Leaf quality of selected hedgerow species at two canopy ages in the derived savanna zone of West Africa

摘要: Prunings in hedgerow intercropping systems are a potential source of organic matter and their quality is an important characteristic driving decomposition nutrient release. To determine the range residue characteristics impact canopy age on those, selected Leucaena leucocephala, Gliricidia sepium, Senna siamea leaf residues were determined for ‘young’ (5–10 weeks) ‘old’ (39–47 canopies six sites, representative terms soil derived savanna zone West-Africa. The N content decreased with (from 4.8 to 3.9% from 4.1 3.0%, respectively, while remained constant (3.9%). P all species 0.30 0.20%, average). lignin increased, polyphenol age, only increase was evident. Neither nor markedly affected by age. For species, ADF positively correlated ash content, respectively. same negatively content. Because low variation certain between presented data equations could potentially be used reasonably estimate those if no other information available. characteristics, such as contents, measurements preferable view relatively high encountered.