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The indigenous agroforestry systems practised by smallholders in south-eastern Ethiopia have high biodiversity and productivity. However, little is known about their carbon (C) inputs and outputs. We carried out a 1-year litterbag study to determine leaf litter decomposition  k  constants for six woody species common to these agroforestry systems. The  k  values were then used to calculate the decomposition C losses from measured litterfall C fluxes and the results compared to modelled soil respiration ( Rs ) C losses. Litterbag weight loss at the end of the year was 100% or nearly so,  k  values 2.582–6.108 (yr −1 ) and half-life 41–112 days.  k  values were significantly ( p  = 0.023) correlated with litter N contents, nearly so with C/N ratios ( p  = 0.053), but not with other nutrients (Ca, Mg and K), and negatively correlated with temperature ( p  = 0.080). Using species, farm elevation, temperature and litter quality as predictors, partial least squares regression explained 48% of the variation in  k . Depending on species, estimated decomposition C losses from litterfall were 18 to 58% lower than annual litterfall C inputs. Using a heterotrophic respiration ( Rh ) to  Rs  ratio of 0.5, modelled  Rh  C losses were 89 to 238% of litterfall decomposition C losses estimated using  k  values. However, using an  Rh / Rs  ratio of 0.27, which is appropriate for tropical humid forests,  Rh  C losses were 11 to 138% of estimated litterfall decomposition C losses. Our decomposition and soil respiration estimates indicate that litterfall is sufficient to maintain soil organic C contents and thereby the soil fertility of these unique agroforestry systems.

agroforestry systems

Litter decomposition of six tree species on indigenous agroforestry farms in south-eastern Ethiopia in relation to litterfall carbon inputs and modelled soil respiration