Abstract

The effect of Gliricidia sepium leaf litter on the physical and chemical properties of red ferralitic soils in Kerala, India was studied. Electrical conductivity, water holding capacity, pore space, volume expansion, cation exchange capacity, permeability, organic carbon, total N, available N, total P, P fixing capacity, ammonium and K retention capacities increased while acidity, particle density and bulk density decreased with increasing levels. Variation in available P values were inconsistent and no regular trend was seen. Incorporation of Gliricidia sepium leaf litter to red ferrallitic soils was a good soil ameliorant