A self-fertilizing tree is a tree whose activity enriches the topsoil. It improves the texture and promotes structuring of the soil. To perform its function effectively, it must be ‘friendly’, that means that it can not compete strongly with the species cultivated for their domestic or commercial production “(Dupriez-de Leener, 1993).
Self-fertilizing trees are mainly from the legume family and more specifically from the subfamily of Mimosacaea.
They must be from a seedling that can form a single taproot capable of rising to the depths of the soil (from 10 to 30 m deep) the minerals (N, P, K …) and water necessary for the enrichment of the topsoil. Another advantage is that nitrogen-fixing bacteria (rhizobium) and fungi (mycorrhizae), which attract phosphorus, potash and other minerals, live in symbiosis with these trees.
Source: APAF
Summer, which corresponds to the rainy season in southern Africa, is the ideal time to set up a fertiliser tree nursery. These trees have been chosen for their ability to fertilise the soil by producing nitrogen nodules at their roots, … Lire la suite
The Bala seed farm follows the principles of agro-forestry, where a fertiliser tree nursery has been set up. The seedlings are prepared in plastic bags deep enough for the trees to develop strong downward roots. The seedlings are prepared in … Lire la suite
Trees grow in Yagma’s garden! Fertilizing trees and fruit trees are growing and will soon bring shade to the garden!
One of the first steps in APAF’s agroforestry training in Southern Africa was to prepare the nursery for seed sowing. This required identifying local fertilizer trees similar to the seeds to be planted, in order to recover soil near the … Lire la suite
During the training given by APAF International, Pascal Humbert has been searching for fertilizer trees in the Piggs Peak region. He quickly identified the Leuceana. The Leuceana is a great asset in agroforestry: it fertilizes the soil that nourishes it, … Lire la suite
The fertilizing trees are now ready to be transplanted onto the growing beds.
The compost was used and incorporated into the plots. The shaded hut and the trenches dugged for the compost will be used now as a nursery for the fertilizing trees. Plastic bags, filled with a mixture of soil and compost, … Lire la suite
Chaya is a plant of Central America similar to spinach. Chaya is easy to grow in temperate climate. It is tolerant to heavy rain and drought. Propagation can be done easily by cutting 20cm of the stems and planting them … Lire la suite
This film presents the action of APAF in agroforestry in Burkina Faso. APAF is a pioneer in agroforestry in West Africa, with knowledge of local fertilizer tree species helping to regenerate the soil, in association with organic market gardening, and … Lire la suite
