BENEFITS OF Leucaena FOR SUSTAINABLE AGRICULTURE ARE A MYSTERY IN OBTAINING COMPOST AND VIRTUES UNTAPPED

Flores P.Q.; Molina I.M.; Olaguibel M.Z.; Mamani J.M.; Soledad P.S.; Ronald Q.F. · Journal of Environmental Protection and Ecology (2024)

Resumen

Leucaena species (Leucaena trichodes and Leucaena leucocephala) offer significant potential for sustainable agriculture due to their ability to improve soil health and increase organic matter content. This study aimed to explore the benefits of composting Leucaena mixed with poultry manure and examine the effects of mimosine, an allelopathic compound found in Leucaena, on microbial activity during the composting process. Compost piles of 100 kg were prepared in various proportions (A: 80–20, B: 70–30, G: 0–100) and monitored for pH, temperature, and nutrient content. The pH levels ranged from 6.226 to 6.909, while temperatures varied between 24.66 and 32.85°C. Mimosine levels were quantified using High-Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC), showing concentrations of up to 5.5% in leaves and 5.2% in seeds. The presence of mimosine inhibited microbial oxidation, limiting biological activity during composting. Despite these challenges, the resulting earthworm humus contained high levels of nitrogen (up to 3.21%), phosphorus (P2 O5, 4.08%), and potassium (K2O, 2.32%), making it a nutrient-rich fertiliser ideal for nursery plants. These findings suggest that while mimosine affects composting, Leucaena-based humus can still be a valuable resource in sustainable agriculture, provided appropriate composting techniques are used to mitigate its effects.

Instituciones: Universidad Nacional Amazónica de Madre de Dios; Universidad Nacional Intercultural de Quillabamba