Leucaena - a promising soil-erosion-control plant.

Abstract

This arborescent legume has long been used in Indonesia as a soil improver and stabilizer and as a shade plant. The wood is of little value, save as fuel and for high-quality charcoal. Some data are presented on the calorific value of the wood, annual fodder production per acre, amounts of N and P returned to the soil under a regular pruning system, climate and soil requirements, diseases, pests and methods of propagation. The author suggests that, since Leucaena glauca grows wild in Texas, Arizona and Florida, and L. pulverulenta in Texas and Arizoiia, it would be advantageous to use them there for so conservation, horticultural purposes and pasturage. Numerous references to literature are given. KEYWORDS: Cover crops \ Erosion control \ Leucaena