RECLAMATION OF DEGRADED COCOA LANDS USING ALBIZIA-ZYGIA

The structure of the population of Albizia zygia and the regeneration potential of the species from seed were studied in three site conditio ns (mature cocoa stand, fallow and intact natural forest) in the moist semi-deciduous forest zone in Ghana. The potential of the species to regenerate vegetatively was also assessed. Different population struct ures and different natural regeneration status were observed for each site. Regeneration from seed appeared to be of a little importance in the fallow site, whereas vegetative regeneration was found to be a maj or mechanism of secondary succession in abandoned cocoa farms. The pop ulation of Albizia zygia in the forest appeared to be stable, while in the mature cocoa fields it was in decline. Efficient seed pretreatmen t techniques and vegetative propagation methods using juvenile cutting s, which are useful for enhanced management of the species, are also p resented. Management strategies using the species for the rehabilitati on of degraded cocoa farms are discussed.