Skip to main content

Advertisement

SpringerLink
Log in

Forage biomass and soil aggregate carbon under fodder banks with contrasting management regimes

  • Published:
Agroforestry Systems Aims and scope Submit manuscript

Abstract

Fodder banks are important agroforestry technologies that improve access to off-season livestock feed among smallholder farmers. However, fodder banks also contribute to nutrient mining, through biomass transfer, and therefore their sustainably may be downplayed. In order to identify sustainable managemt options, the objective of this study was to determine the effect of management practices (spacing and pruning frequency) on forage yield and soil organic carbon (SOC) of two contrasting leguminous Calliandra calothyrsus Meissner and non-leguminous (Vernonia amygdalina Del) fodder shrubs. A field trial, with the two shrubs separately planted at different spacing (0.75 × 0.75 m and 1.0 × 1.0 m) and frequency of complete pruning (5- and 9-week interval), was established in a three-replicate randomized complete block design. Harvesting of fodder biomass was done for two consecutive years from the start of pruning. Total and aggregate SOC of the top soil (0–15 cm) and sub-soil (0.15–0.30 m) was assessed in four particle-size fractions. For both species, wider spacing significantly reduced (p = 0.037) forage biomass by approximately 20%. Pruning at 9-weeks produced more forage biomass for C. calothyrsus, but not for V. amygdalina. The size of the soil aggregates significantly increased (p = 0.027) by 8% in the 9-week compared to 5-week pruning frequency. Total organic carbon (TOC) in sub soil under C. calothyrsuswas 7% higher than that under V. amygdalina. Wider spacing and lower pruning frequency significantly increased OC in sub soil (p = 0.003) by 4% and 9%, respectively. Therefore, a spacing of 1.0 m combined with a pruning frequency of 9 weeks is optimum for forage and SOC. These results suggest that the sustainability of fodder banks can be achieved by optimizing pruning frequency and plant spacing. Therefore, proper management of fodder banks can contribute to climate-smart agriculture through increasing soil carbon sequestration and increased livestock productivity among stallholder farmers.

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.

Access this article

Log in via an institution

Price excludes VAT (USA)
Tax calculation will be finalised during checkout.

Instant access to the full article PDF.

Fig. 1
Fig. 2
Fig. 3
Fig. 4
Fig. 5

Similar content being viewed by others

References

  • Ayres E, Heath J, Possell M, Black HIJ, Kerstiens G, Bardgett RD (2004) Tree physiological responses to above-ground herbivory directly modify below-ground processes of soil carbon and N cycling. Ecol Lett 7:469–479. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1461-0248.2004.00604.x

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Ayres E, Dromph KM, Cook R, Ostle N, Bardgett RD (2007) The influence of below-ground herbivory and defoliation of a legume on N transfer to neighbouring plants. Funct Ecol 21:256–263. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1365-2435.2006.01227.x

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Ba NX, Giang VD, Ngoan LD (2005) Ensiling mulberry foliage (Morus alba) and the nutritive value of mulberry foliage silage for goats in central Vietnam. Res. Rural Dev. 17:2

    Google Scholar 

  • Barreto AC, Chaer GM, Fernandes MF (2012) Hedgerow pruning frequency effects on soil quality and maize productivity in alley cropping with Gliricidia sepium in Northeastern Brazil. Soil Till Res 120:112–120. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.still.2011.11.010

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Carrillo Y, Jordan CF, Jacobsen KL, Mitchell KG, Raber P (2011) Shoot pruning of a hedgerow perennial legume alters the availability and temporal dynamics of root-derived N in a subtropical setting. Plant Soil 345:59–68. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11104-011-0760-8

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Casper BB, Jackson RB (1997) Plant competition underground. Annu Rev Ecol Syst 28:545–570

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Chapin FS, Bloom AJ, Field CB, Waring RH (1987) Plant responses to multiple environmental factors. BioScience 37:49–57

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Chesney P, Vasquez N (2007) Dynamics of non-structural carbohydrate reserves in pruned Erythrina poeppigiana and Gliricidia sepium trees. Agrofor Syst 69:89–105

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Eghball B, Maranville JW (1993) Root development and N influx of corn genotypes grown under combined drought and N stress. Agron J 85:147–152

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Eissenstat DM, Yanai RD (1997) The ecology of root lifespan. Adv Ecol Res 27:1–60

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Endale Y, Derero A, Argaw M, Muthuri C (2016) Farmland tree species diversity and spatial distribution pattern in semi-arid East Shewa, Ethiopia. For Trees Livelihoods. https://doi.org/10.1080/14728028.2016.1266971

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Frankow-Lindberg BE, Dahlin AS (2013) N2 fixation, N transfer, and yield in grassland communities including a deep-rooted legume or non-legume species. Plant Soil 370:567–581. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11104-013-1650-z

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Franzel S, Carsan S, Lukuyu B, Sinja J, Wambugu C (2014) Fodder trees for improving livestock productivity and smallholder livelihoods in Africa. Curr Opin Env Sust 6(1):98–103. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cosust.2013.11.008

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Gutteridge HM, Shelton HM (1994) Forage legumetrees in tropical agriculture. CAB International, Walling-ford

    Google Scholar 

  • Haque I, Jutzi S and Neate PJH (eds) (1986) Potentials of forage legumes in farming systems of sub-Saharan Africa. In: Proceedings of a workshop held at ILCA, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, 16–19 Sept 1985. ILCA, Addis Ababa

  • Heineman AM, Otieno HJO, Mengich EK, Amadalo BA (1997) Growth and yield of eight agroforestry tree species in line plantings in Western Kenya and their effect on maize yields and soil properties. Forest Ecol Manag 91:103–135

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Hess HD, Tiemann TT, Noto F, Franzel S, Lascano C, Kreuzer M (2006) The effects of cultivation site on forage quality of Calliandra calothyrsus var. Patulul Agroforest Syst 68:209–220

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Hove L, Franzel S, Moyo PS (2003a) Farmer experiences in the production and utilisation of fodder trees in Zimbabwe: constraints and opportunities for increased adoption. Trop Grasslands 37:279–283

    Google Scholar 

  • Hove L, Ndlovu L, Sibanda S (2003b) The effects of drying temperature on chemical composition and nutritive value of some tropical fodder shrubs. Agroforest Syst 59:231–241

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Jensen ES, Hauggaard-Nielsen H (2003) How can increased use of biological N2 fixation in agriculture benefit the environment? Plant Soil 252:177–186

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Jiang W, Wang K, Wu Q, Dong S, Liu P, Zhang J (2013) Effects of narrow plant spacing on root distribution and physiological N use efficiency in summer maize. Crop J 1:77–83

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Kaschuk G, Kuyper TW, Leffelaar PA, Hungria M, Giller KE (2009) Are the rates of photosynthesis stimulated by the carbon sink strength of rhizobial and arbuscular mycorrhizal symbioses? Soil Biol Biochem 41:1233–1244

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Lose SJ, Hilger TH, Leihner DE, Kroschel J (2003) Cassava, maize and tree root development as affected by various agroforestry and cropping systems in Bénin, West Africa. Agric Ecosyst Environ 100:137–151. https://doi.org/10.1016/S0167-8809(03)00182-8

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Mapiye C, Foti R, Chikumba N, Poshiwa X, Mwale M, Chivuraise C, Mupangwa JF (2006) Constraints to adoption of forage and browse legumes by smallholder dairy farmers in Zimbabwe. Livestock Res Rural Dev 18:175

    Google Scholar 

  • Mutonyi S, Fungo B (2011) Patterns of agroforestry practices among small-holder farmers in the Lake Victoria Crescent Zone (LVCAEZ) of Uganda. Res J Appl Sci 6(4):251–257

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Niether W, Schneidewind U, Fuchs M, Schneider M, Armengot L (2019) Below- and aboveground production in cocoa monocultures and agroforestry systems. Sci Total Environ 657:558–567. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.scitotenv.2018.12.050

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Nygren P, Campos A (1995) Effect of foliage pruning on fine root biomass of Erythrina poeppigiana (Fabaceae). In: Sinoquet H, Cruz P (eds) Ecophysiology of Tropical Intercropping. INRA, Paris, pp 295–302

    Google Scholar 

  • Nygren P, Ramirez C (1993) Production and turnover of N2 fixing nodules in relation to foliage development in periodically pruned Erythrina poeppigiana (Leguminosae) trees. For Ecol Manag 73:59–73

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Nygren P, Rarnirez C (1995) Production and turnover of N2 fixing nodules in relation to foliage development in periodically pruned Erythrina poeppigianu (Leguminosae) trees. For Ecol Manag 73:59–73

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Paterson RT, Karanja GM, Roothaert R, Nyaata Z, Kariuki IW (1998) A review of tree fodder production and utilization within smallholder agroforestry systems in Kenya. Agrofor Syst 41:181–199

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Pirhofer-Walzl K, Rasmussen J, Høgh-Jensen H, Eriksen J, Søegaard K, Rasmussen J (2012) N transfer from forage legumes to nine neighbouring plants in a multi-species grassland. Plant Soil 350:71–84. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11104-011-0882-z

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Strock CF, de la Riva LM, Lynch JP (2018) Reduction in root secondary growth as a strategy for phosphorus acquisition. Plant Physiol 176:691–703

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Thilakarathna MS, Papadopoulos YA, Rodd AV (2016a) N fixation and transfer of red clover genotypes under legume–grass forage-based production systems. Cycl Agroecosyst, Nutr. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10705-016-9802-1

    Book  Google Scholar 

  • Thilakarathna MS, McElroy MS, Chapagain T, Papadopoulos YA, Raizada MN (2016b) Belowground N transfer from legumes to non-legumes under managed herbaceous cropping systems: a review. Agron Sustain Dev 36:58. https://doi.org/10.1007/s13593-016-0396-4

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Vance CP, Heichel GH, Barnes DK, Bryan JW, Johnson LE (1979) N fixation, nodule development, and vegetative regrowth of alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.) following harvest. Plant Physiol 64:1–8. https://doi.org/10.1104/pp.64.1.1

    Article  CAS  PubMed  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  • Verchot LV, Dutaur L, Shepherd KD, Albrecht A (2011) Organic matter stabilization in soil aggregates: understanding the biogeochemical mechanisms that determine the fate of carbon inputs in soils. Geoderma 161(3–4):182–193. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.geoderma.2010.12.017

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Wambugu C, Place F, Franzel S (2011) Research, development and scaling up the adoption of fodder shrub innovations in East Africa. Int J Agric Sustain 9:100–109

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Wang Z, Bi Y, Jiang B, Zhakypbek Y, Peng S, Liu W, Liu H (2016) Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi enhance soil carbon sequestration in the coalfields, northwest China. Sci Rep 6:34336. https://doi.org/10.1038/srep34336

    Article  CAS  PubMed  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

Download references

Acknowledgement

This study was funded by Government of Uganda under the Agricultural Technology and Agribusiness Advisory Services (ATAAS) project, with support from The World Bank.

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. National Forestry Resources Research Institute (NaFORRI), National Agricultural Research Organization (NARO), P. O. Box 1752, Kampala, Uganda

    Bernard Fungo, Joel Buyinza, Jude Sekatuba, Susan Nansereko, Gerald Ongodia, Phiona Kwaga, Scovia Mudondo, Kenneth Eryau, Richard Akelem & Hillary Agaba

  2. School of Agricultural Sciences and Production, College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences, Makerere University, P. O. Box 7062, Kampala, Uganda

    Patrick Musinguzi

Authors
  1. Bernard Fungo
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  2. Joel Buyinza
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  3. Jude Sekatuba
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  4. Susan Nansereko
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  5. Gerald Ongodia
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  6. Phiona Kwaga
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  7. Scovia Mudondo
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  8. Kenneth Eryau
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  9. Richard Akelem
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  10. Patrick Musinguzi
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  11. Hillary Agaba
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

Corresponding author

Correspondence to Bernard Fungo.

Additional information

Publisher's Note

Springer Nature remains neutral with regard to jurisdictional claims in published maps and institutional affiliations.

Electronic supplementary material

Below is the link to the electronic supplementary material.

Supplementary material 1 (DOCX 49 kb)

Rights and permissions

Reprints and permissions

About this article

Check for updates. Verify currency and authenticity via CrossMark

Cite this article

Fungo, B., Buyinza, J., Sekatuba, J. et al. Forage biomass and soil aggregate carbon under fodder banks with contrasting management regimes. Agroforest Syst 94, 1023–1035 (2020). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10457-019-00473-6

Download citation

  • Received:

  • Accepted:

  • Published:

  • Issue Date:

  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10457-019-00473-6

Keywords

Search

Navigation