Effect of Laucaena (Laucaena leucocephala) Planting as a Forage Crop on Some Soil Properties

Abstract

Leucaena a fast growing legume tree has been selected in this experiment because it provides a high protein content in its foliage, and a high capability to improve marginal soils. The experiments were carried out on Warin soil secries in the Agriucltural Experiment Station a tMaha Sarakham province, and Nong Mot soil series in farmer's field, Ban Surasak, chon Buri province. they were designed as RCB with tretments, namely 1) check or control, 2) 1 x 1 m. spacing, 3) 2x1 m. spacing, and 4) 2 x 2 m. spacing; with 4 replications. Rock phosphate at 50 kg/rai was applied during planttion. Fertilizers include 15:15:15 at 25 kg/rai, and ammonium sulfacte at the same rate were applied at the end of the rainy season. Soil and plant samples were collected at a certain time interval. It is found that leucaena can be cut for animal feed, at the same time it improves some soil properties such as increase soil moisture content and organic matter content. This plant, however, may be recommended for farmers in the cassava regions for soil improvement.