Uses and management of Gliricidia sepium in coconut plantation of Sri Lanka

Performance of Gliricidia sepium (Jacq.) Walp. was studied over 2-1/2 years in mature coconut plantations in three agro-ecological zones (wet, dry and intermediate) in Sri Lanka representing the three soil types, an Ultisol (Lateritic) and two Entisols (sandy and sandy loam). Mature Gliricidia sticks planted 2,0 m x 0,9 m in double rows in the coconut avenue (1.900 plants/ha) achieved 90 por ciento establishment at all locations. Gliricidia plants cut at 1 m height after one year at three-month intervals produced 8-10 t/ha and more than 10 t/ha of green matter annually at all locations during the first and second years, respectively. Annual fresh firewood production after one year was 11-13 t/ha and 8-10 t/ha on the Ultisol and Entisol, respectively. Wood production in the second year was 12-13 t/ha on the Entisol and 14-16 t/ha on the Ultisol. Leaf litter production was 2 t/ha on Entisol (sandy) and 0,5-1,0 t/ha on the other soils. Nodule numbers ranged from 30-100/plant three months after staking at all locations. Gliricidia incorporated in quarter circle trenches cut 30 cm away from the palm were the most effective trenching, root pruning and fertilization method attempted. A mixture of 50:50 of Gliricidia leaves and the grass, Brachiaria miliiformis, fed to cross-bred heifers produced average live weight gains of 700 g/day.

Bibliographic Details

Main Authors:	51102 Brewbaker, J.L., 39486 (eds.), 86828 LINAYAGE, L.V.K., 131431 WIJERATNE, A.M.U., 131893 Withington, D., 72055 Glover, N., 15141 Nitrogen Fixing Tree Association, Hawaii (EUA), CATIE - Centro Agronómico Tropical de Investigación y Enseñanza Turrialba, Costa Rica autor/a 3977
Format:	biblioteca
Published:	Honolulu, Hawaii (EUA), NFTA, 1987
Subjects:	ARBOLES Y CULTIVOS PERENNES, USOS, SUELOS, ABONOS, ALIMENTOS PARA ANIMALES, GLIRICIDIA SEPIUM, COCOS NUCIFERA, SRI LANKA,
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