Diversity, Productivity and Utilization pattern of plant species under Traditional agroforestry system: a case study of Chamba block, Tehri Garhwal, Uttarakhand
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Date
2016-07
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College of Forestry, Ranichauri, V.C.S.G. Uttarakhand University of Horticulture and Forestry.
Abstract
The present investigation was conducted in 9 villages of Chamba block, Tehri Garhwal lies between 1200 and 2000m asl. There were objectives of the study as 1. Assessment of plant species diversity under traditional agroforestry system, 2. Analysis of productivity potential of existing agroforestry systems, 3. Documentation of utilization pattern of woody species used by local inhabitants in the region. The diversity of plant species was assessed using random sampling method. Productivity of plant species including tree species and agriculture crops was assessed adopting standard methodology. However, utilization pattern of wood species was studied with the help of a semi-structured questionnaire, personal inter-views with head or the old person of the family and field observations.
Results pertaining to diversity of plant species showed that there were a total of 23 forest tree species, 17 fruit tree species, 11 shrubs and 20 herbs in the study area. The productivity of tree species in agrisilviculture system was estimated by measuring the height and girth of all individual trees. However, the agriculture crop productivity included grain productivity, straw productivity and biological yield of Rabi and Kharif seasons was assessed using random sampling methods. The data were analyzed statistically to find out significant difference amongst the parameters. The volume of all trees under sampling plots in different villages varied from 2.01 to 2.67 m3/ha in V2 (Dubakoti) and V3 (Aarakot) village. In all the documented species, maximum mean volume was recorded 5.69 m3/ha for G. optiva and minimum as 0.44 m3/ha for M. azedarach. Above ground biomass of trees in the selected system varied from 0.88 to 1.74 t/ha in V9 (Pali) and V3 village (Aarakot). In case of above ground biomass, it was found maximum (4.06 t/ha) in Q. leucotrichophora and minimum (0.19 t/ha) in M. azedarach. The total grain yield productivity of cereals in Rabi and Kharif seasons varied from 3266 kg/ha V1 (Chopdiyalgaun) to 5708 kg/ha V7 village (Dandasali). The crop residue varied from 12047 kg/ha to 18177 kg/ha in V1 (Chopdiyalgaun) and V8 village (Kot). The total biological yield of cereals varied from 15313 kg/ha to 23765 kg/ha in V1 (Chopdiyalgaun) and V8 village (Kot). The total harvest index of cereals varied 115.02 to 135.26 in V2 (Dubakoti) and V6 villlage (Guldi). Utilization pattern showed that all the recorded species have high economic importance for the local inhabitants. A total of 47 species was recorded, in which 37 species were used commonly for food (edible), 36 for medicinal, 30 for fuel, 20 for fodder, 6 for agricultural tools, 4 for religious, 12 for timber, 1 for fibre and 12 species for miscellaneous uses.
Based on the results, it is suggested that despite good diversity there is a huge potential of planting multipurpose tree species especially in wasteland nearby villages. Innovative livelihood activities can be adopted to increase productivity of existing agroforestry systems by developing integrated agroforestry models i.e. Agricultural crops+MPTs+Medicinal Plants/ Ornamental plants+Dairy farming/Goat farming. Capacity building and training activities need to be organized on different aspects of sustainability and up-gradation of existing traditional agroforestry system. The rural communities must be made aware of financial and technical support extended by different government agencies especially enhancement of sustainably rural livelihood opportunities so that the amplitude of migration could be mitigated.