African tree acts as 'fertilizer factory' for crops

A unique African tree could dramatically improve the yield of crops planted under its canopy by providing natural, renewable fertilizer, says a new study.

The tree has the potential to aid farmers throughout Africa, South America, and much of south and Southeast Asia, according to the researchers.

"Soil fertility is one of the major constraints to food production in sub-Saharan Africa, and nitrogen is one of the most limiting elements," said Lou Verchot of the Center for International Forestry Research in Bogor, Indonesia, who was not a part of the new study. link...