Litterfall seasonal dynamics and nutrient release in fodder bank systems

Authors

  • Armando Escobedo-Cabrera Instituto Tecnológico de la Zona Maya
    • Luis A. Lara-Pérez Instituto Tecnológico de la Zona Maya
      • Rubén F. Guzmán-Olmos Universidad Veracruzana
        • Fernando Casanova-Lugo Instituto Tecnológico de la Zona Maya

          DOI:

          https://doi.org/10.19136/era.a12n3.4381

          Keywords:

          fodder species, Mexican Sunflower, nutrient recycling, periodic pruning

          Abstract

          The aim of this study was to compare seasonal variation in litterfall and nutrient release from Tithonia diversifolia, Leucaena leucocephala, and Moringa oleifera in fodder banks systems. PVC traps were used to quantify litterfall and carbon (C), nitrogen (N), and phosphorus (P) return of the three species, during the summer-rainy, winter-rainy, and dry seasons, in a completely randomised design. Tithonia diversifolia showed the highest leaf, branch, and total litterfall (0.66, 0.22, and 0.87 t DM ha-1), along with the highest potential C, N, and P return during the rainy season (332.1, 14.5, 3.1 kg ha-1). Leaves accounted for 65.3 to 79.2% of total litterfall. Tithonia diversifolia fodder banks offer a viable alternative for combining soil conservation and sustainable production.

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          Published

          2025-10-08

          How to Cite

          Escobedo-Cabrera, A., Lara-Pérez, L. A., Guzmán-Olmos, R. F., & Casanova-Lugo, F. (2025). Litterfall seasonal dynamics and nutrient release in fodder bank systems. Ecosistemas Y Recursos Agropecuarios, 12(3). https://doi.org/10.19136/era.a12n3.4381

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