Legume Diversity and Species Composition in the Agroedupark of Tribhuwana Tunggadewi University, Malang, Indonesia, with a Literature-Based Assessment of Forage Potential

Halaku, Defriko U. T.
Susanti, Sri
Thiasari, Nurita
Ridhowi, Aswah

Jurnal Nutrisi Ternak Tropis (JNT)
Vol. 9 No. 2 (2026): JNT Jurnal Nutrisi Ternak Tropis September

Legumes are potential forage sources for livestock due to their relatively high protein content and ability to improve soil fertility through nitrogen fixation. Information on legume diversity and forage potential in the Agroedupark of Tribhuwana Tunggadewi University, Malang, East Java, Indonesia, remains limited. This study aimed to identify legume species, analyze species composition and diversity, and evaluate their potential as livestock feed sources. A complete-area inventory was conducted within an observation area of approximately 10,000 m² (1 ha), which was divided into 16 contiguous plots measuring 25 × 25 m each. All legume plants within the plots were recorded and identified based on their morphological characteristics. Species composition was expressed as the relative abundance of each species, and diversity was assessed using the Shannon–Wiener index (H′). Forage potential was evaluated through a literature review considering nutritional composition, reported livestock responses, antinutritional compounds and potential toxicity, and recommended inclusion levels. The inventory identified 11 legume species comprising 432 individuals. Mimosa pudica was the most abundant species based on the recorded number of individuals, with 127 individuals (29.39%), followed by Calliandra calothyrsus with 93 (21.53%) and Leucaena leucocephala with 55 (12.73%). The Shannon–Wiener diversity index (H′) was 1.94, indicating moderate legume diversity. Several species, including Leucaena leucocephala, Gliricidia sepium, and Calliandra calothyrsus, showed relatively high forage potential based on their nutritional characteristics and reported utilization. In contrast, Mimosa pudica had limited forage value based on its low palatability, relatively low crude protein content, and the presence of mimosine. Other identified species also showed potential as livestock forage based on available literature, although their utilization should consider nutritional value, antinutritional compounds, palatability, digestibility, and appropriate inclusion levels. These findings provide baseline information for the potential utilization and development of selected local legumes as livestock feed resources.