Discussions regarding fodder
and green manure in Indonesia
(2/4/01 - 2/7/01)

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postings: 4
countries: Philippines, Argentina, Honduras, Indonesia
organizations/institutions/companies: ICRAF, CIDICCO, ILRI-SEAT, Universidad Nacional de Tucuman

Date: Sun, 4 Feb 2001
To: mulch-L@cornell.edu
From: Paul Burgers
Subject: grasses and green manure

Dear all,

I have been following the discussions on the mulch listserver out of interest, and because part of our work is related to green manures, here at ICRAF, Bogor (I coordinate the indigenous fallow management network for South East Asia).

For some time I have been thinking of a number of things, related to a possible new activity here in Indonesia. I am not sure if the mulchers could help me, but looking at the discussions and wide range of issues, there are probably people out there, who do know about the following issues. We are working on fodder growing for small scale dairy farming, and currently doing a feasibility study. The major constraint is fodder availability and to find the niches to plant them.

1- We are working to develop one niche, which is the intercropping of grasses in commercial plantations (pine trees). I am wondering if anyone could help us, what grasses, fodder shrubs/trees could grow under pine trees plantations, with the following conditions: About 30% light comes through the trees, altitude is about 900 meters (Tropical climate), rainfall about 2000 mm per year, with volcanic soils (in fact it is on the slope of a volcano).

2- A number of farmers leave their land fallow for about two-three months, before starting to grow vegetables again. So these months could be another niche for growing green manures which could benefit the vegetables while at the same time this green manure could provide good quality fodder? Are there any examples of this, on the same area as mentioned above?

Best regards,

Paul Burgers
Co-ordinator Indigenous Fallow Management Network
ICRAF Southeast Asian Regional Programme
Indonesia

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Date: Sun, 04 Feb 2001
To: MULCH-L@cornell.edu
From: Millton Flores-Barahona
Subject: Re: grasses and green manure

(Paul Burgers wrote:
Mr. Paul
At 10:49 AM 2/4/01 -0500, you wrote:
2- A number of farmers leave their land fallow for about two-three months, before starting to grow vegetables again. So these months could be another niche for growing green manures which could benefit the vegetables while at the same time this green manure could provide good quality fodder? Are there any examples of this, on the same area as mentioned above? Best regards, Paul Burgers)

Millton Flores-Barahona Replies:

Several alternatives exist for the niche you describe specially if enough rain or water is available during the three months farmer leave their fields unplanted. We have tried several GMCC species here but for vegetable production I am particularly enthusiastic about different types of Vigna, some of which are incredibly fast growing. We and various other organizations have tried it in several parts of Honduras and Nicaragua with similar results. We have a type of Vigna unguiculata called locally Alacín (and another type I am not sure what species it is called "pochote") that are proving to be excellent cover crops. They produce 7-8 Tons/ha--dry matter basis in 75-90 days. In addition, it is amazing the number and diversity of beneficial insects this crop attracts. Vigna is recognized as to be efficient in terms of N fixation. Last but not least, the pods are eaten green and have constant demand in local markets.

Perhaps the only drawback observed is that Vigna is attacked by aphids due to its profuse foliage. We have managed to control aphids with a solution of wheat flour dissolved in water. Once the water has evaporated the insects get caught in the crust formed by the flour. Also, in its latest stage of maturity the plants are susceptible to mildew. However, if your purpose is to incorporate it as green manure these two problems could be minimal.

I am sure other Mulch-L subscribers will add information,

Saludos
Milton Flores Barahona
Centro Internacional de Información Sobre Cultivos de Cobertura (CIDICCO)
Tegucigalpa, Honduras

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To: MULCH-L@cornell.edu
Date: Tue, 6 Feb 2001
From: Danilo A. Pezo
Subject: Re: grasses and green manure

Dear Paul

I would suggest you contact Eduardo Somarriba (esomarri@catie.ac.cr), an Agroforester working in CATIE (Costa Rica), as he published a paper on the matter in 1991. The agroecological conditions Paul described are similar to the ones in the site Eduardo did his work, although in his case the species was Pinus cariabeae. The reference for the article is:

Somarriba, E. and F. Lega. 1991. Cattle grazing under Pinus caribeae. 1. Evaluation of farm historical data on stand age and animal stocking rate. Agroforestry Systems 13:177-185.

In the case of the above mentioned paper, only native grasses were evaluated, but there are many references on the tolerance of improved grasses to shade under trees, that could help (e.g. ACIAR Proceedings No. 32. 1991).

I hope this information helps.

Regards,

Danilo A. Pezor
Animal Nutritionist ILRI-SEAT
Makati City, Philippines

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From: Jorge R. Toll Vera
To: MULCH-L@cornell.edu
Subject: RE: grasses and green manure
Date: Wed, 7 Feb 2001

Dear Paul:

First of all, I have to apologize with you for my English and many mistakes that will be in the text.

Point 1: In the NE region of Argentina, Misiones Province, which has tropical climate, there are some experiences related with highly producer grasses such as Brachiaria brizantha cv. Marandu and Pennisetum purpureum (Elephant grass, Napier grass) cv. Mott and shade tolerant legume Arachis pintoi cv. Amarillo. They obtained good results and extra incomes from grazing (450 till 600 kg beef/ha/year after trees have reached enough development (4 or 5 years form planting). For further data information, please contact Dr. Carlos Perruchena, INTA Corrientes, Argentina, his email: cperruchen@inta.gov.ar

Point 2: From experiences carried out also in Misiones, I believe that trying with Sorghum or Corn (Sweetcorn also) will provide heavy amount of residues and also reduce the impact of some soil pathogens.

Wishing you the best of the times,

Jorge R. Toll Vera
Universidad Nacional de Tucuman
Argentina