Integrating fertilizer trees with food crops in Africa has the potential to replenish the continent’s poor quality soils, tackling one of the biggest threats to food security.

SciDev.Net reports on article in Nature that explains how nutrient fixing trees, when planted with maize or millet, can more than double yields and offer “a better and more sustainable option than expensive chemical fertilisers and often inadequate organic manures.”

The Nature article by authors from the USAID Bureau for Food Security, US Department of Crop and Soil Sciences and the International Food Policy Research Institute, outlines the potential for trees such as Acacia albida, pigeon pea and Gliricidia to replenish nitrogen and potassium in soils.

While it would cost millions to plant these trees in fields across Africa, the authors believe the increased yields and savings from not having to purchase mineral fertilizers would make the investment more than worthwhile.

In addition to improving soil fertility, the trees also provide farmers with sources of fodder and firewood, and sometimes food.

Read the full story on SciDev.Net: Tree intercropping 'could save Africa's soils'

Read the article in Nature: Agriculture: Plant perennials to save Africa's soils (note, subscription or purchase is required)

Visit the Evergreen Agriculture website to learn more about the proven benefits of integrating fertilizer trees with food crops