Nutrient removals in harvesting of Leucaena hedgerows at Mafiga, Morogoro, Tanzania

Abstract

Studies of nutrient removals and nutrient balance in production systems involving Leucaena hedgerows in monoculture and in intercropping with fertilized beans were conducted at Mafiga, Morogoro, Tanzania during the period 1980–1984. Leucaena foliage was being harvested for fodder which was being taken away from the production sites four times each year over a period of 41 months. Nutrients removed with the fodder and the corresponding nutrient balance in the soils of production sites were monitored. Overall nutrient drains of 88 kg nitrogen, 48 kg potassium, 20 kg calcium, 8 kg magnesium and 5 kg phosphorus ha −1 year −1 were estimated. The implications of these results in sustaining the productivities of the production areas involving Leucaena are discussed and relevant management approaches are suggested.