Evaluating the performance of Leucaena accessions for agroforestry in sub-humid environment, Southern Tanzania

Abstract

The performance of Leucaena accessions on acid soils in eastern coast Tanzania for agroforestry was evaluated for three years. Plant tree parameters assessed were fodder yield and plant stem height, stem girth, the number of total branches and poles production. Also, Leucaena psyllid, a common pest threatening the plants was also counted. Soil parameters assessed were pH organic carbon, total nitrogen, exchangeable calcium and magnesium. Result showed significant difference in growth between Leucaena accessions. Leucaena leucocephal cv K8 and Leucaena diversifolia were able to grow fast reaching 4.7 and 3.3 m respectively within a period of three years. Leucaena diversifolia produced the highest amount of fodder yielding (7.8 t/ha) followed by Leucaena leucocephala cv K8 (4.9 t/ha). The number of branches, poles per tree and stem girth also differed significantly (P<0.05) so as poles. Infestation by Leucaena Pysllid was highest in Leucaena lecocephala followed by Leucaena esculanta. There was a remarkable increase on soil pH, OC%, total N%, available P and exchangeable Ca and Mg after incorporating leucaena pruning in the soil. Leucaena diversifolia and Leucaena lecocephala cv K8 were found to be more adapted and potential in improving soil fertility and are recommended for agroforestry development.

Tanzania Journal of Science Vol. 32 (2) 2006: pp. 125-134