IDENTIFICATION, USES AND MEASUREMENT OF FODDERS LEGUMES TREES IN SOUTH FARMERS OF THE STATE OF MEXICO

Abstract

The aim of the study was to identify fodder legume trees species, it’s uses, density, frequency, abundance and dasometrics measures; as well as to evaluate foliage production (kg DM tree-1) of Pithecellobium dulce, Gliricidia sepium and Haematoxylum brasiletto, and its preference by farmers as a source of forage in farms in south of Mexico State. Fruit production (kg tree-1 DM) of Acacia cochliacantha and Pithecellobium dulce was also evaluated. Trees uses and preferences were obtained throughout structured interviews applied to 69 farmers representing 83% of the population. Measurements of the trees were made in six farms. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics. Twelve trees species were identified, were Acacia cochliacantha, Lysiloma divaricata, Pithecellobium dulce, Gliricidia sepium and Haematoxylum brasiletto were the most important having higher density, frequency and abundance. Ruminants consume foliage and fruit of 46.6% of identified trees, in 20% of the trees only foliage is consumed. Eighty percent of species identified had between five to 8 different uses different form forages, being: firewood, poles, shade, living fence, medicinal, human consumption, material for crafts and wood. The largest trees were Caesalpinia coriaria, Pithecellobium dulce, Leucaena esculenta and Enterolobium cyclocarpum according to their basal diameter (BD) (between 47.1 to 57.2 cm), diameter at breast height (DBH) was between 49.3 to 50.3 cm and height (h) between 7.4 to 14.5 m, therefore preferred as a shadow. Foliage production was 44.5, 8.8 and 8.4 kg DM tree-1 for the Pithecellobium dulce, Gliricidia sepium and Haematoxylum brasiletto respectively. Fruit production was 63.9 and 21.7 kg DM tree-1 for Pithecellobium dulce and Acacia cochliacantha, respectively. The 12 leguminous trees identified in the area are recognized by farmers as multipurpose fodder trees being a source of food for cattle during the rainy; fruit becomes an important source of food during the dry season, so it is important to their conservation and management in the farmers.