The potentials of Leucaena leucocephala Pioneer Trees and Cenchrus ciliaris understory grass species in Soil Improvement and Forage Production at Wazo Hill Quarry

Wazo Hill quarry is a site where limestone was mined by Twiga Cement Industry for cement manufacturing. Being previously extracted, the area suffered loss of its biodiversity and geomorphology the fact that affected its ecosystem functionality. Leucaena leucocephala, a leguminous pioneer tree species has started to establish itself at Wazo Hill Quarry site. This is due to its higher capability of colonizing such highly degraded tropical sites with shallow, unfertile and rock soils. L. leucocephala is commonly used to improve forage quality owing to its higher crude protein content of about 30%, exceeding the commonly used fodder grasses (<20%). This project therefore aims to take the advantage of this species by enhancing and promoting its colonization through creating favourable environments that will favour its establishment and improve the soil conditions for native species to take over. Together with this, the project will introduce African Foxtail Grass (Cenchrus ciliaris), a forage grass which is also capable of establishling itself on this harsh environment. This will then turn the area from being a wasteland to a vegetated area in particular pastureland. In addition, site's condition will be improved to a level that various native species can get in and thus improve its biodiversity. The trees will promote wildlife including birds (nesting sites) and insects such as butterflies and bees; improve both soil structure and fertility, sequester carbon for climate change mitigation and reduce pressure on nearby forests through enabling communities to meet immediate wood demands. This project is envisaging the site to be used for conservation, education and even for dairy cattle or goats production in which the milk produced can be supplied to the local school children, and also sold cheaply to the surrounding community.