Use of the Amazonian Tree Species Inga edulis for Soil Regeneration and Weed Control

background

This article presents research on leguminous tree-based fallows using Inga edulis in Peru.

Research Goals & Methods

Four treatments were compared over a period of nearly 3 years: 1) natural fallow, 2) fallow with I. edulis, 3) fallow with I. edulis combined with a cover crop of kudzu (Pueraria phaseoloides), and 4) continuous cropping of cassava.

Conclusions & Takeaways

The results showed that the improved fallow systems successfully reduced weed biomass. No significant differences were found in soil fertility among treatments; however, aboveground N, P, and K did increase more rapidly under the improved fallows. The authors conclude that fallows including I. edulis have the potential to reduce weed vegetation and to increase some soil nutrients but, on highly degraded soil, longer fallows and P fertilization may be required.