Tree based land use systems for optimization of bio-productivity and resource conservation in a humid subtropical climate.

摘要

This study was conducted to evaluate the different micro-watershed based agroforestry land use systems (mixed block forest, silvopasture for goat production, silvohorti-system, self-regenerated forest and timber farming) for developing sustainable land use on the hillslopes. The study was conducted at the ICAR Research Complex for NEH Region at Barapani (Meghalaya), India. Micro-watershed based development of five tree land use systems was found more productive and a viable option to suit farmer's needs and for natural resource conservation on the hill slopes. Tree biomass constituted 22.8, 15.8, 42.5, 47.8 and 78.8% of annual turn over of total plant biomass under mixed block forest, silvipasture, silvi-horti system, self regenerated forest and timber farming based land use systems, respectively. Annual turn over of total plant biomass of five tree land use systems was 6.02, 31.01, 27.77, 19.44 and 18.66 tonnes/ha/year under mixed block forest, silvopasture, silvohorti system, self regenerated forest and timber farming, respectively. Community and individual owned lands abandoned after shifting cultivation was regenerated into a good forest of 409 trees/ha by protection from biotic interference. Net return obtained under five land use systems was recorded highest under timber farming (Rs. 161 851/ha), followed by silvi horti system (Rs. 80 713/ha) and self regenerated forest (Rs. 66 042/ha). However, return on per rupee investment was highest under self regenerated forest (Rs. 6.03) followed by timber farming (Rs. 5.79) and silvohorti systems (Rs. 3.51). Inclusion of livestock had set positive link on sustainability of silvopasture developed on uncultivable hill slope on the farm which supplemented farm income by rearing goats. Tree based land uses maintained the soil loss within permissible limit, improved soil physicochemical properties and retained 80 to 100% rainwater within the micro-watersheds by reducing peak runoff.