Evaluation of leguminous species as cover crops associated with sacha inchi1

Abstract

Sacha inchi (Plukenetia volubilis) is an oilseed crop that has gained importance due to the high contents of proteins and unsaturated fatty acids in its seeds. This study aimed at evaluating the growth characteristics of five leguminous species (Crotalaria juncea,Centrosema macrocarpum,Arachis pintoi,Cannavalia ensiformis and Phaseolus vulgaris) used as cover crops, as well as determining their influence on the sacha inchi yield. A complete randomized block design, with three blocks, was used. C. macrocarpum and C. ensiformis were the most appropriate cover crop species for the local edaphoclimatic conditions because they reached 100 % of soil coverage at six months, in addition to controlling the weeds growth and protecting the soil from erosion. Furthermore, the total leaf biomass at six months was significantly higher in C. macrocarpum, what allowed improving the soil fertility through nitrogen cycling. The use of leguminous cover crops, mainly C. macrocarpum, positively influenced the sacha inchi yield.

Measuring sustainability of smallholder livestock farming in Yurimaguas, Peruvian Amazon

“…Alegre et al (2017) reported that degraded lands with low fertility, affected by overgrazing in the humid tropics of Yurimaguas, can be recovered for sustainable production with leguminous cover crops and Multistrata Agroforestry Systems (MAS) because in a short time soil, compaction is reduced and organic matter level increased after the establishment of cover crops and trees. Furthermore, the use of leguminous cover crops influences in the increase of tropical crops yield (Solis et al, 2019).…”