Evaluation of three indigenous Multi-purpose tree species for agroforestry purposes on alfisols in South Western Nigeria

Abstract

Agronomic evaluation of three indigenous Multi-purpose tree species (MPTS) namely Pterocarpus santalinoides (PS), Grewia pubescens (GP) and Enterolobium cyclocarpum (EC) and one exotic Leucaena leucocephala (LL) which acted as the control were investigated to determine their growth performance and biomass production on slightly acidic soils. The highest mortality of 37.50% was recorded for LL followed by PS 31.25%, GP 24.50% and EC 13.75% at 24 months after planting. These performances were significantly different (P<0.05) among the MPTS. Similarly, the growth rate was significantly different (P<0.05) with EC showing the best performance. The highest height of 5.72 metres at 36 months recorded for LL was not significantly different (P>0.05) from others except PS (3.60 metres). The highest diameter of 9.45cm was recorded for EC and this was highly significant (P<0.01) from values of 4.88, 4.30 and 3.82cm recorded for GP, LL and PS respectively. The highest biomass production was observed for EC (6.02t. DM. ha-1) followed by GP and LL with similar values of 4.55t. DM ha^-1 and 4.30t. DM. ha^-1 respectively while the lowest was observed for PS. EC had higher nutrient contents in terms of CP and cellulose while PS recorded higher (P<0.05) contents of DM, NDF and ADF while GP showed higher levels of ash.

Keywords: indigenous multi purpose tree species, mortality, growth rate, biomass production

Moor Journal of Agricultural Research Vol. 5(2) 2004: 108-114