The International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA) is spearheading research initiatives aimed at empowering farmers to improve soil fertility using the Gliricidia sepium tree.
Recognizing poor soil fertility as a major hindrance to enhancing food production in Africa, IITA, in collaboration with the World Agroforestry Centre, is championing the adoption of Fertiliser Tree Systems (FTS). These systems promote the cultivation of trees, such as Gliricidia sepium, known to enhance soil quality and contribute to increased crop yields.
In the southern part of Africa, researchers have been conducting experiments involving the intercropping of Gliricidia sepium trees with maize to assess their potential in enhancing farm management practices and overall productivity.
Dr. Oladeji Alamu, a Food and Nutrition Scientist at IITA and CGIAR, has lent his expertise to this international effort aimed at bridging knowledge gaps related to the utilization of Gliricidia sepium for food crop production and improving the nutritional composition of various crops. Dr. Alamu, a Nigerian scientist based in Zambia, has been actively involved in advancing research on this front.
A recent publication titled “Gliricidia sepium Applications for Enhancing Soil Fertility and Crop Nutritional Qualities: A Review,” co-authored with the Norwegian Institute of Bioeconomy Research (NIBIO), highlights the potential of Gliricidia sepium in improving soil fertility indicators and crop nutritional qualities. The publication underscores the benefits of incorporating Gliricidia sepium into farming systems, whether through intercropping, mulching, or biochar application.
According to Dr. Alamu, the integration of Gliricidia sepium offers a sustainable solution that reduces reliance on mineral fertilizers, thereby contributing to environmental conservation efforts. Additionally, the use of aged biochar derived from Gliricidia sepium holds promise for enhancing agricultural productivity while mitigating climate change.
While Gliricidia trees offer a cost-effective alternative to chemical fertilizers, research indicates that fields cultivated with Gliricidia may yield slightly smaller harvests compared to those treated with chemical fertilizers. Nonetheless, the benefits of improved soil fertility and crop agronomic and nutritional properties make Gliricidia sepium a valuable resource in sustainable agricultural practices.
Through its commitment to research and innovation, IITA continues to play a pivotal role in advancing agricultural development and promoting environmental sustainability across Africa.
