Biomass productivity of Leucaena diversifolia and L. leucocephala planted in semi aris Botswana’s agroforestry system

Abstract

Leucaena diversifolia and leucocephala, were planted and evaluated for leaf, pod and wood production at Malotwana, Botswana. The trial was a 2 species x 3 spacings factorial experiment in randomized complete block design replicated five times. The three spacings were 5 x 5. 6.3 x 5 and 8.3 x 5 m. The study was conducted over 6.5 years with the first complete plant harvest at 2.5 year and thereafter every two years. The results show that L. leucocephala produced significantly greate leaf, pod and wood mass at the harvest of trees aged 2.5 in 1996 (p< 0.05) and significantly mon pods at all harvests (p< 0.05). Leaf and pods yields were 0.647 and 0.996 t ha'1 for L. diversifolii and 1.237 and 1.43! t ha'1 for L. leucocephula in 1996. These species can contribute to fodder for livestock as well as fuel wood production. Spacing significantly (p< 0.05) influenced yield pc hectare of plants harvested at 2.5 years of age.