Microbial Population In Decompsing Legume Litter Of Differing Quality

Abstract

The influence of litter quality on microbial population during decomposition of fresh pruning of Acacia auriculiformis; Gliricidia sepium and Acacia mixed with Gliricidia (50 : 50) is reported. Acacia (soluble C, 46.6%; N, 3.9%; Phenolic, 2.3%) was rated as low quality litter while Gliricidia (soluble C, 45.2%; N, 4.8%; Phenolic, 2.3%) was rated as high quality litter. Acacia mixed with Gliricidia (50 : 50) had an initial phase of rapid decomposition followed by a second phase of comparatively lower decomposition rate. Acacia litter showed only a single phase of decomposition. Bacteria population increased linearly with nutrient content that was immobilized during decomposition, while fungal population varied more with litter type than with different phases of decomposition. Generally, the bacteria population isolated from Acacia-Gliricidia mixture was highest, followed by Gliricidia while it is lowest in Acacia, however more fungal population were isolated from Acacia litter than Gliricidia litter in all the phases of decomposition.