| Main centres: | 1-3 business days |
| Regional areas: | 3-4 business days |
| Remote areas: | 3-5 business days |
Cattle type but great for sheep too if kept short
Tree lucerne is one of the easiest trees to grow as they require average management and no fertiliser, thus saving you money. It only takes two years for trees to be fully grown and 40 to 50 days after heavy grazing to re-grow.
The tree can yield high volumes of feed in favourable soil and climatic conditions. It’s been estimated that plantings of 1 300 trees per hectare can yield approximately 11 to 16 tons of dry matter with good rains.
In favourable conditions the crop is very nutritious with a high protein content and 18% to 24% indigestible crude fibre. If tree lucerne is established on 10% of the farm, the carrying capacity will eventually double.
There is no need for re-establishment as the tree lives for 60 to 80 years. It also doesn’t contract major diseases and doesn’t cause bloating like other lucerne. This makes it more suitable for farmers and also improves animal health.
The tree grows all year round and can be used as feed throughout the year. Tree lucerne requires no fertiliser and actually substitutes the fertiliser because it puts nitrogen back into the soil because of its legume-like qualities.
This stimulates the growth of grass in the rows and can save between R1 000 and R3 000 per hectare on fertiliser. Compared to grass, which only uses the top 30cm of water and nutrients, tree lucerne’s roots grow up to eight metres deep. Rain water is therefore put to maximum use, ensuring good protein production and re-growth.
The tree has other benefits such as providing shade and shelter for livestock, and a habitat for birds. It also prevents soil erosion, acts as a wind break and will re-grow after a fire.
Growing tree lucerne has been referred to as organic sustainable farming because it gives back more than it takes from the soil. This is very important for agriculture today and ensures sustainable practices.
