Soil health and crop productivity improvement by on-farm Gliricidia green leaf manuring

Abstract

Use of Gliricidia as green manure in crop production systems provides
a sustainable means of maintaining soil fertility and improves productivity of rainfed crops. From field experiences in tribal rainfed districts, it is learnt that regular application of leaf manure has significant beneficial effects on organic carbon stocks in soils. Therefore, Gliricidia planting needs to be promoted systematically through proper technical guidance at the village level to up scale this technology on large scale. Farmers need to be encouraged to grow Gliricidia on farm bunds, borders of fields, watersheds, farm ponds, and on common lands.