SCREENING OF MULTIPURPOSE TREE AND SHRUB SPECIES FOR AGROFORESTRY IN THE HUMID LOWLANDS OF CAMEROON

A field screening trial Of ten exotic multipurpose trees and shrubs wa s initiated in August 1987 in Yaounde, Cameroon. The objective of the study was to identify adaptable species with desirable traits that cou ld be used for agroforestry systems recommended for the humid lowlands of Cameroon. The species included were Acacia auriculiformis, Acacia mangium, Calliandra calothyrsus, Cassia javanica, Cassia siamea, Gliri cidia sepium, Leucaena leucocephala, Paraserianthes falcataria, Sesban ia grandiflora and Sesbania sesban. Results suggested that the two Ses bania species were poorly adapted to the region (based on survival rat e). P. falcataria and Calliandra calothyrsus were among the fastest gr owing species and their foliage had high nutrient values, making them promising candidates for agroforestry technologies aimed at improving soil fertility. However, the coppicing ability of P. falcataria was be average. Primary growth of the Acacia species was relatively high, bu t they were poor coppicers. They could be useful as shade trees on coc oa or coffee farms, but are not suitable for hedgerow intercropping.