Abstract
Gliricidia sepium
(Gamal) is a legume plant that has various functions, including as a soil conservation plant, a source of energy biomass, and forage for livestock. The study was conducted in Gunung Village, Kota Komba District, Manggarai Regency, East Nusa Tenggara. This study aims to analyze the physical and chemical properties of the soil on the growth of Glyrica gamal plants as a source of energy and livestock feed. The results show that the physical properties of the soil include clayey sand soil texture (45% sand :25% dust :30% clay), bulk density (1.4 g/cm
3
), porosity (45-52%), and soil permeability (3-5 cm/hour). While the chemical properties of the soil include soil pH (5.2-6.0), low organic C content (1.2-2.0%), low total N (0.11-0.20% N), low available P (8-15 ppm), and moderate K (0.3-0.42 me/100 g). Biomass observations show that at 6 months old, the plant height is 2.0-2.5 m with a leaf weight of 10.14±2.5 kg/tree or approximately 53.36 tons/hectare, a crude protein content of 18-24%, and a crude fiber content of 8.5-23.7%. Therefore, it has the potential to be used as ruminant feed. Gamal plants have a strong and widespread root system, making them potential erosion inhibitors on marginal land. Therefore, the development of gamal plants in Manggarai Regency has the potential to support soil conservation efforts, the provision of renewable energy, and the availability of animal feed in a sustainable agricultural system.