Stylosanthes in the reclamation and development of degraded soils in India

The use of Stylosanthes spp. (stylo) has made a great impact on the agricultural systems in India, especially in improving natural grazing lands, rehabilitating degraded forests and community lands, and rejuvenating rainfed crop and livestock production systems. It supports the livelihood of over 70% of the nomadic and rural population, where the livestock is dependent on these resources. Stylo is used as a pioneering colonizer to stabilize degraded and problem soil and watersheds in extensive areas spanning most of the Indian states. The availability of new and more suitable stylo has generated a renewed enthusiasm for development programs where the rehabilitation of degraded sites is desired. Combining environmental remediation with the forage and commercial needs of communities that rely on stylo would assure a sustainable bright future for stylo.