**Green Manures and Crop Residues as Source of Nutrients in Tropical Environment**

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50 Organic Fertilizers - From Basic Concepts to Applied Outcomes

Rafael Vasconcelos Valadares, Lucas de Ávila‐Silva, Rafael da Silva Teixeira, Rodrigo Nogueira de Sousa and Leonardus Vergütz

Additional information is available at the end of the chapter

http://dx.doi.org/10.5772/62981

#### **Abstract**

Tropical areas have prevalence of soils with low fertility, which makes the management of soil fertility a necessary practice to maintain a farming system economically and environmentally sustainable. The purpose of this chapter is to demonstrate the impor‐ tance of green manure and the use of crop residues as management for soil fertility. We highlight the potential of these practices to increase/sustain productivity by providing nutrients. First, we made a short review on the main factors influencing the decomposi‐ tion and mineralization processes. Subsequently, we discuss green manure techniques, presenting the main green manures, criteria for choosing, managements, potential for nutrient accumulation, and advantages and disadvantages of this practice. Finally, we use some examples to demonstrate the potential nutrient supply of crop residues from the main crops grown in the tropics. The difficulties and limitations involved are also discussed.

**Keywords:** cover crops, legumes, biological nitrogen fixation, fresh organic matter, mineralization
