The introduction and establishment of a new leguminous cover crop Mucuna bracteata under oil palm in Malaysia

Cheriachangel Mathews, . The introduction and establishment of a new leguminous cover crop Mucuna bracteata under oil palm in Malaysia. pp. 359-368. ISSN 0126-575X

From the trials Mucuna bracteata merits more extensive cultivation. Its desirable characters are that the seed rate is very much lower than conventional cover crops and less labour intensive for planting. The initial three months requires purification of leguminous cover crop. Its vigorous growth coupled with its probable allelopathic property noxious weeds and grasses are well smothered; thus requiring less maintenance other than monthly circle spraying. M. bracteata's drought and shade tolerance are far superior than conventional covers thus poses less of a hazard in the dry weather. It has a high level of phenolic compounds which deters insects and cattle. This perennial leguminous creepers have deep roots and produce significant quantities of litter which decomposes slowly and increases the fertility of surface soil. At the onset of second year of planting M. bracteata dominated the other two covers in growth and coverage.

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Abstract

From the trials Mucuna bracteata merits more extensive cultivation. Its desirable characters are that the seed rate is very much lower than conventional cover crops and less labour intensive for planting. The initial three months requires purification of leguminous cover crop. Its vigorous growth coupled with its probable allelopathic property noxious weeds and grasses are well smothered; thus requiring less maintenance other than monthly circle spraying. M. bracteata's drought and shade tolerance are far superior than conventional covers thus poses less of a hazard in the dry weather. It has a high level of phenolic compounds which deters insects and cattle. This perennial leguminous creepers have deep roots and produce significant quantities of litter which decomposes slowly and increases the fertility of surface soil. At the onset of second year of planting M. bracteata dominated the other two covers in growth and coverage.

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Item Type:	Article
Additional Information:	Summary (En)
AGROVOC Term:	COVER PLANTS
AGROVOC Term:	MUCUNA
AGROVOC Term:	PLANT INTRODUCTION
AGROVOC Term:	PLANT ESTABLISHMENT
AGROVOC Term:	PLANTATIONS
AGROVOC Term:	WEED CONTROL
AGROVOC Term:	OIL PALMS
AGROVOC Term:	MALAYSIA
Depositing User:	Ms. Norfaezah Khomsan
Last Modified:	24 Apr 2025 05:52
URI:	http://webagris.upm.edu.my/id/eprint/17745

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