Background: Leaf litter from fruit trees such as Psidium guajava, Artocarpus heterophyllus, Citrus limon, Litchi chinensis, and Mangifera indica accumulates significantly in agroforestry systems of southern Bangladesh, particularly in Khulna. Inadequate management of this organic waste can hinder soil aeration, reduce fertility, and contribute to pest problems. Microbial degradation using indigenous bacterial consortia presents an environmentally sustainable approach to accelerate decomposition and recycle nutrients back into the soil.

Aim of the study: To isolate and characterize bacterial consortia from decomposing fruit tree leaves and evaluate their efficiency in degrading mixed leaf litter in the agroforestry systems of Khulna, Bangladesh.

Methods: Leaf litter samples from five fruit tree species were collected and processed for microbial isolation using standard serial dilution and culturing techniques. Bacterial strains were identified based on colony morphology and biochemical characteristics. Selected strains were combined into consortia and tested on mixed leaf litter substrates under controlled conditions. Degradation efficiency was assessed through weight loss measurements, visual decomposition scoring, and enzymatic activity assays over a 30-day incubation period.

Result: All bacterial consortia demonstrated substantial degradation capacity, with the highest decomposition observed in consortia containing cellulolytic and ligninolytic strains. Mixed leaf litter showed higher biodegradation rates than individual species, indicating synergistic effects among microbial communities. Guava and lemon leaves decomposed more rapidly than mango and jackfruit leaves, which exhibited more resistant lignocellulosic structures.

Conclusion: Bacterial consortia isolated from naturally decomposed leaf litter offer an effective, eco-friendly solution for managing agroforestry waste in tropical regions. Their potential for large-scale application could significantly improve soil health and reduce the environmental burden of organic waste in Bangladesh’s fruit-based agroforestry systems.