N-fixing legume
Silverleaf desmodium is an N-fixing legume that improves the soil N status and can provide nitrogen to neighbouring crops. It was estimated that the amount of N fixed ranged from 90kg/ha in desmodium/grass stands, mixed on a 3:7 ratio, to 110 kg N/ha/year on pure stands (FAO, 2011).
Weed and weed controller
Silverleaf desmodium is considered a weed in Australia and Hawaii because it can outcompete native species (AWC, 2011; US Forest Service, 2011).
In association with a maize crop, silverleaf desmodium may help in controlling Striga hermonthica, a deleterious parasitic weed of maize, due to an allelopathic action (Labrada, 2003).