Farmers in Zambia are reducing their dependence on chemical fertilizers by growing the leguminous tree, Gliricidia, alongside crops.

According to an article in the Daily Mail, Zambia, the agro-processing company, Community Markets for Conservation (COMACO) has planted more than 10 million Gliricidia sepium seedlings in recent months.

Gliricidia fixes nitrogen in the soil and can significantly boost crop yields, without the use of chemical fertilizers. The tree is used in many tropical and sub-tropical countries for fencing, fodder, coffee shade, firewood, green manure as well as being grown for its medicinal and insect repellent properties.

The article quotes the World Agroforestry Centre as saying that Gliricidia is becoming an important part of farming practices in Africa.

“Despite the work involved in raising tree nurseries, which often requires farmers to build their own wells to irrigate the seedlings as they grow in readiness for transplanting, the investment in labour seems to be paying off as more farmers witness the benefits outweigh the costs,” says COMACO.

Read the full story: Agro-firm adopts Gliricidia cultivation