Responses to irrigation and defoliation of dry tropical woody forage species

F.P. García-Vargas, L.E. Robles-Jiménez, D. Val-Arreola, M.E. Gavito-Pardo, L. López-Toledo, C.E. Gonzalez-Esquivel

Abstract


Background. Tropical dry forests are abundant in trees with forage potential. However, there are few studies on their agronomic features aimed at their utilisation in intensive silvopastoral systems. Objective. To evaluate the establishment and growth in height, diameter, canopy cover, and biomass production of three forage tree species (Leucaena leucocephala, Gliricidia sepium, and Moringa oleifera) under the effects of two irrigation levels (irrigated and rainfed) and three defoliation levels (25, 50, and 75%), in order to obtain information for their agronomic management in the dry tropics. Methodology. A factorial experimental design in randomized blocks was used. Results were analyzed using general linear models. Results. During establishment, L. leucocephala reached a greater height and diameter than M. oleifera and G. sepium. After a 30-month monitoring period under irrigation and defoliation treatments, L. leucocephala was found to be the species with the greatest growth, but only G. sepium showed significant differences between irrigation treatments for height and diameter. In biomass production, L. leucocephala had the highest yield at 75% defoliation, with 103.03 ± 16.52 kg DM/ha, followed by G. sepium, also at 75% defoliation, with 79.62 ± 19.77 kg DM/ha. It was also observed that the species were not affected after three successive prunings with recovery periods of three and six months and even increased their biomass production. Implications. L. leucocephala and G. sepium showed the best establishment and highest biomass production, making them a potential alternative for silvopastoral systems. Conclusions. It is important to select species adapted to local conditions to optimize the productivity and sustainability of silvopastoral systems.

Keywords


Forage trees; dry tropics; Leucaena leucocephala; Gliricidia sepium; Moringa oleifera

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References


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URN: http://www.revista.ccba.uady.mx/urn:ISSN:1870-0462-tsaes.v29i2.64493

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.56369/tsaes.6449

Copyright (c) 2026 Flor Paloma García-Vargas, Lizbeth Esmeralda Robles-Jiménez, Daniel Val-Arreola, Mayra Elena Gavito-Pardo, Leonel López-Toledo, Carlos E Gonzalez-Esquivel

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