Reclamation of degraded cocoa lands using <i>Albizia Zygia</i>

Abstract

Abstract The structure of the population of Albizia zygia and the regeneration potential of the species from seed were studied in three site conditions (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 structures 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 major mechanism of secondary succession in abandoned cocoa farms. The population of Albizia zygia in the forest appeared to be stable, while in the mature cocoa fields it was in decline. Efficient seed pretreatment techniques and vegetative propagation methods using juvenile cuttings, which are useful for enhanced management of the species, are also presented. Management strategies using the species for the rehabilitation of degraded cocoa farms are discussed.