SUBABUL/SAFED BABOOL/SOUNDAL/LEUCAENA (LEUCAENA LEUCOCEPHALA) FODDER TREE SEED Subabul (Leucaena leucocephala) is a miracle fodder tree. The forage is highly digestible, good source of energy and protein rich (29%). Seeds are grown on raised beds or in polythene bags during the beginning of rainy season. After 40 days transplanting to field from nursery/raised bed/polythene bag. Seed can be sown directly in the field. For direct sowing takes 4.5 kgs (Pure crop) and 2 kgs (Fodder tree) of seeds/acre is used like pure crop. A spacing of 2 x 2.5 feet is recommended for a pure crop of fodder, 1.5 x 0.2 m for planting in boundaries and borders of coconut gardens/orchard. Intensity in grow reaching height of 20 m. The angle of branches is narrow. It’s growing well under rainfed conditions and also highly drought resistant. Crop harvest every 40-50 days gives fodder yield. Biomass of fodder production is 30-40 t/acre/yr.Good feed to Goat, Cow, Buffalo & Sheep. Improving milk yield & Fodder weight also. HOW TO GROW:To get better germination seeds must be treated in hot water at 80 o C for 10 minutes.Then seeds should be soaked in normal water over night (12 hours).Seeds should be shade dry before sowing for 1 hour.Start with a mixture of agro peat, organic manure and soil in 20:20:60 ratio. It helps to increase water holding capacity of growing medium and also in easy penetration of roots. If good quality agro peat or manure is not available, you may use the available soil.Moisten the newly planted seeds only by sprinkling water.It is advisable not to directly pour water over the saplings as the force of water might damage them.
