Kakawate hedgerows increase farm yield

Using kakawate herbage as intercrop increase crop yield and soil fertility.

With kakawate herbage applied annually at 2,693 kg per hectare for three years, corn intercropped with peanut increased yield by 91 percent, and peanut intercrop increased 141 percent. Sweet potato intercropped with bush sitao increase 240 percent, while bush sitao increased its yield by 132 percent.

Establish kakawate hedgerows in double or triple rows along the contour with a distance of 25 cm between rows and 30 cm between hills. Prune and trim the hedgerows after one year, and every two months thereafter, to maintain a height of one meter. Chop kakawate leaves and branches into small pieces then dry them and spread these in the alleys. Such technology significantly improves crop yield and soil fertility.

Chona Tura of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) in Region VII revealed this profitable technology for upland farmers. When used with the existing cropping system, this technology can improve crop yield and soil fertility of upland farms.

Kakawate (Gliricidia sepium) is a deciduous tree growing 3-10 m tall, with an open crown and often contorted trunk 30 cm or less in diameter. It grows in thickets, and hedgerows, and thrives in almost all parts of the country.

Its branches are used as fuelwood, and fence. Leaves serve as food for animals, and forage for bees. The leaves also hasten ripening of fruits, particularly bananas. The leaves and branches are also good sources of insecticide against aphids and bugs. To treat skin itchiness and allergy, extracts from decoction of kakawate leaves can be applied. — Leila C. America, S & T Media Service.