STRUCTURE AND FUNCTION OF AGROFORESTRY SYSTEMS IN DRY TEMPERATE REGIONS OF NORTH WESTERN HIMALAYAS
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Date
2018
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UHF,NAUNI
Abstract
ABSTRACT
The present study entitled “Structure and function of agroforestry systems in dry temperate regions of north
western Himalayas” was carried out during 2014-2015. The three experimental sites were selected randomly from district
Kinnaur and stratified in two climatic conditions viz., C1 (Dry temperate high hills) and C2 (High hills temperate dry and
cold). Three agroforestry systems viz., agrihorticulture, agrisilvicultural and agrihortisilvicultural were selected, which were
common in both climatic conditions. The plot size 10×10 m for trees, 05×05 m for shrubs, 0.5×0.5 m for grasses and 1×1 m
for herbs and crops were used for enumeration of floral diversity, vegetation biomass and nutrient stock. For soil analysis
samples were collected at two different depths i.e. 0-15 cm and 15-30 cm and samples analyzed for the bulk density, partical
density, pore space percentage, pH, OC, total N, extractable P, available K, exchangeable Ca and Mg. The data regarding
economics of each land use systems were collected by personal interviews with the farmers of agroforestry systems which
were selected for study. The study revealed that herbage density and basal area was found to be maximum in
agrihortisilviculture land use system (698.66 tillers m-2) and (305.39 cm2 m-2), respectively. Shannon Weiner index (H') of
vegetation was found to be maximum (2.26) for agrisilviculture system whereas, Simpson Diversity Index (0.22) displayed
maximum value in agrihorticulture system. The maximum value of aboveground biomass (97.31 t ha-1), belowground
biomass (28.88 t ha-1) and total biomass (126.19 t ha-1) was recorded in agrisilviculture system. The maximum stock of total
N (480.14 Kg ha-1), P (99.45 Kg ha-1), K (768.52 Kg ha-1) and Ca (579.00 Kg ha-1) in whole vegetation was found in AS
system. The maximum P (17.96 Kg ha-1 yr-1), K (147.46Kg ha-1 yr-1), and Ca (114.03 Kg ha-1 yr-1) uptake by vegetation was
observed in AH system whereas maximum but similar maximum amount of total N (104.58 Kg ha-1 yr-1) uptake was found
in AH and AS system. Maximum addition of all nutrients by different sources was observed in AH system. The maximum
annual turnover of P (5.72%), K (31.47%), and Ca (5.34%) percentage under soil pool was recorded in AH system, while
maximum annual turnover of N (1.86%) percentage under soil pool was reported AS system. Under the physical properties,
reverse trend was observed for bulk density. Maximum bulk density (1.47 g cm-3) was recorded at 15-30 cm depth whereas
minimum bulk density (1.20 g cm-3) observed at 0-15 cm depth. Partical density (2.49 g cm-3) was higher in agrihorticulture
system. The pore space (46.99%) percent was significantly higher in agrisilviculture system. Partical density (2.48 g cm-3)
was significantly higher at 0-15 cm depth. The pore space (48.90%) percent was significantly higher at surface soil.
Chemical parameters were found decreasing with increasing of soil depth. Organic carbon (1.26%) was significantly higher
in agrihortisilviculture system. Organic carbon (1.26%) was significantly higher at 0-15cm depth in high hills temperate dry
and cold C2 climatic condition. Similarly exchangeable Ca (5.52 mg/100g) was significantly higher in AHS system.
Exchangeable calcium (6.03 mg/100g) was significantly higher at 0-15cm depth. Most of the soil samples were alkaline
property. Maximum soil pH (8.21) was recorded in high hills temperate dry and cold C2 climatic condition which was
significantly differ with C1 climatic condition. Deep soil layer (15-30cm) showed maximum pH. N (0.25%), P (0.97
mg/100g) and K (1.69 mg/100g) was significantly higher at upper (0-15cm) layer of soil. Study revealed that maximum
expenses were and maximum gross return incur in the agrihorticulture (Rs 774526.32 and Rs. 2065230.07) system whereas,
higher net returns, (Rs 1648322.21) was generated by AHS system. Benefit: Cost ratio under above study was recorded for
agrisilviculture system (5.87).
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