Croissance et production de biomasse de Gliricidia sepium (Jacq.) Walp dans les conditions de la plaine de l’Imbo au Burundi

Abstract

Gliricidia sepium (Jacq.) Walp is a leguminous shrub adapted to low rainfall areas. The species is of interest for its rapid  growth and high biomass production. It can produce as much as 10 kg/linear meter on hedges, more than biomass productions  obtained with Leucaena leucocephala L. and Calliandra calothyrsus Meisn., two of the most disseminated agroforestry 
species in Burundi, and which Gliricidia sepium (Jacq.) Walp could replace in the country agroforestry landscape,  particularly within the current context of climatic change. Twelve provenances of the species from Central America have  been introduced and tested in Burundi in a trial installed in Gihanga (Imbo). Among the 12 provenances, Retalhuleu  provenance from Guatemala topped all other provenances in growth and biomass production. Moreover, the provenance  produced as much foliar (50 %) as woody (50 %) biomass. It can therefore be of multiple uses: green manure, fodder for  animal feeding, wood for domestic usage or as climbing stakes. Gliricidia sepium (Jacq.) Walp is a rapidly growing species,  known for its high biomass production. Consequently, we believe that the species could be of particular interest for  developmental actors involved in agroforestry programs in Burundi.