Gliricidia as a beneficial crop in resource-limiting agroforestry systems in Sri Lanka

Abstract

Gliricidia is a medium-size leguminous tree native to Central America and Mexico that serves multiple purposes. The genus name Gliricidia is mainly connected with Gliricidia sepium because it is the most well-known and prevalent species. Gliricidia maculata and Gliricidia brenningii, are less well-known than Gliricidia Sepium and are less-known outside of their native range of tropical America. This species was introduced to Sri Lanka as a shade tree for coffee and tea cultivations, and it has now become a naturalized species in the country. Because of versatile nature and multipurpose use, scientists identified Gliricidia has the potential to grow as a crop in the Sri Lankan agroforestry systems. The optimal status and management approach for Gliricidia planting in Sri Lanka is determined through different field studies. The numerous aspects of Gliricidia sepium are evaluated and identified in this review article, focusing on crop botany, potential uses, crop distribution, growing conditions, and critical constraints. The review article concluded that Gliricidia sepium has a high potential as a livestock feed, increasing soil fertility and soil moisture conditions and sustainable bioenergy crop for Sri Lankan agroforestry systems. Among the improvements identified under the Gliricidia-based agroforestry systems in Sri Lanka, need to enhance awareness programs and technology transfer services to popularize these farming systems in different agricultural systems