Potential of some Neotropical Albizia species as shade trees whenreplanting cacao in Ghana

The Cocoa Research Institute of Ghana has embarked on studies to support the replanting of cacao (Theobroma cacao L) in areas, which previously carried the crop but are now degraded. A key component of the studies is to identify fast growing tree species capable of ameliorating degraded soils and ultimately providing suitable shade for cacao. A screening trial involving ten Albizia species in a randomized complete block design experiment was therefore initiated in 1996 to evaluate growth rate, leaf biomass production, carbon and nitrogen contents and decomposition rates. Over a four-year period, Albizia adenocephala, A. guachapele, A. niopoides, A. plurijuga,A. saman and A. tomentosa showed promising results, with 12.2 to 14.5 m height and between 12.4 and 22.4 cm stem diameter (DBH). Crown diameter ranged between 6.1 and 10.1 m, with light transmission through crowns averaging 50–65% of full sunlight throughout the year. Half-yearly leaf biomass production ranged between 3and 10 t ha–1, yielding between 0.07 and 0.32 t N ha–1 from each coppicing. Half-life for carbon and nitrogen release from leaves of the six species averaged 31.0 and 32.0 days respectively. This short-term release of C and N is an indication of the quality of the leaf prunings. These species can provide early ground cover, appropriate shade, N and organic matter requirements for re-establishing cacao on denuded and degraded lands.