Potassium Changes in Soil upon Incorporation of Leaf Prunings of Multipurpose Tree Species in an Acid Soil of Tripura

After incorporation of fresh leaf prunings @ 10 Mg ha⁻¹ of 12 multipurpose forest tree species, water soluble and exchangeable potassium contents, as compared to control, initially increased and thereafter mostly declined from 2 to 4 months of leaf incorporation. Neem leaf produced the maximum rise in potassium followed by Leucaena, Tectona, Samania and Dalbergia leaves. Eucalyptus leaf pruning decreased the potassium activity in soil solution. On the other hand, mulberry leaf pruning produced the maximum rise in labile potassium. As compared to control, the initial high free energy values observed in all leaf prunings besides Acacia leaf could indicate the enhanced potassium availability. Similar increase in soil nutrient potential for K in soil solution was initially recorded.