Review of literature on perennial peanut (Arachis pintoi) as potential cover crop in the tropics

Abstract

The use of living mulch as a substitute for plastic mulch is increasing in the tropics as researchers have gradually shifted their attention to organic farming systems. Arachis pintoi is a perennial plant and a member of the leguminosae family. A. pintoi has good potential for use as a living mulch in association with vegetables, trees, or grass (as a pasture) because of its ability to fix nitrogen from the atmosphere and to grow in heavy shade. This work, based on fact sheets, journals and text books, was undertaken to provide farmers and researchers with scientific information on the benefits of A. pintoi as a living mulch.