Gliricidia sepium can be used as a valuable source of organic matter and nutrients to enhance soil fertility and increase crop productivity. Use of Gliricidia as a soil amendment substance has gained popularity as an environmentally friendly way of improving soil fertility.
Advantages of Gliricidia
Gliricidia offers numerous benefits to soil health, crop growth and overall soil productivity.
Gliricidia sepium is a nitrogenous tree capable of fixing atmospheric nitrogen into the soil through its symbiotic relationship with nitrogen fixing bacteria in its root nodules. The process enriches the soil with essential nutrients particularly nitrogen.
Incorporating Gliricidia cuttings into he soil adds substantial amounts of organic matter into the soil. This improves soil structure, water retention and enhances microbial activity.
Nutrient enrichment. The leaves of Gliricidia are rich in essential nutrients like nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium and micronutrients. When the pruned leaves are incorporated into the soil, they provide a steady supply source of nutrients to the plants over a long period of time.
Soil erosion control. Gliricidia controls soil erosion by acting as natural barrier against heavy rainfall and wind.
Pest management. The leaves of Gliricidia contains compounds that make Gliricidia suitable to be used as pesticide.
Livestock feed. The leaves are a nutritious fodder for animals.
