for O. kenyensis in CEA, and 54.8 g m ^-2 for E. camaldulensis . Litterfall was significantly different among the studied species ( p < 0.05 ). Decay constants significantly differed among the species ( p < 0.05 ), C. arabica was the fastest (2.4) while E . camaldulensis was the slowest (1.1). Nutrient concentrations, litter quality and land-use influences were controlling factors of litter decomposition. C. africana contributed significantly higher return of Phosphorus (1.05) and Potassium (11.72) g m ^-2 ( p < 0.05). M. ferruginea (16.2) and O. kenyensis (14.1) g m ^-2 showed significantly higher nitrogen returns ( p < 0.05), E. camaldulensis showed higher Sodium (.41 g m ^-2 ) return. There was a significant loss of initial litter Potassium, Calcium, and Magnesium for all studied species during yearly decomposition ( p < 0.05 ). Higher litterfall species ( O. kenyensis , C. africana , and P. americana) are preferable for carbon returns. Fast decaying and higher NPK litters are useful for composting. Higher Sodium return of E. camaldulensis was detrimental to soil and plant.