Many grass and legume species have evolved in the allic soil environment which tolerate high aluminum levels and low fertility. Under good management they are capable of producing forage of fair to excellent quality during the rainy season. There are many legumes native to allic soil regions in Latin America. They are sometimes present in old predominantly grass swards and, with adequate management, could make a significant contribution to quality forage production. Nitrogen often appears to be the principal production limiting factor for pure grass swards in the lowland, humid tropics. The use of forage legumes grown in association with grasses as a source of nitrogen appears to be the best strategy for producing abundant, high quality forage with a protein content adequate for the grazing animal. Phosphorus is deficient in nearly all allic soils. However, a number of the tropical forages appear to be among the species with the lowest phosphorus requirements.