Organic Matter Decomposition and Nutrient Release from Different Dhaincha (Sesbania spp.) Genotypes

Purpose: An experiment was conducted at Field Laboratory of the Department of Crop Botany, Bangladesh Agricultural University during April to July 2018 to compare the biomass yield potential, decomposition and nutrients release pattern of different dhaincha genotypes.

Research Method: Six dhaincha accessions from three Sesbania species, viz. S. bispinosa (accession #05, 71, 77 and 109), S. cannabina (accession #28) and S. sesbsan (accession #81), were used as experimental materials. Dhaincha was cultivated with standard cultivation procedure following a randomized complete block design with three replications and incorporated with soil at 60 days after sowing.

Findings: There are wide variations in biomass yield, crude fi bre and crude protein among the accessions. The amount of crude fibre may be used as a descriptor of taxonomic importance. Accession #28 (S. cannabina) produced a significantly higher amount of crude fibre compared to other accessions. Soil organic matter (SOM) and nutrient elements availability increased with the period of time and reached to a peak at 50 days after biomass incorporation (DAI) except K and S. The highest amount of SOM and N was recorded in accession #71 and the lowest in accession #81. The maximum amount of phosphorus and potassium was added by accession #05 and the minimum phosphorus and potassium by accession #28 and #81, respectively. The greatest amount of sulfur showed 5.25 ppm in accession #05 at 20 DAI and the smallest value 2.22 ppm in accession #28 at 60 DAI.

Originality: It is evident from results that accession #71 can be recommended for cultivation in the farmer’s field for higher biomass yield and the maximum amount of nutrients release.