Sesbania in Agroforestry – Alley Cropping and Hedgerow Practices

Overview

Sesbania is a cornerstone species in tropical agroforestry systems, particularly in alley cropping and improved fallow practices. Its rapid growth, nitrogen fixation, and tolerance to heavy pruning make it ideal for hedgerow intercropping with food crops like maize, cassava, and upland rice.

Details

In alley cropping, sesbania hedgerows spaced 4-6 meters apart are pruned regularly and the biomass is applied as mulch in the alleys. This provides 40-80 kg N/ha per year while also suppressing weeds, reducing soil erosion, and moderating microclimate conditions for the companion crop.

Why Choose Us

Research across Africa and Asia demonstrates that sesbania-based agroforestry systems can sustain crop yields for 10-15 years without external fertilizer inputs on soils that would otherwise become exhausted within 2-3 years under continuous cultivation. Order seeds for your agroforestry project today.