In sub-Saharan Africa, seventy four percent of the farmers and stockowners are smallholders. Soil nutrients and water are the main constraints for legume-crop-livestock output in smallholder production system. Legume forages can provide high quality feed for livestock in the dry season while improving the soil fertility either through their direct contribution to soil fertility or the better quality manure produced from feeding them to the livestock.
The paper summarizes the available information and ongoing research at ILCA on soil-related constraints with special reference to P, S, K, micronutrients, soil acidity and rhizobium on legumes and their alleviation. Maximizing nitrogen input through species/cultivars selection and management options are also highlighted.