Discussions regarding multipurpose Nitrogen Fixing Trees (NFTs)
in Vietnam
(3/11/02 - 3/13/02)

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postings: 4
countries: Australia, Thailand, Vietnam
organizations/institutions/companies: FADO, Catholic Relief Services, McKean Rehabilitation Center, Biosystems Brightstar Environmental

From: Aym Roussel
To: mulch-l@cornell.edu
Subject: Multipurpose Nitrogen Fixing Trees
Date: Mon, 11 Mar 2002

Dear Mulch-L,

I would like to get some recommendations on NFT species (Nitrogen Fixing Trees) that could be used as fodder for cattle in Northern Vietnam (Lang Son province, North-East mountainous area).

In our project area, upland soils are acid (pH KCl = 4.0) and of low fertility, with low rate in organic matter (1.5-2.0%) and deficiency in available P2O5 and available K2O. Yearly average rainfall is 1,300 mm and mean temperature is 21.3 deg. C. Dry season (P < 50 mm /month) lasts 4 months, during which temperature can be rather low (below 2 deg. C, occurrung 2 years out of 10).

We would like to experiment some legumes trees that can be planted in or around the grazing areas, to increase fodder availability in winter and provide firewood as well. Fast-growing species would be warmly welcome... Up to now, there are been only few experiments in this area in VN. National project KN03 (screening of 20 NTFs in different ecosystems) focused mostly in NW area of VN where growing conditions are less drastic. Some results would suggest the use of Albizzia falcataria, Calliandra calothyrsus or Cajanus cajan but are not really conclusive (lack of medium-term follow-up and very few sites concerned).

Can someone with experience of the region provide us with some suggestions / recommendations? Help is warmly welcome.

Aymeric Roussel,

Adviser Sustainable Agriculture - Lang Son project
FADO (Flemish Organization for Assistance in Development)
Hanoi, SRV

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From: Riikka Marjukka Rajalahti
To: MULCH-L@cornell.edu
Subject: Re: Multipurpose Nitrogen Fixing Trees
Date: Tue, 12 Mar 2002

Dear Aymeric,

I'd suggest you to contact Dr Dinh Van Binh, Director of Goat and Rabbit Research Centre in Ba Vi area. His email: binhbavi@netnam.vn and phone: 034-838 341.

The centre has been experimenting with several cover crops, many of which are woody, such as Flemingia macrophylla, Acacia, Leucaena (one that is adapted to the low pH in Vietnam) and Trichantera gigantea. I am not sure whether they are suitable in terms of temperature requirements.

Best regards,

Riikka Rajalahti
Catholic Relief Services,
Vietnam

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To: MULCH-L@cornell.edu
From: Stewart Tyler
Subject: Re: Multipurpose Nitrogen Fixing Trees
Date: Tue, 12 Mar 2002

Aymeric,

Some Australian Acacia species may be good. They are used to growing on soils low in P. They grow fast, make good fire wood and some species are good fodder. There are species adapted to many different rainfalls.

You may get some information from the Permaculture Institute
http://www.nor.com.au/environment/perma/

Some one who sells Acacia seed
http://www.dallie.com.au/farm/trees.htm

An article about Acacia
http://www.abc.net.au/rural/sa/stories/s323335.htm

The Seed savers may be able to help
http://www.seedsavers.net/

Regards,

Stewart Tyler
Site Technical Officer - Biosystems Brightstar Environmental

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From: Klaus Prinz
To: MULCH-L@cornell.edu
Subject: Re: Multipurpose Nitrogen Fixing Trees
Date: Wed, 13 Mar 2002

Dear Aym,

try to contact Mr. Nguyen Van So. Nguyen Van So E-mail Address(es):

nvso.vnafe@fmail.vnn.vn

Deputy Dean Dept. of Forestry
University of Agriculture and Forestry of HCMC
Ho Chi Minh City

Greetings,

Klaus Prinz
McKean Rehabilitation Center
Chiang Mai, Thailand