Aboveground Biomass Production of Different Agroforestry Hedgerow Species Under La Trinidad, Benguet Condition
BIBLIOGRAPHY
ALLATIW, AGUSTA A. APRIL 2009. Aboveground Biomass Production of
Different Agroforestry Hedgerow Species Under La Trinidad, Benguet Condition.
Benguet State University, La Trinidad, Benguet.
Adviser: Christopher P. Deponio, BS
ABSTRACT
The aboveground biomass yield of saplings of four different agroforestry species
were obtained at the Benguet State University –Institute of Highland Farming Systems
and Agroforestry, Bektey, Puguis, La Trinidad, Benguet from September 2002 to
February 2003.
Calliandra (Calliandra calothyrsus Meissn.), Ipil-ipil [Leucaena leucocephala
(Lam.) de Wit (MIM)], Alnus [Alnus maritima (Marsh.) Muhl. ex Nutt.] and Flemingia
[Flemingia macrophylla (Willd.) Merr.] were evaluated for growth characteristics and
their nitrogen, phosphorous and potassium contents in tissue samples. Likewise, their
influences on the soil pH, soil organic matter, nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium
contents were also gathered.
Results revealed that Calliandra exhibited better performance over the other
agroforestry woody species used in the study. It grew faster, produced the biggest and
longest lateral shoots and yielded the highest fresh weight, oven dry weight and total
aboveground plant biomass than all the other species although it produced the least
number of laterals. On the other hand, Flemingia did not significantly differ with
Calliandra in terms of the number of laterals, average base diameter of laterals, fresh
weight, oven dry weight and aboveground plant biomass yield.
Meanwhile, Ipil-ipil produced the most number, albeit thinnest and shortest
laterals but yielded the least fresh weight, oven dry weight and aboveground plant
biomass. Finally, Alnus performed comparably to Ipil-ipil in terms of the number, length
and base diameter of laterals, fresh weight, oven dry weight and aboveground plant
biomass yield.
Plant tissue analysis showed that Alnus yielded significantly higher nitrogen,
phosphorus and potassium content while Calliandra had the lowest nitrogen and
potassium content at five months after clipping. On the other hand, Flemingia tissues
yielded the lowest phosphorous.
Most of the Agroforestry species studied caused increase in soil acidity
(decrease in pH) except Calliandra, resulting to significant differences in final soil pH.
Soil nitrogen decreased in all species, most especially in Ipil-ipil. Soil phosphorus content
was significantly higher in Calliandra and Ipil-ipil but was lowest in Alnus. Meanwhile,
soil potassium content decreased in all species used, with the greatest decrease observed
in Flemingia. Finally, soil organic matter increased in Alnus but decreased in all other
species.
ii
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Page
Bibliography
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . i
Abstract
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . i
Table of Contents
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . iii
INTRODUCTION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1
REVIEW OF LITERATURE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
MATERIALS AND METHODS
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
RESULTS AND DISCUSSION
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
Average Monthly Growth Rate
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
Number of Lateral Shoots Produced . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
Average Base Diameter of Laterals . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
Fresh Weight
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
Oven-dry Weight
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
Aboveground Biomass Yield of Plants
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
Nitrogen Content of the Test Plants . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18
Phosphorous Content of the Test Plants
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19
Potassium Content of the Test Plants . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19
Soil pH Before and After the Study . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20
Organic Matter Content of the Soil
Before and After the Study . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22
Nitrogen Content of Soil Before and
After the Conduct of the Study
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23
iii
Page
Phosphorous Content of Soil Before and
After the Conduct of the Study
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25
Potassium Content of Soil Before and
After the Conduct of the Study
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26
Climatic Conditions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27
SUMMARY, CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATION
. . . . . 29
LITERATURE CITED
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32
iv
INTRODUCTION
Our planet’s life is nature’s storehouse of solar energy and chemical resources.
Whether cultivated by man or growing wild, plant matter represents a massive quantity of
a renewable resource that we call biomass. The term biomass refers to all the earth’s
vegetation and many products and co-products that come from it. Biomass is the oldest
known source of renewable energy – humans have been using it since we discovered life
– and it has high energy content. Biomass contains energy that has been stored through
photosynthesis. Energy derived from biomass does not have the negative environmental
impact associated with non-renewable energy sources (Anonymous, 2001).
According to the International Center for Research and Agroforestry (ICRAFT)
(1997), biomass is defined in Agroforestry as the quantity of biological matter present in
a unit area; maybe total or often only above ground. It further stated that biomass may be
separated into plant and animal mass or further divided into mass of standing crop or the
portion of a stand and then unto foliage, branch, stem, flowers and so on.
Consequently, though is being given to extending the use of biomass so that every
part of the harvestable portions of the plant can be utilized. The underlying assumption is
that high biomass yields will make a greater contribution towards securing our energy
supplies and t his will result in a larger amount of value added (Kleinhanss, 1991).
Biomass for energy use, according to the time and method of harvest and
economy, includes roots, tubers, stems or branches, leaves, fruits and seeds or even whole
plants. Those parts are used preferentially, however, which have a high energy density, in
order to achieve high yields (El Bassam, 1995).
Aboveground Biomass Production of Different Agroforestry Hedgerow Species
Under La Trinidad, Benguet Condition / Agusta A. Al atiw. 2009
2
Agroforestry is defined by AICRAFT (1997) as a land-use system which involves
integration of crops, agricultural crops and/ or animals, socially and economically, in
same unit of land either in sequential or spatial arrangement. It further stated that certain
crop combinations may produce differently in terms of yield, growth performance, etc. in
different locations. This may be because of different factors present in certain area. It also
emphasized that biomass production of certain crop also varies because it is affected by
location, kind of crop and other environmental factors.
Results of the study will serve as baseline data on aboveground biomass
production for selected Agroforestry woody species used as hedgerows for future
reference. It may also serve as a guide in designing Agroforestry farms, particularly in
terms of farm productivity, either economically or ecologically. Furthermore, results of
the study can impart information to guide farmers to take into consideration proper
integration of crops in designing their Agroforestry farming system and enhancement of
their indigenous knowledge.
In general, the objective of the study was to evaluate the aboveground biomass
production of selected Agroforestry woody hedgerow species under La Trinidad, Benguet
condition. Specifically, the study aimed to 1) establish baseline date on the quantity of
aboveground biomass production of different Agroforestry woody hedgerow species; 2)
compare the growth rate and quantity of aboveground biomass production of different
Agroforestry woody hedgerow species under La Trinidad, Benguet condition; and 3)
determine the effect of the different Agroforestry woody hedgerow species on NPK
content, OM, and pH of soil.
Aboveground Biomass Production of Different Agroforestry Hedgerow Species
Under La Trinidad, Benguet Condition / Agusta A. Al atiw. 2009
3
The study was conducted at the Benguet State University Institute of Highland
Farming Systems and Agroforestry, Bektey, Puguis, La Trinidad, Benguet from
September 2002 to February 2003.
Aboveground Biomass Production of Different Agroforestry Hedgerow Species
Under La Trinidad, Benguet Condition / Agusta A. Al atiw. 2009
REVIEW OF LITERATURE
Renewable energy sources offer the possibility to ensure energy supply in the
future. Biomass, among all renewable energy sources, has the highest potential for
substitution of fossil fuel in various regions of the world. Advanced technology in
bioenergy would facilitate decentralized rural electrification and thereby promote rural
development (El Bassam, 1999).
Eculin studies of El Bassam (1995) found that energy plants are understood to
mean those annual and perennial varieties which can be cultivated to produce solid or
liquid energy sources.
Wood-fed power plants are as old as electricity. Wood used to be an important
energy source for the generation of electricity and eventually became a relatively scarce
and expensive fuel so its use declined. Today, energy economics found wood to be
attractive again (Denton, 1984).
For every hectare of land, the Philippines receives about 2 million kWh of energy
per year from the sun. The total electrical energy generated in the Philippines during
1980 was about 18,000 kWh. Consequently, the sunlight falling on about 1,000 ha of
land each year is equivalent to the total electricity generation of the nation. The sun’s
falling on only 3,000 – 4,000 ha of land is equivalent to our total commercial energy
consumption in 1980. That is, there is an enormous potential source of indigenous power
from sunlight (Denton, 1984).
Many plants contain hydrocarbons that are similar in composition to petroleum
products. These occur in crude form in leaves, trunks, bark, seeds and sap of plants. In
the Philippines, 44 potential energy plants have been identified by the National Science
Aboveground Biomass Production of Different Agroforestry Hedgerow Species
Under La Trinidad, Benguet Condition / Agusta A. Al atiw. 2009
5
and Technology Authority in 1982 that show promise as fuel sources and deemed fit for
mass cultivation, both in lowlands and uplands (Quinones and Bravo, 1996).
Farms with trees have higher levels of available micronutrients such as nitrogen,
potassium and calcium but with lower levels of phosphorous than farms without trees.
Available amounts of micronutrients such as boron, molybdenum, and manganese are
higher on farms with trees (Cadelina, 1987).
The pH of the soil is another factor that affects the growth of plants. It is
important because it affects the solubility of plant food and microbial activities in the soil
(Sangatanan et al., 1995).
The pH of the soil correlated significantly with the Ca content of the lead litter.
The content of organic matter and exchangeable cations differed significantly between
the various trees species and compared with the control using grass vegetation (El
Bassam, 1999).
According to the World Health Organization as cited by Quinones and Bravo
(1996), in the long run, the soaring demand for the fuel made it more expensive. The
increase in its use aggravated pollution problems since exhaust from diesel-run engines
were denser compared to gasoline in terms of sulfur dioxide, nitrogen oxides, carbon
monoxide, and total suspended particulates.
Forest biomass refers to all aboveground plant materials. It can include small or
dead trees, shrubs and the tops, foliage or limbs or large commercial valuable trees.
Because these materials are typically left on the forest floor to decompose, biomass
harvesting represents a broadening of forest materials that can be used. Operationally,
biomass harvesting is equivalent to whole-tree (Nakamura, 1996).
Aboveground Biomass Production of Different Agroforestry Hedgerow Species
Under La Trinidad, Benguet Condition / Agusta A. Al atiw. 2009
MATERIALS AND METHODS
The study was conducted at the BSU-Institute of Highland Farming Systems and
Agroforestry, Bektey, Puguis, La Trinidad, Benguet. The area measured approximately
150 m2 and with existing terraces planted to Arabica coffee trees. Guava and banana,
including some indigenous plant species were also present in the immediate surroundings
of the study area. The specimens were planted as hedgerows along the terrace edges. The
area has an average slope of 32º or 71%, facing east with an elevation of approximately
1,380 meters above sea level. Figure 1, 2 and 3 show the study area before clearing, after
clearing, and before planting, respectively.
Saplings of four different agroforestry hedgerow species namely; Calliandra
(Calliandra calothyrsus Meissn.), Ipil-ipil [Leucaena leucocephala (Lam.) de Wit
(MIM)], Alnus [Alnus maritima (Marsh.) Muhl. ex Nutt.] and Flemingia [Flemingia
macrophylla (Willd.) Merr.], were used in the study. The seedlings were procured from
the Benguet State University College of Forestry nursery, while those not available were
obtained from the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR-CAR)
nursery, Pacdal, Baguio City.
Four of the species namely: Calliandra calothyrsus, Leucaena leucocephala (Ipil-
ipil), and Flemingia macrophylla were seven months old while Alnus maritima was 11
months old at the time of planting.
Initially, saplings of Sesbania [Sesbania sesban(L.) Pers.] were included in the
study but were excluded later due to very high mortality.
Aboveground Biomass Production of Different Agroforestry Hedgerow Species
Under La Trinidad, Benguet Condition / Agusta A. Al atiw. 2009
8
Figure 1. Experiment area before clearing
Figure 2. Experiment area after clearing and before planting
Figure 3. Experiment area with hills/holes ready for planting
Aboveground Biomass Production of Different Agroforestry Hedgerow Species
Under La Trinidad, Benguet Condition / Agusta A. Al atiw. 2009
9
The saplings were planted as hedgerows at dense planting (20 cm distance) arranged in a
Randomized Complete Block (RCB) Design, replicated three times. The treatments were as
follows:
T1
-
Calliandra (Calliandra calothyrsus Meissn.)
T2
-
Ipil-ipil [Leucaena leucocephala (Lam.) de Wit (MIM)],
T3
-
Alnus [Alnus maritima (Marsh.) Muhl. ex Nutt.]
T4
-
Flemingia [Flemingia macrophylla (Willd.) Merr.]
The hedgerows were clipped (the stem was cut) at 20 cm aboveground one month
after planting. Figure 4, 5 and 6 show the plants before and after clipping, respectively.
A one cubic meter (1m3) bottomless box frame was positioned at level with the cut to
accommodate growth after cutting. Growth data were gathered on a monthly basis for
five months.
Figure 4. Plants (indicated by arrows) before clipping at 20 cm above
soil level
Aboveground Biomass Production of Different Agroforestry Hedgerow Species
Under La Trinidad, Benguet Condition / Agusta A. Al atiw. 2009
10
Figure 5. Fresh plant samples ready for biomass analysis
Figure 6. Soil samples taken after the study for laboratory analysis
Data Gathered:
A. Growth
1. Number of lateral shoots produced. Five sample plants were taken per species
per replication and the number of shoots produced was counted.
2. Growth rate (cm). This was measured every month from the base of five
sample shoots taken at random per species per replication.
Aboveground Biomass Production of Different Agroforestry Hedgerow Species
Under La Trinidad, Benguet Condition / Agusta A. Al atiw. 2009
11
3. Average base diameter of laterals (cm). This was measured using a vernier
caliper at the end of the study from five sample shoots taken at random per species per
replication.
4. Fresh weight (g). The growth accommodated in the box was cut, gathered and
weighed using beam balance. It was taken from five sample plants per species. This was
gathered at the end of the study.
5. Oven dry weight (g). After taking the fresh weight, the plant parts gathered
were oven-dried and subsequently weighed. It was done per sample per species.
Biomass was computed as follows:
Biomass = Fresh Weight (FW) – Oven Dry Weight (ODW) x 100
Fresh Weight (FW)
6. NPK content. Separate tissue analysis was done for NPK content. This was
obtained from plant parts gathered at the end of the study.
B. Soil Analysis
Soil analysis was done at the Soil Science Laboratory, Department of Soil
Science, College of Agriculture.
1. Soil pH. The soil pH where the respective species were planted was obtained
through analysis of soil samples taken before and after the study.
2. Organic matter content. This was obtained through analysis from soil samples
obtained from the respective area where each of the species was planted taken before and
after the study.
3. NPK content. It was obtained through analysis and a quantitative test. The
tests were done on soil samples taken before and after the study.
Aboveground Biomass Production of Different Agroforestry Hedgerow Species
Under La Trinidad, Benguet Condition / Agusta A. Al atiw. 2009
12
C. Local Meteorological Data
Local meteorological data was obtained at the BSU PAG-ASA station in Balili,
La Trinidad, Benguet.
1. Average monthly temperature. The average monthly temperature of La
Trinidad, Benguet was obtained. The data covered only the study period.
2. Average monthly rainfall. The average monthly rainfall of La Trinidad,
Benguet was obtained. The data covered only the study period.
3. Relative humidity. Relative humidity data in La Trinidad covering the
duration of the study was obtained
4. Sunshine hours. Sunshine hours were obtained directly from the area by
recording the exact time when the sunshine struck the area up to the time sunlight
disappeared or when the area was no longer exposed to sunlight.
Aboveground Biomass Production of Different Agroforestry Hedgerow Species
Under La Trinidad, Benguet Condition / Agusta A. Al atiw. 2009
RESULTS AND DISCUSSION
Growth Parameters
Average Shoot Length
Average shoot length measured after six months is shown in Table 1. Almost all
of the plants recorded high growth increments during third and fourth month (November
and December, respectively) after planting as shown in Figure 7. Growth drastically
slowed towards dry season as the amount of available water decreased. Statistical
analysis showed significant differences among the treatments especially on Calliandra.
The other woody perennials used did not significantly differ from each other. Calliandra
produced the longest shoots (108.2 cm), followed by Flemingia (98.6 cm) and Alnus
(53.6 cm) while Leucaena (ipil-ipil) had the lowest shoot length with 43.5 cm., except
Sesbania where most of the test plants died on the second to third months after clipping.
Figure 7 shows the comparative monthly shoot growth of the hedgerow species
for five months. Calliandra and Flemingia exhibited almost similar growth curves while
ipil-ipil (Leucaena) had an almost flat growth rate. Growth of all species declined in the
fifth month.
Table 1. Average shoot length at six months
TREATMENT
LENGTH (cm)
Calliandra
108.2 b
Ipil-ipil
43.5 a
Alnus
53.6 a
Flemingia
98.6 a
*Means with a common letter are not significantly different at 5% DMRT.
Aboveground Biomass Production of Different Agroforestry Hedgerow Species
Under La Trinidad, Benguet Condition / Agusta A. Al atiw. 2009
14
Calliandra
Ipil-Ipil
Alnus
Flemingia
50
N
45
40
35
30
25
20
15
105
0
October
November
December
January
February
Figure 7. Average shoot growth (cm) per month of the different hedgerow species
Number of Lateral Shoots Produced
Table 2 shows the average number of lateral shoots produced five months after
clipping. Statistical analysis revealed highly significant differences among the treatments.
Ipil-ipil (Leucaena) produced the most number of laterals (23.0) while Alnus and
Flemingia produced 21.7 and 12.7 laterals, respectively. On the other hand, Calliandra
produced the fewest laterals with 11.7.
Table 2. Number of lateral shoots produced after clipping
TREATMENT
AVE. NO. OF LATERALS
Calliandra
11.7 c
Ipil-ipil
23.0 a
Alnus
21.7 b
Flemingia
12.7 c
*Means with a common letter are not significantly different at 5% DMRT.
Aboveground Biomass Production of Different Agroforestry Hedgerow Species
Under La Trinidad, Benguet Condition / Agusta A. Al atiw. 2009
15
Average Base Diameter
The average base diameter of laterals from the five different agroforestry tree
species is shown in Table 3. Statistical analysis showed no significant differences among
the treatments. However, Calliandra and Flemingia produced laterals with biggest
average base diameters of 1.5 cm and 1.11 cm, respectively. Laterals of ipil-ipil had
0.73cm while Alnus had 0.63cm average diameter at the base.
Fresh Weight
Table 4 shows the fresh weight of plants in grams. Significant differences among
treatments were revealed by statistical analysis. Calliandra accumulated the greatest
biomass with a mean of 249.80g, followed by Flemingia with 219.99 g, then by Alnus
with 46.13 grams. On the other hand, ipil-ipil produced only 34.70 g of fresh matter.
The growth of Alnus and Ipil-ipil was observed to be slow and not vigorous in the study
site
Table 3. Average base diameter of laterals
TREATMENT
DIAMETER
(cm)
Calliandra
1.50
Ipil-ipil
0.73
Alnus
0.63
Flemingia
1.11
*Means with a common letter are not significantly different at 5% DMRT.
.
Aboveground Biomass Production of Different Agroforestry Hedgerow Species
Under La Trinidad, Benguet Condition / Agusta A. Al atiw. 2009
16
Table 4. Fresh weight of plants
TREATMENT
WEIGHT
(g)
Calliandra
249.90 a
Ipil-ipil
34.70 c
Alnus
46.13 bc
Flemingia
219.93 ab
*Means with a common letter are not significantly different at 5% DMRT.
Oven Dry Weight (g)
Oven dry weight (ODW) of plant sample is shown in Table 5. Statistical analysis
showed significant differences among treatments. Calliandra recorded the highest ODW
of 108.679 g, followed by Flemingia with 100.67g, then by Alnus with 23.13g. Ipil-ipil
had the lowest ODW with 20.33 g.
Table 5. Oven-dry weight of plants
TREATMENT
WEIGHT
(g)
Calliandra
108.67 a
Ipil-ipil
20.33 c
Alnus
23.13 c
Flemingia
100.67 ab
*Means with a common letter are not significantly different at 5% DMRT.
Aboveground Biomass Production of Different Agroforestry Hedgerow Species
Under La Trinidad, Benguet Condition / Agusta A. Al atiw. 2009
17
Aboveground Biomass Yield
The computed aboveground biomass yield in grams of the different agroforestry
species is shown in Table 6. Statistical analysis revealed significant differences among
treatments. Calliandra yielded the most biomass with 56.5g, followed by Flemingia with
54.47g, then by Alnus with 49.97grams. Ipil-ipil yielded the least biomass with 43.0g.
Figure 8 shows the relationship between the fresh weight (FW), oven dry weight
(ODW) and computed biomass. Calliandra and Flemingia had very high fresh weight, but
that a large part of it was water that was removed by oven drying. Nevertheless, their
computed biomass yields were still higher than either Alnus or Ipil-ipil.
Table 6. Aboveground biomass
TREATMENT
WEIGHT
(g)
Calliandra
56.50 a
Ipil-ipil
43.00 b
Alnus
49.97 ab
Flemingia
54.47 a
*Means with a common letter are not significantly different at 5% DMRT.
Fresh wt.
Oven Dry wt.
Biomass
300
249.9
219.93
250
200
150
108.67
100.67
100
56.5
34.7
46.13
43
49.97
54.47
20.33
23.13
50
0
Calliandra
Ipil-ipil
Alnus
Flemingia
Figure 8. Comparative fresh weight, oven dry weight and biomass of plants (g)
Aboveground Biomass Production of Different Agroforestry Hedgerow Species
Under La Trinidad, Benguet Condition / Agusta A. Al atiw. 2009
18
Table 7. Nitrogen content of the plants
N
TREATMENT
(%)
Calliandra
3.05 a
Ipil-ipil
3.30 a
Alnus
19.30 b
Flemingia
3.60 ab
*Means with a common letter are not significantly different at 5% DMRT.
Nitrogen Content of Plants
Table 7 presents the nitrogen content of tissue samples from the four agroforestry
species studied. Statistical analysis revealed highly significant differences in the nitrogen
content of the plants. Alnus had the highest nitrogen content of 4.40%, followed by
Flemingia (3.60%) and Ipil-ipil (3.30%). Calliandra had the lowest nitrogen content of
3.03%, comparable to ipil-ipil and Flemingia.
Phosphorus Content of the Plants
Table 8 shows the phosphorus content of plant. There were highly significant
differences among the treatments. It was found out that Alnus had the highest phosphorus
content of 19.3 ppm. On the other hand, Flemingia yielded the lowest phosphorous
content of 13.3 ppm. Calliandra and Ipil-ipil yielded statistically similar phosphorus
contents of 15.9 ppm and 15.6 ppm, respectively.
Aboveground Biomass Production of Different Agroforestry Hedgerow Species
Under La Trinidad, Benguet Condition / Agusta A. Al atiw. 2009
19
Table 8. Phosphorous content of the plants
TREATMENT
P
(ppm)
Calliandra
15.9 b
Ipil-ipil
15.6 b
Alnus
19.3 a
Flemingia
13.3 c
*Means with a common letter are not significantly different at 5% DMRT.
Potassium Content of Plants
Potassium content of plants is shown in Table 9. There were significant
differences observed among the treatments. Alnus had the highest potassium content of
24.8%. On the other hand, Calliandra had the lowest potassium content of 11.9%.
Meanwhile, Ipil-ipil and Flemingia
A summary of the nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium contents of the
agroforestry tree species after five months is shown in Figure 9.
Table 9. Potassium content of the plants
TREATMENT
K
(%)
Calliandra
11.9 c
Ipil-ipil
16.8 b
Alnus
24.8 a
Flemingia
13.9 bc
*Means with a common letter are not significantly different at 5% DMRT.
Aboveground Biomass Production of Different Agroforestry Hedgerow Species
Under La Trinidad, Benguet Condition / Agusta A. Al atiw. 2009
20
Nitrogen (%)
Phosphorus (ppm)
Potassium (%)
24.8
25
20
19.3
16.8
15.9
15.6
13.9
15
13.3
11.9
10
5
3.05
3.3
4.4
3.6
0
Calliandra
Ipil-ipil
Alnus
Flemingia
Figure 9. N, P, and K content of the four Agroforestry species.
Figure 9 shows the nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium contents of plant tissue
samples taken from the test plants. Alnus yielded the highest nitrogen, phosphorus and
potassium among the treatment plants with 4.4 %, 13.3 ppm and 13.9%, respectively. On
the other hand, Calliandra yielded the lowest nitrogen and potassium contents of 3.05%
and 11.9%, respectively. Flemingia recorded the lowest phosphorus content of 13.3 ppm.
Soil Analysis
Soil pH Before and After the Study
The pH of soil before and after the study is shown in table 10 and Figure 4. The
pH of the soil was observed to range from strongly acidic to medium acidic before the
study with slight changes after the study. Nevertheless, Calliandra significantly differed
from that of alnus by increasing soil pH from 4.79 (very strong acid) to 5.90 (medium
strong acid). On the other hand, Ipil-ipil increased soil acidity from 4.96 to 4.75 while
Flemingia reduced soil acidity from 4.77 to 4.94
Aboveground Biomass Production of Different Agroforestry Hedgerow Species
Under La Trinidad, Benguet Condition / Agusta A. Al atiw. 2009
21
Table 10. Soil pH
TREATMENT
pH OF SOIL
BEFORE
AFTER
Calliandra
4.79 (very strong acid)
5.90a (medium strong acid)
Ipil-ipil
4.96 (very strong acid)
4.75 ab (very strong acid)
Alnus
4.72 (very strong acid)
4.64 b (very strong acid)
Flemingia
4.77 (very strong acid)
4.94 ab (very strong acid)
*Means with a common letter are not significantly different at 5% DMRT.
According to Ranst Van as cited by Faroden (1997), the amount of acidity which
maybe present in tropical soils strongly depends on the stage of evolution and subsequent
mineralogy. The processes necessary to develop acidity are: accumulation of organic
matter, breakdown of primary minerals and leaching of soluble constituents.
Figure 10 shows the change in soil pH after the study. Calliandra and Flemingia
caused increase in soil pH by values of 1.11 and 0.17, respectively. On the other hand,
Ipil-ipil lowered the soil pH by -0.21, followed by Alnus (-0.08).
1.2
1.11
1
0.8
0.6
Calliandra
0.4
Ipil-ipil
0.17
0.2
Alnus
0
Flemingia
-0.2
-0.08
-0.21
-0.4
Change in soil pH
Figure 10. Change in soil pH after the study
Aboveground Biomass Production of Different Agroforestry Hedgerow Species
Under La Trinidad, Benguet Condition / Agusta A. Al atiw. 2009
22
Organic Matter Content of the Soil
Before and After the Study
Organic matter content of soil before and after the study is presented in Table 11.
Results show that there were significant differences among treatments with respect to the
OM content before the study. Organic matter content of soil before planting was highest
in the area planted to ipil-ipil (2.02 ppm) and lowest in Flemingia (1.35 ppm).
OM content after the study showed that the area planted to Alnus had the highest
OM content (2.03 ppm) while that of ipil-ipil had the least OM content (0.76 ppm). Areas
planted to Flemingia and Calliandra recorded 1.10 and 0.90 ppm OM content after the
study, respectively. Statistical analysis revealed highly significant differences among the
treatments in the final OM content of the soil.
Changes in the Organic matter content of soil after the study are reflected in
Figure 11. This would indicate that the growing saplings affected the OM content of soil.
Soil planted with Ipil-ipil, Calliandra and Flemingia showed decrease in organic matter
content by negative values of 1.26, 1.03 and 0.25 ppm, respectively. On the other hand,
soil planted with Alnus showed an increase in OM content by 0.25 ppm.
Table 11. Organic matter content of soil before and after the study
TREATMENT
BEFORE
AFTER
(ppm)
(ppm)
Calliandra
1.93 a
0.90b
Ipil-ipil
2.02 a
0.76b
Alnus
1.78 a
2.03a
Flemingia
1.35 b
1.10b
Aboveground Biomass Production of Different Agroforestry Hedgerow Species
Under La Trinidad, Benguet Condition / Agusta A. Al atiw. 2009
23
*Means with a common letter are not significantly different at 5% DMRT.
0.4
0.2
0.25
0
-0.2
-0.25
Calliandra
-0.4
Ipil-ipil
-0.6
-0.8
-1.03
Alnus
-1
-1.26
Flemingia
-1.2
-1.4
Change in Soil OM Content
Figure 11. Changes in the organic matter content of soil (ppm)
Nitrogen Content of Soil Before and After the Study
Nitrogen content of soil before and after the study is shown in Table 12.
Statistical analysis revealed significant differences among the treatments in the soil
nitrogen content of the soil before the study. Soil N-content was highest in Calliandra and
Ipil-ipil (both 0.10 ppm), but was lowest in Flemingia (0.07 ppm) before the study.
After the study, soil planted with Ipil-ipil turned out to contain the least Nitrogen
with 0.040 ppm. On the other hand, Calliandra and Flemingia recorded soil N contents of
0.047 and 0.057 ppm, respectively. Alnus had the highest soil N content of 0.070 ppm.
However, statistical analysis revealed no significant differences in the soil N content of
the treatments.
Results show the depletion of soil Nitrogen at the early growth stage of trees.
According to McCollum (1985) as cited by Codiamat (1996), nitrogen builds up the
vegetative growth of the plants producing large green leaves and also it is necessary for
filling out. Nitrogen in soil naturally depleted at early stage of growth for production of
leaves and other parts.
Aboveground Biomass Production of Different Agroforestry Hedgerow Species
Under La Trinidad, Benguet Condition / Agusta A. Al atiw. 2009
24
Table 12. Nitrogen content of soil
TREATMENT
BEFORE
AFTER
(ppm)
(ppm)
Calliandra
0.10 a
0.047
Ipil-ipil
0.10 a
0.040
Alnus
0.09 a
0.070
Flemingia
0.07 b
0.057
*Means with a common letter are not significantly different at 5% DMRT.
Figure 12 shows the changes in nitrogen content of the soil after the study
indicating that indeed, the plants absorbed and used nitrogen from the soil for their
growth. Ipil-ipil and Calliandra caused the decrease in soil N by 0.06 and 0.053 ppm,
respectively. This means that they used up the most N. On the other hand, Alnus and
Flemingia reduced soil N by only 0.01 and 0.013 ppm, respectively.
0
-0.01 -0.013
-0.01
-0.02
Calliandra
-0.03
Ipil-ipil
Alnus
-0.04
Flemingia
-0.05
-0.053
-0.06
-0.06
Changes in Soil N- Content
Figure 12. Reduction in Nitrogen content of soil (ppm)
Aboveground Biomass Production of Different Agroforestry Hedgerow Species
Under La Trinidad, Benguet Condition / Agusta A. Al atiw. 2009
25
Phosphorus Content of Soil
Before and After the Study
Phosphorus content of soil before and after the study is presented in Table 13.
There were no significant differences among the treatment before the study. However,
after the study, highly significant differences were observed among the treatments with
respect to the soil phosphorus content. Soil with Alnus recorded the lowest phosphorus
content of 6.72 ppm, followed by Flemingia with 13.66 ppm. On the other hand, soil with
Calliandra and Ipil-ipil recorded the highest phosphorus content of 26.55 and 20.17 ppm,
respectively.
Figure 13 shows the changes in the soil phosphorus content after the study. Alnus
caused a decrease in the phosphorus content of the soil by 2.59 ppm. On the other hand,
Flemingia, Ipil-ipil and Calliandra caused increase in soil phosphorus content by 5.73,
8.79 and 17.93, respectively.
Table 13. Phosphorus content of soil
TREATMENT
BEFORE
AFTER
(ppm)
(ppm)
Calliandra
8.62a
26.55 a
Ipil-ipil
11.38 a
20.17 ab
Alnus
9.31 a
6.72 c
Flemingia
7.93 a
13.66 b
*Means with a common letter are not significantly different at 5% DMRT.
Aboveground Biomass Production of Different Agroforestry Hedgerow Species
Under La Trinidad, Benguet Condition / Agusta A. Al atiw. 2009
26
20
17.93
15
8.79
10
Calliandra
5.73
Ipil-ipil
5
Alnus
-2.59
Flemingia
0 -
5
Changes in Soil P- Content
Figure 13. Changes in soil Phosphorus content (ppm)
Potassium Content of the Soil
Before and After the Study
Table 14 shows the potassium content of the soil before and after the study. All
of the species caused a decrease in potassium content of soil after the study. Significant
differences were obtained among the treatments in terms of potassium content of soil
after the study. Soil planted with Alnus recorded the highest final potassium content of
3.0 ppm, followed by Ipil-ipil with 2.5 ppm, and Calliandra with 1.8 ppm. Soil planted
with Flemingia recorded the lowest potassium content with 1.7 ppm.
Table 14. Potassium content of soil
TREATMENT
BEFORE
AFTER
(ppm)
(ppm)
Calliandra
2.9
1.8 b
Ipil-ipil
2.8
2.5 ab
Alnus
3.3
3.0 a
Flemingia
3.3
1.67 c
Aboveground Biomass Production of Different Agroforestry Hedgerow Species
Under La Trinidad, Benguet Condition / Agusta A. Al atiw. 2009
27
*Means with a common letter are not significantly different at 5% DMRT.
0
-0.2
-0.3
-0.3
-0.4
-0.6
Calliandra
-0.8
Ipil-ipil
-1
-1.1
Alnus
-1.2
Flemingia
-1.4
-1.6
-1.6
Changes in Soil K- Content
Figure 14. Changes in Potassium content of soil (ppm)
According to Balantan (2002) the K-uptake was correlated with the plant height
and harvesting stage, corroborating the findings of this study (see Table 6). Figure 8
shows the changes in the soil potassium content before and after the study, indicating that
potassium was absorbed by the plants at varying amounts.
In figure 14, it can be seen that Flemingia caused greatest depletion of potassium
in the soil by 1.6 ppm, (from 3.3 to 1.7 ppm) followed by Calliandra, which caused 1.1
ppm reduction in potassium content of the soil (from 2.9 to 1.8ppm). Finally, Ipil-ipil
and Alnus caused only 0.3 ppm reduction in the soil potassium content, the lowest among
the treatments.
Climatic Conditions
Mean monthly temperature, relative humidity, rainfall and total bright sunshine
during the conduct of the study are shown in Table 15. Minimum temperature ranged
from 11.2 to 16.4ºC while maximum temperature ranged from 23.1 to 25.6ºC. Maximum
temperature was highest during the month of September and minimum temperature was
Aboveground Biomass Production of Different Agroforestry Hedgerow Species
Under La Trinidad, Benguet Condition / Agusta A. Al atiw. 2009
600
FW
500
ODW
400
B
300
200
100
0
1
28
lowest at the month of November.
Table 15. Temperature, relative humidity, rainfall and total bright sunshine
MONTH
TEMPERATURE
RELATIVE
RAINFALL/ TOTAL BRIGHT
HUMIDITY
MONTH
SUNSHINE
Min (ºC) Max (ºC)
(%)
(mm)
(hr)
September
15.9
25.6
93.1
7.50
4.98
October
15.9
24.3
91.7
0.57
5.73
November
14.8
23.1
87.5
2.38
5.58
December
14.4
24.5
90.3
0.00
6.81
January
11.2
23.5
88.8
0.00
5.62
February
12.6
24.0
88.3
0.89
6.91
Relative humidity ranged from 87.5 to 93.1%. Highest rainfall was observed
during the month of November. The longest duration of sunshine was recorded during
the month of February and the shortest duration of sunshine was observed during the
month of September.
The high mortality of Sesbania maybe due to the unfavorable climatic conditions
such as low rainfall during the study period, which did not satisfy the rainfall/water
requirement of above 1000 mm as cited in sesbania sesban tree (2001). Another probable
reason is that the conditions in the study area are closer to subtropical/semi-temperate
climate.
Aboveground Biomass Production of Different Agroforestry Hedgerow Species
Under La Trinidad, Benguet Condition / Agusta A. Al atiw. 2009
SUMMARY, CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATION
Different Agroforestry species were studied for aboveground biomass yield and
their effects on the soil pH, OM, nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium contents of soil
under La Trinidad condition. The study was conducted at the Benguet State University –
Institute of Highland Farming Systems and Agroforestry (BSU-IHFSA), Bektey, Puguis,
La Trinidad, Benguet from September 2002 to February 2003.
Of the species used in the study, Calliandra calothyrsus Meissn., Flemingia
macrophylla (Willd.) Merr., Alnus maritime (Marsh.) Muhl.ex Nutt. and Leucaena
leucocephala (Lam.) de Wit (MIM.) showed accelerated growth rate (Figure 1) during
the third to fourth months after planting. On the other hand, most of the Sesbania sesban
plants died around three months after planting or two to three months after clipping and
were subsequently excluded from the study results.
Calliandra produced the longest shoots (108.2 cm) but the least number of laterals
(11.7). In contrast, Ipil-ipil produced the most number of laterals (23), significantly more
than all the other species studied, but was the shortest (43.5 cm) and had smaller average
base diameter of laterals than either Calliandra or Flemingia. Alnus had the smallest
average base diameter of laterals (0.63 cm) but performed similarly with Ipil-ipil in terms
of number, shoot length, fresh and oven dry weight and aboveground biomass yield.
Flemingia and Calliandra produced the least number of laterals.
Calliandra had the highest fresh weight (0.63 g), oven dry weight (108.67 g) and
aboveground biomass yield (56.5g). Significant differences were observed in
aboveground biomass, which was highest in Calliandra (56.5 g) and lowest in Ipil-ipil
(43.0 g).
Aboveground Biomass Production of Different Agroforestry Hedgerow Species
Under La Trinidad, Benguet Condition / Agusta A. Al atiw. 2009
30
Plant tissue analysis showed that Alnus yielded significantly higher phosphorus
and potassium contents (19.3 ppm and 24.8%, respectively) but had comparable nitrogen
content with Flemingia. Calliandra tissues yielded the lowest nitrogen and potassium
contents (3.05 % and 13.3 %, respectively) at five months after clipping. Flemingia
tissues yielded the lowest phosphorous (13.3 ppm).
In terms of their effect on the soil, Calliandra caused increase in the soil pH
(+1.11), while all the other species caused a decrease in pH (increased soil acidity). There
were significant differences in soil pH after the study. On the other hand, soil organic
matter increased in Alnus (0.25 ppm) but decreased in all other species. Meanwhile, soil
nitrogen decreased in all species but was greatly pronounced in Ipil-ipil (-0.06 ppm). In
addition, soil phosphorus content decreased in Alnus but increased in the other species.
After the study, soil phosphorus content was significantly higher in Calliandra and Ipil-
ipil (+17.93 and 8.79 ppm, respectively) and lowest in Alnus (6.72 ppm). Soil potassium
content decreased in all species resulting to significantly different final soil K content.
The greatest decrease was observed in Flemingia (-1.6 ppm) while the least was observed
in Alnus and Ipil-ipil (both –0.03 ppm).
The highest rainfall and lowest relative humidity was recorded during the month
of November. The minimum temperature recorded this month was 14.8 ºC and the
maximum is 23.1 ºC. Total bright sunshine averaged 335.0 min per day
It was observed that powdery mildew was prevalent in Flemingia macrophylla
but did not affect the other test species. It was also observed that from three months after
planting and onwards, Flemingia leaves showed mildew, which may be due to climatic
factors such as the lack of sunlight and high moisture or humidity.
Aboveground Biomass Production of Different Agroforestry Hedgerow Species
Under La Trinidad, Benguet Condition / Agusta A. Al atiw. 2009
31
Clipping Sesbania 35 days after transplanting at 20 cm above the ground level is
not recommended. However, irrigation is recommended for early growth establishment
due to its shallow root system. Intensive care is further advised in growing Sesbania until
it fully adapts to the area where it was transferred.
Sesbania is also frost sensitive, it is not wind resistant, and its brittle branches
easily breaks. It is also observed to be susceptible to nematodes. It is best adapted to the
moist tropics with annual rainfall in excess of 1,000 mm and no more than a few months
dry season (Anonymous, 2001).
Finally, Calliandra and Flemingia are best for hedges/hedgerows because of high
aboveground biomass production at five months old. These two crops are also fast
growing, have big base diameter and better soil erosion prevention due to deep strong
roots as visually observed.
Aboveground Biomass Production of Different Agroforestry Hedgerow Species
Under La Trinidad, Benguet Condition / Agusta A. Al atiw. 2009
LITERATURE CITED
ANONYMOUS. 2001. Biomass production. Retrieved January 21, 2001 from.
hhtp//www.icraf.com.
ANONYMOUS. 2001. Sesbania Sesban Tree. Retrieved February 17, 2001 from
http://www.fao.org/ag/aga/agap/frg/AFRIS/Data/283.htm.
ANONYMOUS. 2001. Retrieved Februay 17, 2001. from
http://search.yahoo.com/bin/search?p=Sesbania+sesban..htm
BALANTAN, O.T. 2002. Potassium of chrysanthemum as affected by kinds and rates of
potassium fertilizers. BS Thesis. Benguet State University. La Trinidad,
Benguet. P. 27.
BRAVO, M. V. A. and QUINONES, N. C. 1996. Canopy International. Ecosystems
Research and Development Bureau, Department of Environment and Natural
Resources. 22:6 (4).
CADELINA, F. 1987. Agroforestry in the Humid Tropica. Southeast Asian Regional
Center for Graduate Study and Research in Agriculture (SEARCA), UPLB, Los
Baños, Laguna. P. 65.
CODIAMAT, J.F. 1996. Efficiency of chicken manure and urea as nitrogen source for
cabbage production. BS Thesis. Benguet State University. La Trinidad, Benguet.
P. 5.
DENTON, F. H. 1984. Leucaena Research and Review. Proc. National In-House
Review on Leucaena Research. October 5-7, PCARRD, Los Baños, Laguna. Pp.
60-63.
EL BASSAM, N. 1995. Natural Resources and Development. Institute for Scientific
Cooperation, Tubingan, Federal Republic of Germany. 51:39-56.
EL BASSAM, N. 1999. Natural Resources and Development. Institute for Scientific
Cooperation, Tubingan, Federal Republic of Germany. 51:39-56.
FARUDEN, J.C. 1997. Physico-chemical properties of surface soils under rice and
vegetable cultivation in Mankayan, Benguet. BS Thesis. Benguet State
University. La Trinidad, Benguet. P. 7.
INTERNATIONAL CENTER FOR RESEARCH IN AGROFORESTRY (ICRAF).
1977. Agroforestry Manual. Winrock International, Rockefeker Brothers Fund.
College, Laguna, Philippines.
Aboveground Biomass Production of Different Agroforestry Hedgerow Species
Under La Trinidad, Benguet Condition / Agusta A. Al atiw. 2009
33
KLEINHANSS, G. 1991. Natural Resources and Development. Institute for Scientific
Cooperation, Tubingan, Federal Republic of Germany. 33:15-21.
NAKAMURA, G. 1996. California Agriculture. Division and Agriculture and Natural
Resources, University of California. 50:2. Pp. 13-14.
SANGATANAN, P. D. and R. L. SANGATANAN. 1995. Soil Management. Rex Book
Store, Manila, Philippines. P. 56.
Aboveground Biomass Production of Different Agroforestry Hedgerow Species
Under La Trinidad, Benguet Condition / Agusta A. Al atiw. 2009
ALLATIW, AGUSTA A. APRIL 2009. Aboveground Biomass Production of
Different Agroforestry Hedgerow Species Under La Trinidad, Benguet Condition.
Benguet State University, La Trinidad, Benguet.
Adviser: Christopher P. Deponio, BS
ABSTRACT
The aboveground biomass yield of saplings of four different agroforestry species
were obtained at the Benguet State University –Institute of Highland Farming Systems
and Agroforestry, Bektey, Puguis, La Trinidad, Benguet from September 2002 to
February 2003.
Calliandra (Calliandra calothyrsus Meissn.), Ipil-ipil [Leucaena leucocephala
(Lam.) de Wit (MIM)], Alnus [Alnus maritima (Marsh.) Muhl. ex Nutt.] and Flemingia
[Flemingia macrophylla (Willd.) Merr.] were evaluated for growth characteristics and
their nitrogen, phosphorous and potassium contents in tissue samples. Likewise, their
influences on the soil pH, soil organic matter, nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium
contents were also gathered.
Results revealed that Calliandra exhibited better performance over the other
agroforestry woody species used in the study. It grew faster, produced the biggest and
longest lateral shoots and yielded the highest fresh weight, oven dry weight and total
aboveground plant biomass than all the other species although it produced the least
number of laterals. On the other hand, Flemingia did not significantly differ with
Calliandra in terms of the number of laterals, average base diameter of laterals, fresh
weight, oven dry weight and aboveground plant biomass yield.
Meanwhile, Ipil-ipil produced the most number, albeit thinnest and shortest
laterals but yielded the least fresh weight, oven dry weight and aboveground plant
biomass. Finally, Alnus performed comparably to Ipil-ipil in terms of the number, length
and base diameter of laterals, fresh weight, oven dry weight and aboveground plant
biomass yield.
Plant tissue analysis showed that Alnus yielded significantly higher nitrogen,
phosphorus and potassium content while Calliandra had the lowest nitrogen and
potassium content at five months after clipping. On the other hand, Flemingia tissues
yielded the lowest phosphorous.
Most of the Agroforestry species studied caused increase in soil acidity
(decrease in pH) except Calliandra, resulting to significant differences in final soil pH.
Soil nitrogen decreased in all species, most especially in Ipil-ipil. Soil phosphorus content
was significantly higher in Calliandra and Ipil-ipil but was lowest in Alnus. Meanwhile,
soil potassium content decreased in all species used, with the greatest decrease observed
in Flemingia. Finally, soil organic matter increased in Alnus but decreased in all other
species.
ii
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Page
Bibliography
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . i
Abstract
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . i
Table of Contents
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . iii
INTRODUCTION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1
REVIEW OF LITERATURE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
MATERIALS AND METHODS
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
RESULTS AND DISCUSSION
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
Average Monthly Growth Rate
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
Number of Lateral Shoots Produced . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
Average Base Diameter of Laterals . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
Fresh Weight
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
Oven-dry Weight
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
Aboveground Biomass Yield of Plants
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
Nitrogen Content of the Test Plants . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18
Phosphorous Content of the Test Plants
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19
Potassium Content of the Test Plants . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19
Soil pH Before and After the Study . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20
Organic Matter Content of the Soil
Before and After the Study . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22
Nitrogen Content of Soil Before and
After the Conduct of the Study
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23
iii
Page
Phosphorous Content of Soil Before and
After the Conduct of the Study
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25
Potassium Content of Soil Before and
After the Conduct of the Study
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26
Climatic Conditions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27
SUMMARY, CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATION
. . . . . 29
LITERATURE CITED
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32
iv
INTRODUCTION
Our planet’s life is nature’s storehouse of solar energy and chemical resources.
Whether cultivated by man or growing wild, plant matter represents a massive quantity of
a renewable resource that we call biomass. The term biomass refers to all the earth’s
vegetation and many products and co-products that come from it. Biomass is the oldest
known source of renewable energy – humans have been using it since we discovered life
– and it has high energy content. Biomass contains energy that has been stored through
photosynthesis. Energy derived from biomass does not have the negative environmental
impact associated with non-renewable energy sources (Anonymous, 2001).
According to the International Center for Research and Agroforestry (ICRAFT)
(1997), biomass is defined in Agroforestry as the quantity of biological matter present in
a unit area; maybe total or often only above ground. It further stated that biomass may be
separated into plant and animal mass or further divided into mass of standing crop or the
portion of a stand and then unto foliage, branch, stem, flowers and so on.
Consequently, though is being given to extending the use of biomass so that every
part of the harvestable portions of the plant can be utilized. The underlying assumption is
that high biomass yields will make a greater contribution towards securing our energy
supplies and t his will result in a larger amount of value added (Kleinhanss, 1991).
Biomass for energy use, according to the time and method of harvest and
economy, includes roots, tubers, stems or branches, leaves, fruits and seeds or even whole
plants. Those parts are used preferentially, however, which have a high energy density, in
order to achieve high yields (El Bassam, 1995).
Aboveground Biomass Production of Different Agroforestry Hedgerow Species
Under La Trinidad, Benguet Condition / Agusta A. Al atiw. 2009
2
Agroforestry is defined by AICRAFT (1997) as a land-use system which involves
integration of crops, agricultural crops and/ or animals, socially and economically, in
same unit of land either in sequential or spatial arrangement. It further stated that certain
crop combinations may produce differently in terms of yield, growth performance, etc. in
different locations. This may be because of different factors present in certain area. It also
emphasized that biomass production of certain crop also varies because it is affected by
location, kind of crop and other environmental factors.
Results of the study will serve as baseline data on aboveground biomass
production for selected Agroforestry woody species used as hedgerows for future
reference. It may also serve as a guide in designing Agroforestry farms, particularly in
terms of farm productivity, either economically or ecologically. Furthermore, results of
the study can impart information to guide farmers to take into consideration proper
integration of crops in designing their Agroforestry farming system and enhancement of
their indigenous knowledge.
In general, the objective of the study was to evaluate the aboveground biomass
production of selected Agroforestry woody hedgerow species under La Trinidad, Benguet
condition. Specifically, the study aimed to 1) establish baseline date on the quantity of
aboveground biomass production of different Agroforestry woody hedgerow species; 2)
compare the growth rate and quantity of aboveground biomass production of different
Agroforestry woody hedgerow species under La Trinidad, Benguet condition; and 3)
determine the effect of the different Agroforestry woody hedgerow species on NPK
content, OM, and pH of soil.
Aboveground Biomass Production of Different Agroforestry Hedgerow Species
Under La Trinidad, Benguet Condition / Agusta A. Al atiw. 2009
3
The study was conducted at the Benguet State University Institute of Highland
Farming Systems and Agroforestry, Bektey, Puguis, La Trinidad, Benguet from
September 2002 to February 2003.
Aboveground Biomass Production of Different Agroforestry Hedgerow Species
Under La Trinidad, Benguet Condition / Agusta A. Al atiw. 2009
REVIEW OF LITERATURE
Renewable energy sources offer the possibility to ensure energy supply in the
future. Biomass, among all renewable energy sources, has the highest potential for
substitution of fossil fuel in various regions of the world. Advanced technology in
bioenergy would facilitate decentralized rural electrification and thereby promote rural
development (El Bassam, 1999).
Eculin studies of El Bassam (1995) found that energy plants are understood to
mean those annual and perennial varieties which can be cultivated to produce solid or
liquid energy sources.
Wood-fed power plants are as old as electricity. Wood used to be an important
energy source for the generation of electricity and eventually became a relatively scarce
and expensive fuel so its use declined. Today, energy economics found wood to be
attractive again (Denton, 1984).
For every hectare of land, the Philippines receives about 2 million kWh of energy
per year from the sun. The total electrical energy generated in the Philippines during
1980 was about 18,000 kWh. Consequently, the sunlight falling on about 1,000 ha of
land each year is equivalent to the total electricity generation of the nation. The sun’s
falling on only 3,000 – 4,000 ha of land is equivalent to our total commercial energy
consumption in 1980. That is, there is an enormous potential source of indigenous power
from sunlight (Denton, 1984).
Many plants contain hydrocarbons that are similar in composition to petroleum
products. These occur in crude form in leaves, trunks, bark, seeds and sap of plants. In
the Philippines, 44 potential energy plants have been identified by the National Science
Aboveground Biomass Production of Different Agroforestry Hedgerow Species
Under La Trinidad, Benguet Condition / Agusta A. Al atiw. 2009
5
and Technology Authority in 1982 that show promise as fuel sources and deemed fit for
mass cultivation, both in lowlands and uplands (Quinones and Bravo, 1996).
Farms with trees have higher levels of available micronutrients such as nitrogen,
potassium and calcium but with lower levels of phosphorous than farms without trees.
Available amounts of micronutrients such as boron, molybdenum, and manganese are
higher on farms with trees (Cadelina, 1987).
The pH of the soil is another factor that affects the growth of plants. It is
important because it affects the solubility of plant food and microbial activities in the soil
(Sangatanan et al., 1995).
The pH of the soil correlated significantly with the Ca content of the lead litter.
The content of organic matter and exchangeable cations differed significantly between
the various trees species and compared with the control using grass vegetation (El
Bassam, 1999).
According to the World Health Organization as cited by Quinones and Bravo
(1996), in the long run, the soaring demand for the fuel made it more expensive. The
increase in its use aggravated pollution problems since exhaust from diesel-run engines
were denser compared to gasoline in terms of sulfur dioxide, nitrogen oxides, carbon
monoxide, and total suspended particulates.
Forest biomass refers to all aboveground plant materials. It can include small or
dead trees, shrubs and the tops, foliage or limbs or large commercial valuable trees.
Because these materials are typically left on the forest floor to decompose, biomass
harvesting represents a broadening of forest materials that can be used. Operationally,
biomass harvesting is equivalent to whole-tree (Nakamura, 1996).
Aboveground Biomass Production of Different Agroforestry Hedgerow Species
Under La Trinidad, Benguet Condition / Agusta A. Al atiw. 2009
MATERIALS AND METHODS
The study was conducted at the BSU-Institute of Highland Farming Systems and
Agroforestry, Bektey, Puguis, La Trinidad, Benguet. The area measured approximately
150 m2 and with existing terraces planted to Arabica coffee trees. Guava and banana,
including some indigenous plant species were also present in the immediate surroundings
of the study area. The specimens were planted as hedgerows along the terrace edges. The
area has an average slope of 32º or 71%, facing east with an elevation of approximately
1,380 meters above sea level. Figure 1, 2 and 3 show the study area before clearing, after
clearing, and before planting, respectively.
Saplings of four different agroforestry hedgerow species namely; Calliandra
(Calliandra calothyrsus Meissn.), Ipil-ipil [Leucaena leucocephala (Lam.) de Wit
(MIM)], Alnus [Alnus maritima (Marsh.) Muhl. ex Nutt.] and Flemingia [Flemingia
macrophylla (Willd.) Merr.], were used in the study. The seedlings were procured from
the Benguet State University College of Forestry nursery, while those not available were
obtained from the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR-CAR)
nursery, Pacdal, Baguio City.
Four of the species namely: Calliandra calothyrsus, Leucaena leucocephala (Ipil-
ipil), and Flemingia macrophylla were seven months old while Alnus maritima was 11
months old at the time of planting.
Initially, saplings of Sesbania [Sesbania sesban(L.) Pers.] were included in the
study but were excluded later due to very high mortality.
Aboveground Biomass Production of Different Agroforestry Hedgerow Species
Under La Trinidad, Benguet Condition / Agusta A. Al atiw. 2009
8
Figure 1. Experiment area before clearing
Figure 2. Experiment area after clearing and before planting
Figure 3. Experiment area with hills/holes ready for planting
Aboveground Biomass Production of Different Agroforestry Hedgerow Species
Under La Trinidad, Benguet Condition / Agusta A. Al atiw. 2009
9
The saplings were planted as hedgerows at dense planting (20 cm distance) arranged in a
Randomized Complete Block (RCB) Design, replicated three times. The treatments were as
follows:
T1
-
Calliandra (Calliandra calothyrsus Meissn.)
T2
-
Ipil-ipil [Leucaena leucocephala (Lam.) de Wit (MIM)],
T3
-
Alnus [Alnus maritima (Marsh.) Muhl. ex Nutt.]
T4
-
Flemingia [Flemingia macrophylla (Willd.) Merr.]
The hedgerows were clipped (the stem was cut) at 20 cm aboveground one month
after planting. Figure 4, 5 and 6 show the plants before and after clipping, respectively.
A one cubic meter (1m3) bottomless box frame was positioned at level with the cut to
accommodate growth after cutting. Growth data were gathered on a monthly basis for
five months.
Figure 4. Plants (indicated by arrows) before clipping at 20 cm above
soil level
Aboveground Biomass Production of Different Agroforestry Hedgerow Species
Under La Trinidad, Benguet Condition / Agusta A. Al atiw. 2009
10
Figure 5. Fresh plant samples ready for biomass analysis
Figure 6. Soil samples taken after the study for laboratory analysis
Data Gathered:
A. Growth
1. Number of lateral shoots produced. Five sample plants were taken per species
per replication and the number of shoots produced was counted.
2. Growth rate (cm). This was measured every month from the base of five
sample shoots taken at random per species per replication.
Aboveground Biomass Production of Different Agroforestry Hedgerow Species
Under La Trinidad, Benguet Condition / Agusta A. Al atiw. 2009
11
3. Average base diameter of laterals (cm). This was measured using a vernier
caliper at the end of the study from five sample shoots taken at random per species per
replication.
4. Fresh weight (g). The growth accommodated in the box was cut, gathered and
weighed using beam balance. It was taken from five sample plants per species. This was
gathered at the end of the study.
5. Oven dry weight (g). After taking the fresh weight, the plant parts gathered
were oven-dried and subsequently weighed. It was done per sample per species.
Biomass was computed as follows:
Biomass = Fresh Weight (FW) – Oven Dry Weight (ODW) x 100
Fresh Weight (FW)
6. NPK content. Separate tissue analysis was done for NPK content. This was
obtained from plant parts gathered at the end of the study.
B. Soil Analysis
Soil analysis was done at the Soil Science Laboratory, Department of Soil
Science, College of Agriculture.
1. Soil pH. The soil pH where the respective species were planted was obtained
through analysis of soil samples taken before and after the study.
2. Organic matter content. This was obtained through analysis from soil samples
obtained from the respective area where each of the species was planted taken before and
after the study.
3. NPK content. It was obtained through analysis and a quantitative test. The
tests were done on soil samples taken before and after the study.
Aboveground Biomass Production of Different Agroforestry Hedgerow Species
Under La Trinidad, Benguet Condition / Agusta A. Al atiw. 2009
12
C. Local Meteorological Data
Local meteorological data was obtained at the BSU PAG-ASA station in Balili,
La Trinidad, Benguet.
1. Average monthly temperature. The average monthly temperature of La
Trinidad, Benguet was obtained. The data covered only the study period.
2. Average monthly rainfall. The average monthly rainfall of La Trinidad,
Benguet was obtained. The data covered only the study period.
3. Relative humidity. Relative humidity data in La Trinidad covering the
duration of the study was obtained
4. Sunshine hours. Sunshine hours were obtained directly from the area by
recording the exact time when the sunshine struck the area up to the time sunlight
disappeared or when the area was no longer exposed to sunlight.
Aboveground Biomass Production of Different Agroforestry Hedgerow Species
Under La Trinidad, Benguet Condition / Agusta A. Al atiw. 2009
RESULTS AND DISCUSSION
Growth Parameters
Average Shoot Length
Average shoot length measured after six months is shown in Table 1. Almost all
of the plants recorded high growth increments during third and fourth month (November
and December, respectively) after planting as shown in Figure 7. Growth drastically
slowed towards dry season as the amount of available water decreased. Statistical
analysis showed significant differences among the treatments especially on Calliandra.
The other woody perennials used did not significantly differ from each other. Calliandra
produced the longest shoots (108.2 cm), followed by Flemingia (98.6 cm) and Alnus
(53.6 cm) while Leucaena (ipil-ipil) had the lowest shoot length with 43.5 cm., except
Sesbania where most of the test plants died on the second to third months after clipping.
Figure 7 shows the comparative monthly shoot growth of the hedgerow species
for five months. Calliandra and Flemingia exhibited almost similar growth curves while
ipil-ipil (Leucaena) had an almost flat growth rate. Growth of all species declined in the
fifth month.
Table 1. Average shoot length at six months
TREATMENT
LENGTH (cm)
Calliandra
108.2 b
Ipil-ipil
43.5 a
Alnus
53.6 a
Flemingia
98.6 a
*Means with a common letter are not significantly different at 5% DMRT.
Aboveground Biomass Production of Different Agroforestry Hedgerow Species
Under La Trinidad, Benguet Condition / Agusta A. Al atiw. 2009
14
Calliandra
Ipil-Ipil
Alnus
Flemingia
50
N
45
40
35
30
25
20
15
105
0
October
November
December
January
February
Figure 7. Average shoot growth (cm) per month of the different hedgerow species
Number of Lateral Shoots Produced
Table 2 shows the average number of lateral shoots produced five months after
clipping. Statistical analysis revealed highly significant differences among the treatments.
Ipil-ipil (Leucaena) produced the most number of laterals (23.0) while Alnus and
Flemingia produced 21.7 and 12.7 laterals, respectively. On the other hand, Calliandra
produced the fewest laterals with 11.7.
Table 2. Number of lateral shoots produced after clipping
TREATMENT
AVE. NO. OF LATERALS
Calliandra
11.7 c
Ipil-ipil
23.0 a
Alnus
21.7 b
Flemingia
12.7 c
*Means with a common letter are not significantly different at 5% DMRT.
Aboveground Biomass Production of Different Agroforestry Hedgerow Species
Under La Trinidad, Benguet Condition / Agusta A. Al atiw. 2009
15
Average Base Diameter
The average base diameter of laterals from the five different agroforestry tree
species is shown in Table 3. Statistical analysis showed no significant differences among
the treatments. However, Calliandra and Flemingia produced laterals with biggest
average base diameters of 1.5 cm and 1.11 cm, respectively. Laterals of ipil-ipil had
0.73cm while Alnus had 0.63cm average diameter at the base.
Fresh Weight
Table 4 shows the fresh weight of plants in grams. Significant differences among
treatments were revealed by statistical analysis. Calliandra accumulated the greatest
biomass with a mean of 249.80g, followed by Flemingia with 219.99 g, then by Alnus
with 46.13 grams. On the other hand, ipil-ipil produced only 34.70 g of fresh matter.
The growth of Alnus and Ipil-ipil was observed to be slow and not vigorous in the study
site
Table 3. Average base diameter of laterals
TREATMENT
DIAMETER
(cm)
Calliandra
1.50
Ipil-ipil
0.73
Alnus
0.63
Flemingia
1.11
*Means with a common letter are not significantly different at 5% DMRT.
.
Aboveground Biomass Production of Different Agroforestry Hedgerow Species
Under La Trinidad, Benguet Condition / Agusta A. Al atiw. 2009
16
Table 4. Fresh weight of plants
TREATMENT
WEIGHT
(g)
Calliandra
249.90 a
Ipil-ipil
34.70 c
Alnus
46.13 bc
Flemingia
219.93 ab
*Means with a common letter are not significantly different at 5% DMRT.
Oven Dry Weight (g)
Oven dry weight (ODW) of plant sample is shown in Table 5. Statistical analysis
showed significant differences among treatments. Calliandra recorded the highest ODW
of 108.679 g, followed by Flemingia with 100.67g, then by Alnus with 23.13g. Ipil-ipil
had the lowest ODW with 20.33 g.
Table 5. Oven-dry weight of plants
TREATMENT
WEIGHT
(g)
Calliandra
108.67 a
Ipil-ipil
20.33 c
Alnus
23.13 c
Flemingia
100.67 ab
*Means with a common letter are not significantly different at 5% DMRT.
Aboveground Biomass Production of Different Agroforestry Hedgerow Species
Under La Trinidad, Benguet Condition / Agusta A. Al atiw. 2009
17
Aboveground Biomass Yield
The computed aboveground biomass yield in grams of the different agroforestry
species is shown in Table 6. Statistical analysis revealed significant differences among
treatments. Calliandra yielded the most biomass with 56.5g, followed by Flemingia with
54.47g, then by Alnus with 49.97grams. Ipil-ipil yielded the least biomass with 43.0g.
Figure 8 shows the relationship between the fresh weight (FW), oven dry weight
(ODW) and computed biomass. Calliandra and Flemingia had very high fresh weight, but
that a large part of it was water that was removed by oven drying. Nevertheless, their
computed biomass yields were still higher than either Alnus or Ipil-ipil.
Table 6. Aboveground biomass
TREATMENT
WEIGHT
(g)
Calliandra
56.50 a
Ipil-ipil
43.00 b
Alnus
49.97 ab
Flemingia
54.47 a
*Means with a common letter are not significantly different at 5% DMRT.
Fresh wt.
Oven Dry wt.
Biomass
300
249.9
219.93
250
200
150
108.67
100.67
100
56.5
34.7
46.13
43
49.97
54.47
20.33
23.13
50
0
Calliandra
Ipil-ipil
Alnus
Flemingia
Figure 8. Comparative fresh weight, oven dry weight and biomass of plants (g)
Aboveground Biomass Production of Different Agroforestry Hedgerow Species
Under La Trinidad, Benguet Condition / Agusta A. Al atiw. 2009
18
Table 7. Nitrogen content of the plants
N
TREATMENT
(%)
Calliandra
3.05 a
Ipil-ipil
3.30 a
Alnus
19.30 b
Flemingia
3.60 ab
*Means with a common letter are not significantly different at 5% DMRT.
Nitrogen Content of Plants
Table 7 presents the nitrogen content of tissue samples from the four agroforestry
species studied. Statistical analysis revealed highly significant differences in the nitrogen
content of the plants. Alnus had the highest nitrogen content of 4.40%, followed by
Flemingia (3.60%) and Ipil-ipil (3.30%). Calliandra had the lowest nitrogen content of
3.03%, comparable to ipil-ipil and Flemingia.
Phosphorus Content of the Plants
Table 8 shows the phosphorus content of plant. There were highly significant
differences among the treatments. It was found out that Alnus had the highest phosphorus
content of 19.3 ppm. On the other hand, Flemingia yielded the lowest phosphorous
content of 13.3 ppm. Calliandra and Ipil-ipil yielded statistically similar phosphorus
contents of 15.9 ppm and 15.6 ppm, respectively.
Aboveground Biomass Production of Different Agroforestry Hedgerow Species
Under La Trinidad, Benguet Condition / Agusta A. Al atiw. 2009
19
Table 8. Phosphorous content of the plants
TREATMENT
P
(ppm)
Calliandra
15.9 b
Ipil-ipil
15.6 b
Alnus
19.3 a
Flemingia
13.3 c
*Means with a common letter are not significantly different at 5% DMRT.
Potassium Content of Plants
Potassium content of plants is shown in Table 9. There were significant
differences observed among the treatments. Alnus had the highest potassium content of
24.8%. On the other hand, Calliandra had the lowest potassium content of 11.9%.
Meanwhile, Ipil-ipil and Flemingia
A summary of the nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium contents of the
agroforestry tree species after five months is shown in Figure 9.
Table 9. Potassium content of the plants
TREATMENT
K
(%)
Calliandra
11.9 c
Ipil-ipil
16.8 b
Alnus
24.8 a
Flemingia
13.9 bc
*Means with a common letter are not significantly different at 5% DMRT.
Aboveground Biomass Production of Different Agroforestry Hedgerow Species
Under La Trinidad, Benguet Condition / Agusta A. Al atiw. 2009
20
Nitrogen (%)
Phosphorus (ppm)
Potassium (%)
24.8
25
20
19.3
16.8
15.9
15.6
13.9
15
13.3
11.9
10
5
3.05
3.3
4.4
3.6
0
Calliandra
Ipil-ipil
Alnus
Flemingia
Figure 9. N, P, and K content of the four Agroforestry species.
Figure 9 shows the nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium contents of plant tissue
samples taken from the test plants. Alnus yielded the highest nitrogen, phosphorus and
potassium among the treatment plants with 4.4 %, 13.3 ppm and 13.9%, respectively. On
the other hand, Calliandra yielded the lowest nitrogen and potassium contents of 3.05%
and 11.9%, respectively. Flemingia recorded the lowest phosphorus content of 13.3 ppm.
Soil Analysis
Soil pH Before and After the Study
The pH of soil before and after the study is shown in table 10 and Figure 4. The
pH of the soil was observed to range from strongly acidic to medium acidic before the
study with slight changes after the study. Nevertheless, Calliandra significantly differed
from that of alnus by increasing soil pH from 4.79 (very strong acid) to 5.90 (medium
strong acid). On the other hand, Ipil-ipil increased soil acidity from 4.96 to 4.75 while
Flemingia reduced soil acidity from 4.77 to 4.94
Aboveground Biomass Production of Different Agroforestry Hedgerow Species
Under La Trinidad, Benguet Condition / Agusta A. Al atiw. 2009
21
Table 10. Soil pH
TREATMENT
pH OF SOIL
BEFORE
AFTER
Calliandra
4.79 (very strong acid)
5.90a (medium strong acid)
Ipil-ipil
4.96 (very strong acid)
4.75 ab (very strong acid)
Alnus
4.72 (very strong acid)
4.64 b (very strong acid)
Flemingia
4.77 (very strong acid)
4.94 ab (very strong acid)
*Means with a common letter are not significantly different at 5% DMRT.
According to Ranst Van as cited by Faroden (1997), the amount of acidity which
maybe present in tropical soils strongly depends on the stage of evolution and subsequent
mineralogy. The processes necessary to develop acidity are: accumulation of organic
matter, breakdown of primary minerals and leaching of soluble constituents.
Figure 10 shows the change in soil pH after the study. Calliandra and Flemingia
caused increase in soil pH by values of 1.11 and 0.17, respectively. On the other hand,
Ipil-ipil lowered the soil pH by -0.21, followed by Alnus (-0.08).
1.2
1.11
1
0.8
0.6
Calliandra
0.4
Ipil-ipil
0.17
0.2
Alnus
0
Flemingia
-0.2
-0.08
-0.21
-0.4
Change in soil pH
Figure 10. Change in soil pH after the study
Aboveground Biomass Production of Different Agroforestry Hedgerow Species
Under La Trinidad, Benguet Condition / Agusta A. Al atiw. 2009
22
Organic Matter Content of the Soil
Before and After the Study
Organic matter content of soil before and after the study is presented in Table 11.
Results show that there were significant differences among treatments with respect to the
OM content before the study. Organic matter content of soil before planting was highest
in the area planted to ipil-ipil (2.02 ppm) and lowest in Flemingia (1.35 ppm).
OM content after the study showed that the area planted to Alnus had the highest
OM content (2.03 ppm) while that of ipil-ipil had the least OM content (0.76 ppm). Areas
planted to Flemingia and Calliandra recorded 1.10 and 0.90 ppm OM content after the
study, respectively. Statistical analysis revealed highly significant differences among the
treatments in the final OM content of the soil.
Changes in the Organic matter content of soil after the study are reflected in
Figure 11. This would indicate that the growing saplings affected the OM content of soil.
Soil planted with Ipil-ipil, Calliandra and Flemingia showed decrease in organic matter
content by negative values of 1.26, 1.03 and 0.25 ppm, respectively. On the other hand,
soil planted with Alnus showed an increase in OM content by 0.25 ppm.
Table 11. Organic matter content of soil before and after the study
TREATMENT
BEFORE
AFTER
(ppm)
(ppm)
Calliandra
1.93 a
0.90b
Ipil-ipil
2.02 a
0.76b
Alnus
1.78 a
2.03a
Flemingia
1.35 b
1.10b
Aboveground Biomass Production of Different Agroforestry Hedgerow Species
Under La Trinidad, Benguet Condition / Agusta A. Al atiw. 2009
23
*Means with a common letter are not significantly different at 5% DMRT.
0.4
0.2
0.25
0
-0.2
-0.25
Calliandra
-0.4
Ipil-ipil
-0.6
-0.8
-1.03
Alnus
-1
-1.26
Flemingia
-1.2
-1.4
Change in Soil OM Content
Figure 11. Changes in the organic matter content of soil (ppm)
Nitrogen Content of Soil Before and After the Study
Nitrogen content of soil before and after the study is shown in Table 12.
Statistical analysis revealed significant differences among the treatments in the soil
nitrogen content of the soil before the study. Soil N-content was highest in Calliandra and
Ipil-ipil (both 0.10 ppm), but was lowest in Flemingia (0.07 ppm) before the study.
After the study, soil planted with Ipil-ipil turned out to contain the least Nitrogen
with 0.040 ppm. On the other hand, Calliandra and Flemingia recorded soil N contents of
0.047 and 0.057 ppm, respectively. Alnus had the highest soil N content of 0.070 ppm.
However, statistical analysis revealed no significant differences in the soil N content of
the treatments.
Results show the depletion of soil Nitrogen at the early growth stage of trees.
According to McCollum (1985) as cited by Codiamat (1996), nitrogen builds up the
vegetative growth of the plants producing large green leaves and also it is necessary for
filling out. Nitrogen in soil naturally depleted at early stage of growth for production of
leaves and other parts.
Aboveground Biomass Production of Different Agroforestry Hedgerow Species
Under La Trinidad, Benguet Condition / Agusta A. Al atiw. 2009
24
Table 12. Nitrogen content of soil
TREATMENT
BEFORE
AFTER
(ppm)
(ppm)
Calliandra
0.10 a
0.047
Ipil-ipil
0.10 a
0.040
Alnus
0.09 a
0.070
Flemingia
0.07 b
0.057
*Means with a common letter are not significantly different at 5% DMRT.
Figure 12 shows the changes in nitrogen content of the soil after the study
indicating that indeed, the plants absorbed and used nitrogen from the soil for their
growth. Ipil-ipil and Calliandra caused the decrease in soil N by 0.06 and 0.053 ppm,
respectively. This means that they used up the most N. On the other hand, Alnus and
Flemingia reduced soil N by only 0.01 and 0.013 ppm, respectively.
0
-0.01 -0.013
-0.01
-0.02
Calliandra
-0.03
Ipil-ipil
Alnus
-0.04
Flemingia
-0.05
-0.053
-0.06
-0.06
Changes in Soil N- Content
Figure 12. Reduction in Nitrogen content of soil (ppm)
Aboveground Biomass Production of Different Agroforestry Hedgerow Species
Under La Trinidad, Benguet Condition / Agusta A. Al atiw. 2009
25
Phosphorus Content of Soil
Before and After the Study
Phosphorus content of soil before and after the study is presented in Table 13.
There were no significant differences among the treatment before the study. However,
after the study, highly significant differences were observed among the treatments with
respect to the soil phosphorus content. Soil with Alnus recorded the lowest phosphorus
content of 6.72 ppm, followed by Flemingia with 13.66 ppm. On the other hand, soil with
Calliandra and Ipil-ipil recorded the highest phosphorus content of 26.55 and 20.17 ppm,
respectively.
Figure 13 shows the changes in the soil phosphorus content after the study. Alnus
caused a decrease in the phosphorus content of the soil by 2.59 ppm. On the other hand,
Flemingia, Ipil-ipil and Calliandra caused increase in soil phosphorus content by 5.73,
8.79 and 17.93, respectively.
Table 13. Phosphorus content of soil
TREATMENT
BEFORE
AFTER
(ppm)
(ppm)
Calliandra
8.62a
26.55 a
Ipil-ipil
11.38 a
20.17 ab
Alnus
9.31 a
6.72 c
Flemingia
7.93 a
13.66 b
*Means with a common letter are not significantly different at 5% DMRT.
Aboveground Biomass Production of Different Agroforestry Hedgerow Species
Under La Trinidad, Benguet Condition / Agusta A. Al atiw. 2009
26
20
17.93
15
8.79
10
Calliandra
5.73
Ipil-ipil
5
Alnus
-2.59
Flemingia
0 -
5
Changes in Soil P- Content
Figure 13. Changes in soil Phosphorus content (ppm)
Potassium Content of the Soil
Before and After the Study
Table 14 shows the potassium content of the soil before and after the study. All
of the species caused a decrease in potassium content of soil after the study. Significant
differences were obtained among the treatments in terms of potassium content of soil
after the study. Soil planted with Alnus recorded the highest final potassium content of
3.0 ppm, followed by Ipil-ipil with 2.5 ppm, and Calliandra with 1.8 ppm. Soil planted
with Flemingia recorded the lowest potassium content with 1.7 ppm.
Table 14. Potassium content of soil
TREATMENT
BEFORE
AFTER
(ppm)
(ppm)
Calliandra
2.9
1.8 b
Ipil-ipil
2.8
2.5 ab
Alnus
3.3
3.0 a
Flemingia
3.3
1.67 c
Aboveground Biomass Production of Different Agroforestry Hedgerow Species
Under La Trinidad, Benguet Condition / Agusta A. Al atiw. 2009
27
*Means with a common letter are not significantly different at 5% DMRT.
0
-0.2
-0.3
-0.3
-0.4
-0.6
Calliandra
-0.8
Ipil-ipil
-1
-1.1
Alnus
-1.2
Flemingia
-1.4
-1.6
-1.6
Changes in Soil K- Content
Figure 14. Changes in Potassium content of soil (ppm)
According to Balantan (2002) the K-uptake was correlated with the plant height
and harvesting stage, corroborating the findings of this study (see Table 6). Figure 8
shows the changes in the soil potassium content before and after the study, indicating that
potassium was absorbed by the plants at varying amounts.
In figure 14, it can be seen that Flemingia caused greatest depletion of potassium
in the soil by 1.6 ppm, (from 3.3 to 1.7 ppm) followed by Calliandra, which caused 1.1
ppm reduction in potassium content of the soil (from 2.9 to 1.8ppm). Finally, Ipil-ipil
and Alnus caused only 0.3 ppm reduction in the soil potassium content, the lowest among
the treatments.
Climatic Conditions
Mean monthly temperature, relative humidity, rainfall and total bright sunshine
during the conduct of the study are shown in Table 15. Minimum temperature ranged
from 11.2 to 16.4ºC while maximum temperature ranged from 23.1 to 25.6ºC. Maximum
temperature was highest during the month of September and minimum temperature was
Aboveground Biomass Production of Different Agroforestry Hedgerow Species
Under La Trinidad, Benguet Condition / Agusta A. Al atiw. 2009
600
FW
500
ODW
400
B
300
200
100
0
1
28
lowest at the month of November.
Table 15. Temperature, relative humidity, rainfall and total bright sunshine
MONTH
TEMPERATURE
RELATIVE
RAINFALL/ TOTAL BRIGHT
HUMIDITY
MONTH
SUNSHINE
Min (ºC) Max (ºC)
(%)
(mm)
(hr)
September
15.9
25.6
93.1
7.50
4.98
October
15.9
24.3
91.7
0.57
5.73
November
14.8
23.1
87.5
2.38
5.58
December
14.4
24.5
90.3
0.00
6.81
January
11.2
23.5
88.8
0.00
5.62
February
12.6
24.0
88.3
0.89
6.91
Relative humidity ranged from 87.5 to 93.1%. Highest rainfall was observed
during the month of November. The longest duration of sunshine was recorded during
the month of February and the shortest duration of sunshine was observed during the
month of September.
The high mortality of Sesbania maybe due to the unfavorable climatic conditions
such as low rainfall during the study period, which did not satisfy the rainfall/water
requirement of above 1000 mm as cited in sesbania sesban tree (2001). Another probable
reason is that the conditions in the study area are closer to subtropical/semi-temperate
climate.
Aboveground Biomass Production of Different Agroforestry Hedgerow Species
Under La Trinidad, Benguet Condition / Agusta A. Al atiw. 2009
SUMMARY, CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATION
Different Agroforestry species were studied for aboveground biomass yield and
their effects on the soil pH, OM, nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium contents of soil
under La Trinidad condition. The study was conducted at the Benguet State University –
Institute of Highland Farming Systems and Agroforestry (BSU-IHFSA), Bektey, Puguis,
La Trinidad, Benguet from September 2002 to February 2003.
Of the species used in the study, Calliandra calothyrsus Meissn., Flemingia
macrophylla (Willd.) Merr., Alnus maritime (Marsh.) Muhl.ex Nutt. and Leucaena
leucocephala (Lam.) de Wit (MIM.) showed accelerated growth rate (Figure 1) during
the third to fourth months after planting. On the other hand, most of the Sesbania sesban
plants died around three months after planting or two to three months after clipping and
were subsequently excluded from the study results.
Calliandra produced the longest shoots (108.2 cm) but the least number of laterals
(11.7). In contrast, Ipil-ipil produced the most number of laterals (23), significantly more
than all the other species studied, but was the shortest (43.5 cm) and had smaller average
base diameter of laterals than either Calliandra or Flemingia. Alnus had the smallest
average base diameter of laterals (0.63 cm) but performed similarly with Ipil-ipil in terms
of number, shoot length, fresh and oven dry weight and aboveground biomass yield.
Flemingia and Calliandra produced the least number of laterals.
Calliandra had the highest fresh weight (0.63 g), oven dry weight (108.67 g) and
aboveground biomass yield (56.5g). Significant differences were observed in
aboveground biomass, which was highest in Calliandra (56.5 g) and lowest in Ipil-ipil
(43.0 g).
Aboveground Biomass Production of Different Agroforestry Hedgerow Species
Under La Trinidad, Benguet Condition / Agusta A. Al atiw. 2009
30
Plant tissue analysis showed that Alnus yielded significantly higher phosphorus
and potassium contents (19.3 ppm and 24.8%, respectively) but had comparable nitrogen
content with Flemingia. Calliandra tissues yielded the lowest nitrogen and potassium
contents (3.05 % and 13.3 %, respectively) at five months after clipping. Flemingia
tissues yielded the lowest phosphorous (13.3 ppm).
In terms of their effect on the soil, Calliandra caused increase in the soil pH
(+1.11), while all the other species caused a decrease in pH (increased soil acidity). There
were significant differences in soil pH after the study. On the other hand, soil organic
matter increased in Alnus (0.25 ppm) but decreased in all other species. Meanwhile, soil
nitrogen decreased in all species but was greatly pronounced in Ipil-ipil (-0.06 ppm). In
addition, soil phosphorus content decreased in Alnus but increased in the other species.
After the study, soil phosphorus content was significantly higher in Calliandra and Ipil-
ipil (+17.93 and 8.79 ppm, respectively) and lowest in Alnus (6.72 ppm). Soil potassium
content decreased in all species resulting to significantly different final soil K content.
The greatest decrease was observed in Flemingia (-1.6 ppm) while the least was observed
in Alnus and Ipil-ipil (both –0.03 ppm).
The highest rainfall and lowest relative humidity was recorded during the month
of November. The minimum temperature recorded this month was 14.8 ºC and the
maximum is 23.1 ºC. Total bright sunshine averaged 335.0 min per day
It was observed that powdery mildew was prevalent in Flemingia macrophylla
but did not affect the other test species. It was also observed that from three months after
planting and onwards, Flemingia leaves showed mildew, which may be due to climatic
factors such as the lack of sunlight and high moisture or humidity.
Aboveground Biomass Production of Different Agroforestry Hedgerow Species
Under La Trinidad, Benguet Condition / Agusta A. Al atiw. 2009
31
Clipping Sesbania 35 days after transplanting at 20 cm above the ground level is
not recommended. However, irrigation is recommended for early growth establishment
due to its shallow root system. Intensive care is further advised in growing Sesbania until
it fully adapts to the area where it was transferred.
Sesbania is also frost sensitive, it is not wind resistant, and its brittle branches
easily breaks. It is also observed to be susceptible to nematodes. It is best adapted to the
moist tropics with annual rainfall in excess of 1,000 mm and no more than a few months
dry season (Anonymous, 2001).
Finally, Calliandra and Flemingia are best for hedges/hedgerows because of high
aboveground biomass production at five months old. These two crops are also fast
growing, have big base diameter and better soil erosion prevention due to deep strong
roots as visually observed.
Aboveground Biomass Production of Different Agroforestry Hedgerow Species
Under La Trinidad, Benguet Condition / Agusta A. Al atiw. 2009
LITERATURE CITED
ANONYMOUS. 2001. Biomass production. Retrieved January 21, 2001 from.
hhtp//www.icraf.com.
ANONYMOUS. 2001. Sesbania Sesban Tree. Retrieved February 17, 2001 from
http://www.fao.org/ag/aga/agap/frg/AFRIS/Data/283.htm.
ANONYMOUS. 2001. Retrieved Februay 17, 2001. from
http://search.yahoo.com/bin/search?p=Sesbania+sesban..htm
BALANTAN, O.T. 2002. Potassium of chrysanthemum as affected by kinds and rates of
potassium fertilizers. BS Thesis. Benguet State University. La Trinidad,
Benguet. P. 27.
BRAVO, M. V. A. and QUINONES, N. C. 1996. Canopy International. Ecosystems
Research and Development Bureau, Department of Environment and Natural
Resources. 22:6 (4).
CADELINA, F. 1987. Agroforestry in the Humid Tropica. Southeast Asian Regional
Center for Graduate Study and Research in Agriculture (SEARCA), UPLB, Los
Baños, Laguna. P. 65.
CODIAMAT, J.F. 1996. Efficiency of chicken manure and urea as nitrogen source for
cabbage production. BS Thesis. Benguet State University. La Trinidad, Benguet.
P. 5.
DENTON, F. H. 1984. Leucaena Research and Review. Proc. National In-House
Review on Leucaena Research. October 5-7, PCARRD, Los Baños, Laguna. Pp.
60-63.
EL BASSAM, N. 1995. Natural Resources and Development. Institute for Scientific
Cooperation, Tubingan, Federal Republic of Germany. 51:39-56.
EL BASSAM, N. 1999. Natural Resources and Development. Institute for Scientific
Cooperation, Tubingan, Federal Republic of Germany. 51:39-56.
FARUDEN, J.C. 1997. Physico-chemical properties of surface soils under rice and
vegetable cultivation in Mankayan, Benguet. BS Thesis. Benguet State
University. La Trinidad, Benguet. P. 7.
INTERNATIONAL CENTER FOR RESEARCH IN AGROFORESTRY (ICRAF).
1977. Agroforestry Manual. Winrock International, Rockefeker Brothers Fund.
College, Laguna, Philippines.
Aboveground Biomass Production of Different Agroforestry Hedgerow Species
Under La Trinidad, Benguet Condition / Agusta A. Al atiw. 2009
33
KLEINHANSS, G. 1991. Natural Resources and Development. Institute for Scientific
Cooperation, Tubingan, Federal Republic of Germany. 33:15-21.
NAKAMURA, G. 1996. California Agriculture. Division and Agriculture and Natural
Resources, University of California. 50:2. Pp. 13-14.
SANGATANAN, P. D. and R. L. SANGATANAN. 1995. Soil Management. Rex Book
Store, Manila, Philippines. P. 56.
Aboveground Biomass Production of Different Agroforestry Hedgerow Species
Under La Trinidad, Benguet Condition / Agusta A. Al atiw. 2009
Document Outline
- Aboveground Biomass Production of Different Agroforestry Hedgerow Species
- BIBLIOGRAPHY
- ABSTRACT
- TABLE OF CONTENTS
- INTRODUCTION
- REVIEW OF LITERATURE
- MATERIALS AND METHODS
- RESULTS AND DISCUSSION
- Average Shoot Length
- Number of Lateral Shoots Produced
- Average Base Diameter
- Fresh Weight
- Oven Dry Weight
- Aboveground Biomass Yield
- Nitrogen Content of Plants
- Phosphorus Content of the Plants
- Potassium Content of Plants
- Soil pH Before and After the Study
- Organic Matter Content of the Soil Before and After the Study
- Nitrogen Content of Soil Before and After the Study
- Phosphorus Content of Soil Before and After the Study
- Potassium Content of the Soil Before and After the Study
- Climatic Conditions
- SUMMARY, CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATION
- LITERATURE CITED