Soil Fertility Improvement through the Influence of Organic Mulch: Comparative Assessment of Leafy Biomass from Selected Tree Species in Sudan Savannah
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.70882/josrar.2026.v3i4.238Keywords:
Organic Mulch, Soil Fertility Improvement, Leafy Biomass, Tree SpeciesAbstract
Continuous cropping, erosion, and low organic matter cause declining soil fertility and reducing crop productivity. Farmers possess inadequate access to inorganic fertilizers, while tree leafy biomass remains underutilized as mulch despite its potential to recycle nutrients and improve soil structure. This study, therefore evaluates and compares the effect of organic mulch from selected tree species in sudan savannah. A split-plot design was conducted in a forest nursery using leafy biomass mulch from Azadirachta indica, Tamarindus indica, Parkia biglobosa, and Moringa oleifera. A 10 × 10 m area was divided into 20 micro-plots of 1.5 m × 1.5 m, with 0.25 m buffers. Five treatments including control were replicated four times. Mature leaves were applied at 5 t ha⁻¹. Surface soil (0–15 cm) was sampled at 4 and 8 weeks after application. Soil pH, organic carbon, total nitrogen, and exchangeable Ca, Mg, and K were analyzed using standard laboratory procedures. Data were subjected to two-way ANOVA and means separated with Least Significant Differences at p < 0.05. All mulches maintained a stable, slightly basic soil pH (7.9–8.47), favorable for crop and microbial activity. Parkia biglobosa mulch produced the highest soil organic carbon (3.13%), total nitrogen (0.29%), and magnesium, significantly improving soil fertility. Neem gave the highest available phosphorus, while Moringa provided the highest calcium and potassium levels. Tamarindus indica showed the lowest contributions to organic carbon and nitrogen. P. biglobosa and A. indica were most effective for enhancing soil fertility, with species-specific nutrient benefits supporting targeted mulch selection based on soil deficiencies. Tree leaf mulches from Parkia, neem and Moringa significantly enhanced soil fertility in the Sudan Savannah. Parkia was most effective, boosting organic carbon, nitrogen, and magnesium. A. indica enriched phosphorus while offering pest control, and Moringa increased calcium and potassium. Promote P. biglobosa for general soil improvement, adopt species-specific mulching, and integrate tree mulches into sustainable land management to reduce chemical fertilizer dependence
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