Gliricidia green manure refers to the utilization of Gliricidia sepium, a fast-growing nitrogen-fixing tree, as a valuable source of organic matter and nutrients to enhance soil fertility and crop productivity.
This practice has gained popularity as a sustainable and eco-friendly approach in agroforestry systems, particularly in tropical and sub-tropical regions. It offers numerous benefits to soil health, crop growth, and overall agro-economic sustainability. Some of the benefits include nitrogen fixation through its symbiotic relationship with nitrogen-fixing bacteria and its root nodules. This process enriches the soil with nutrients, especially nitrogen, which is a key component. Incorporating Gliricidia pruning as organic matter helps improve the soil structure, water retention, and microbial activity, leading to a more fertile and productive soil environment. The leaves of Gliricidia also aid in nutrient enrichment, for they are rich in nitrogen, phosphorous, potassium, and micronutrients.
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When incorporated into the soil, they release these nutrients slowly over time, providing a steady supply of nutrients to the plants over time. The dense foliage of Gliricidia plants helps prevent soil erosion by acting as a natural barrier against heavy rain and wind, thereby protecting the top soil and preventing nutrient loss.
Gliricidia leaves also contain compounds with pesticidal properties, which can contribute to managing some pests and diseases. Its leaves and shoots can also serve as nutritious food for livestock, making it a versatile component in integrated farming systems. The nitrogen fixation and nutrient contribution of gliricidia green manure can enhance the climate resilience of crops to climate variability and stress.
