Reuse of Pruning Waste from Subtropical Fruit Trees and Urban Gardens as a Source of Nutrients: Changes in the Physical, Chemical, and Biological Properties of the Soil

A field experiment was conducted on the Andalusian coast (Granada, Southern Spain) to study time course of nutrient release into soil after addition bagged pruning waste from subtropical orchard trees (avocado, cherimoya, and mango) urban garden over three two-year periods. N, P, K concentrations were greater in waste, whilst avocado cherimoya registered highest values for Mg. In general, micronutrient contents low all especially Cu. Macronutrient followed a three-phase dynamic: fast initial release, intermediate stabilization, final increase. Garden showed similar released P. The annual decomposition rate factor k negative N Ca tree, indicating strong biological activity this plot. Avocado, good microbial degradation, improving quality by increasing carbon nitrogen as well activity. As mango its special microclimatic conditions appeared favor photodegradation, thus eliminating nutrients that not incorporated soil. Soil enzymatic activities increased with waste. only an increase urease detected Our results suggest organic different grown soils is significantly conditioned characteristics.