Gliricidia sepium is a legume able to fix N. It produces a lot of litter and the half-life of gliricidia leaves is about 20 days. The plant is thus considered as a good soil improver. Because of its deep roots and quick growth, it is used as a windbreak. It thrives on steep slopes and may be used to reclaim denuded land. Gliricidia sepium is also often used as shade for perennials (coffee, tea, cocoa) or as nurse-tree since it produces light shade and reduces soil temperatures (Orwa et al., 2009).
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