Multitier agroforestry system for integrated resource conservation on uplands of Eastern Ghats region in India

Abstract

Soil and water conservation along with crop productivity improvement is indispensable for sustainable development of rainfed areas. Integration of suitable fruit trees within the cropping system can reduce risk allied with rainfed farming. The system of raising multi-height plant species with agricultural crops known as multitier agroforestry system was assessed (2007)(2008)(2009)(2010) for resource conservation and production potential in rainfed conditions of Eastern Ghats region in India. Thirty experimental plots, each of 18 9 12 m dimension with 2 % slope having different multitier agroforestry treatments were assessed for soil erosion, nutrient loss and crop yield. Results revealed that multitier plantation of drumstick (Moringa oleifera) with Gliricidia sepium hedgerow and ginger (Zingiber officinale): pigeonpea (Cajanus cajan) (8:2) intercropping enumerated minimum mean runoff (8.26 %) and soil loss (3.45 Mg ha -1 ). This treatment saved 74 % more soil organic carbon, 64 % more phosphorus and 66 % more potassium, respectively than broadcasted finger millet cultivation (traditional farmers' practice). An increase of 24-27 % drumstick fruit yield was observed in Gliricidia hedgerow based multitier agroforestry systems over non-Gliricidia systems. The findings will contribute as a technical reference for the promotion of hedgerow based multitier agroforestry for resource conservation and fertility restoration of sloping lands.

Review on Multilayer Farming: A Way Towards Farmer Prosperity

“…Jakhar et al [3] found that papaya + ginger : pigeonpea (8 : 2) + gliricidia system resulted in maximum net return, while in case of B : C ratio sole pigeonpea recorded maximum. Sankaranarayanana et al [10] noted that cotton + radish + cluster bean + beet root system gave maximum net return and per day profitability.…”

“…Jakhar et al [3] noted that papaya + ragi : pigeonpea (6 : 2) + gliricidia system recorded significantly lower water runoff, in addition to that papaya + ginger : pigeonpea (8 : 2) + gliricidia system found significantly lower soil erosion. Jakhar et al [3] reported that papaya + ginger + gliricidia multilayer system resulted better infiltration rate as compare to other system. Sultana et al [4] revealed that multilayer farming model of bitter gourd + elephant foot yam resulted in higher land equivalent ratio of system.…”

Long‐term conservation practice in litchi (Litchi chinensis L.) cultivation improves the crop productivity and soil health of degraded lands

“…About 13.15, 27.69, and 25.07% higher available N, P, and K were observed under LCP land use as compared to LCC land use in 2021 due to the continuous decomposition of forest litter applied as mulch in addition to leaf litter produced during fruit harvesting and litter fall under high moisture content present in the soil, which could help in a nutrient buildup in 26 years (Figure 5). When compared to traditional farmers' practices of growing finger millet, a mixed plantation of Moringa oleifera, Gliricidia sepium, Zingiber officinale, and Cajanus cajan with conservation measures in East India increased SOC, P, and K by 74%, 64%, and 66%, respectively (Jakhar et al, 2017). Litchi cultivation under conservation practices imparted good quality production of fruits and crops with higher productivity, ultimately leading to achieving the SDG of zero hunger and no poverty.…”