Evaluation of four pasture legumes species as forages and cover crops in oil palm plantation

Pasture legumes is a very high quality of forage. The limited land is the problem of its development. Integration with oil palm plantations is one of the potentials for its development. This study was aimed to investigate the productivity of several legumes (Arachis glabrata, Stylosanthes guianensis, Clitoria ternatea, and Chamaecrista rotundifolia) as forages and cover crop. The potential tests were conducted in oil palm area of 4608 m 2 , in a complete block design with four treatments (legume species) and three replications. Parameters observed were: Legum production, leaf/stem ratio, chemical composition of legume, concentration of N, P in the soil, microbes in the soil, leguminous digestibility and palm fruit production. Results showed that the highest legume production (DM) was (P 0.05) ranged from 33.75 to 35.75%, the organic matter (OM) varied greatly (P 0.05). The lowest ADF concentration (P 0.05) ranged from 16.52-19.21 tons ha -1 year -1 . It is concluded that Clitoria ternatea is the best species of legume tested as forage and cover crop in oil palm plantations.