Impact of Agroforestry Leaf Mulches on the Growth and Yield Performance of Sorghum in a Semi-Arid Region

Soil nutrients are essential chemical elements that support plant growth guaranteed by agroforestry systems with the production of leaf mulch to improve soil properties. Adopting agroforestry as a sustainable soil management practice has the potential to improve soil property and structure. Existing studies in the use of specific agroforestry tree leaves as mulch for its soil fertility improvement potential in sorghum cultivation are inadequate. This study assessed the effect of leaf mulch from selected agroforestry tree species on sorghum agronomic performance.The study adopted a 3x3x4 factorial layout in a randomized complete block design. Three varieties of sorghum seeds (NGB05843, NGB05731, NGB06187) were planted on 39 raised beds (12 treatments with one control per block), evenly overlaid with fresh leaf-mulches of uniform age from four agroforestry tree ( Leucaena leucocephala, Artocarpus altilis, Sesbania grandiflora , and Moringa oleifera ) species at application rates of 1.50, 2.00 and 2.50 kilograms. Data collected were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics at 5% significance level.Findings revealed that the control plot had the highest sorghum seed weight (68.50 g) against treatment plots ( A. altilis (65.00 g), M. oleifera (57.30 g), S. grandiflora (52.00 g), L. leucocephala (42.67 g)). Sorghum variety, mulch type and application rate significantly influenced growth and yield.The study concluded that, agroforestry mulches significantly improved sorghum growth and grain yield. A. altilis and M. oleifera mulches were more effective in promoting sorghum development. Farmers are encouraged to adopt the use of agroforestry tree species leaf as mulch to assist in soil nutrient improvement.