FENCING PATTERNS IN HOMEGARDENS OF KERALA, INDIA: A CASE STUDY

摘要

The study conducted on fencing patterns prevailing in homegardens of village ecosystems of Kerala has identified three types of fences, where plants are the structural materials, and they are live fence, dead fence and mixed fences. Variation in fencing pattern can be seen depending on the agroclimatic zones and availabijity of fencing materials. While dead fence with bamboo branches is predominant in the low rainfall dry agroclimatic zone, live fences are most common type in the Kole (coastal, non-marshy area) of the State. Mixed fencing is most prevalent type in the Central and Pokkali (coastal, marshy and saline water incursion area) zones. Fences are mainly protective in function in the dry zone while in the tole zone, they are either productivein nature or structures to delineate the farm boundary. Mixed fencing in the Central zone is preferred as it is both productive and protective in nature. About 68 plant species encountered on live and mixed fences. Based on local knowledge the additional economic benefits that can be derived from these species were listed. An attempt is made to highlight the importance of promoti on of fences comprising live materaials. A few thrust area for future research are also suggested.