Leucaena’s contribution to the environment are manifold:
N-fixing: it fixes large amounts of N (150 to 300 kg/ha) thus promoting grass or maize growth (Leucaena.net, 2009; Ecoport, 2009).
Erosion control and land reclamation. Its deep taproot helps breaking up compacted subsoil layers thus improving water penetration and reducing surface run-off. It prevents saline subsoil water from reaching the surface. Grown in contour strips, leucaena helps in erosion control on steep slopes.
It provides shade and acts as a shelterbelt (preventing wind damages) to other trees such as cocoa, coffee and tea but also to climbing crops (vanilla, pepper, passion fruit).
It provides green manure in alley cropping systems since its leaves decompose quickly (Shelton et al., 1998).