Forage Tree Legumes: Their Management and Contribution to the Nitrogen Economy of Wet and Humid Tropical Environments

Abstract

Publisher Summary Leguminous trees can play a vital role in improving the nutritive value of the animal feed. Tropical leguminous trees have been used to various degrees as sources of fodder, fuelwood, or timber for many years in Africa, Asia, Australia, and the Americas. The increasing attention given to them is reflected in the number of institutions conducting research on their usage in those areas. Some species are now widely distributed and used outside their country of origin. Growth of species introduced into new areas is often better than in the area of origin because of the absence of native pests and diseases. The foliage, flowers, and pods of tree legumes can be used as a vegetable. Leguminous trees are often planted to provide shade for plantation crops; sometimes the tree legume also functions as a support for climbing crops. Tree legumes have the greatest potential to increase the quality and level of protein in the diet of people in Third World countries, when it is used as a source of feed for animals.