Fodder tree based agroforestry systems in hills of Uttarakhand

Abstract

Himalayan ecosystems are complex, with frail environment, undulating terrain, and distinctive topography which are sensitive to regional and global changes. This region harbors a variety of agricultural practices out of which fodder tree based agroforestry systems are the paramount from sustainability and livelihood point of view. In hill region of Uttarakhand fodder tree based agroforestry systems evolved over a long period of time as farmers practicing these trees and crops combinations from generations. These systems fulfill diverse needs viz., food, fodder, fruit, timber needs of mountainous inhabitants. Agroforestry deals with the combination of tree species with crop plants, fisheries, animals, bee keeping etc. and it’s based on the principle of optimum utilization of land. Agrihorti, Silvihorti, Hortipastoral and Silvipastoral systems are diversified land use options for agroforestry in the hill region. Improved system with five tree species i.e. Grewia optiva, Quercus leucotrichophora, Bauhinia retusa, Melia azedarach, Morus alba and four grasses i.e. Setaria kazugulla, Setaria nandi, Congo signal and Broad leaf paspalum were tested under silvipastoral system. Quercus leucotrichophora yielded (10675 kg/ha) significantly higher green biomass than others. Thus, for hilly terrain planting of interspatial woody perennials, with least negative influences on the agronomic crops, seems productive agroforestry system for settled farming. Therefore, agroforestry is a set of land use alternative, which if developed for resource poor farmers, can provide increased values and reduced risks and it should be made more popular in the rural areas.