Nutrient release during the decomposition of maize shoots and roots in Zimbabwe
1999
Duve, I. | Feresu, S.B. (University of Zimbabwe, Harare (Zimbabwe). Department of Biological Sciences)
Maize is the most commonly grown crop in Zimbabwe but few studies have looked at how the decomposition of its residues can contribute to soil fertility. This study focussed on mass loss and nutrient (N, P, K, Ca, Mg, S) release from maize shoot and root residues during a 16 month litter bag study at Grasslands Research Station, Marondera. The decomposition of maize shoot residue was faster than that of root residues because the shoots had a lower lignin content. The release of P and S closely resembled mass loss while Ca and K were released faster than the rate of mass loss. N and Mg were immobilised during the early stages of decomposition with net release of both elements occurring after one month for the shoot residues and two months for the root residues. Positive correlations were observed between the amount of nutrient released with the initial concentration of N, of P and of Mg. The rate of release of nutrients was as follows: K Ca P S Mg N. Both residues had released more than 80% of their initial nutrient content after five months. This has important implications if the decomposition of maize residue is to be synchronised with crop requirements for growth.
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