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Species Compatibility Under Existing Agroforestry Systems in High Ganges River Flood Plains of Bangladesh

M A Momin
On-Farm Research Division, BARI, Pabna

N C Basak
On-Farm Research Division, BARI, Pabna

M Z Abedin
On-Farm Research Division, BARI, Pabna

Abstract/ Executive Summary:

A field investigation was conducted to see the species compatibility under existing agroforestry system in the Farming Systems Research (FSR) site, Kalikapur, Pabna under High Ganges River Floodplain soils of Bangladesh during 1989-90 and 1990-91. The major tree-crop combinations of the area were identified. Performances of crops grown in association with six major tree species were monitored. Crop and soil samples were collected from 1 m² segments at 1 m interval starting from the tree bases to the extent of tree canopy. The samples were collected from the north and south directions of the tree base. A total of 18 tree-crop combinations were recorded in the winter season. Albizia lebbek was found best-suited tree for the winter crops. Yield of, mustard was positively influenced (up to 154%) under the shades of species whereas the effect on sugarcane was negative. Acacia nilotica had also positive effect on winter crops but negative on summer cereals. Effect of Artocarpus heterophyllus and Mangifera indica was almost neutral on the field crops. Trees also produced positive effects on most of the soil properties.

Keywords: Agroforestry, Flood, Crop

Location: Kalikapur, Pabna

Start Date: 00-00-1989

End Date: 00-00-1991

Program Area: Crop-Soil-Water Management

Commodity: Tree

Objectives:

To identify suitable tree-crop association for further extension and to find areas for further research and development.

Methodology:

The study was conducted High Ganges River Floodplain in and around farming systems research (FSR) site, Kalikapur, Pabna under agro-ecological zone 11 (AEZ-ll) during 1989-90 and 1990- 91. An inventory of the existing tree-crop combinations was made and then prioritized on basis of general prevalence, economic importance and farmer's choice. Detailed monitoring of the practices under six major tree species (viz. Acacia nilotica, A catechu, Albizzia lebbek, Phoenix sylvestries, Mangifera indica and Artocarpus heterophyl/US) was made. Investigation was made on soil properties and tree-crop interfaces. Soil chemical analysis was done for the species A nilotica, A catechu, A heterphullus and M indica. Soil samples for measuring moisture were collected at a depth of 0 to 20 cm. Oven dry method was followed to determine the moisture content. Physico-chemical properties of the soils were also analyzed. Crop condition and production practices were monitored at around 10 days intervals. Crop samples were collected at maturity for measuring grain yield, root growth, plant height and plant population. Crop and soil samples were collected from 1 m² segments at 1 m interval starting from the tree base to the extent of tree canopy both at north and south directions. A control sample of equal area was collected from the same plot at a distance of about 6-10 meter free from shade, litter fall and probable root effect of the tree species. The samples were collected from three replications. The selected combinations had only the effect of a single tree and trees in the crop field boundaries and having overlapping effect with others were avoided.

Besides, soil characteristics and crop variables, data on tree age, estimated prices, reasons for choosing species were also collected. Priority rating for different tree species was made depending on different biophysical and socio-economic considerations.

Source of Information: Proceedings of a national workshop on Development of Agroforestry Research in Bangladesh held september 16-17 2001, OFRD, BARI, Gazipur, Bangladesh.

Article Link (Online Journal):

Funding Source:

Total Budget (Tk.) :

Achievement/Findings:

Tree species A. nilotice. A. lebbek and P. sylvestris may be brought under extension program through the popular "afforestation" drive. Trees should be planted with wider spacing so that field crops may get direct sunlight at least for part of the day. Only non-irrigated high lands should be taken under such afforestation program. The current study opened the avenues for further investigation in to the following areas:• Spacing and canopy limit of different tree species, which allows optimum crop growth. • Effect of pruning on tree, field crop and horticultural crop species • Amount of total light hours needed as clear sunshine and defused form for optimum growth of different field and horticultural crops • Effect of wet land cropping on tree species • Screening crop species for suitability under agroforestry practice • Screening more tree species suitable for agroforestry practice with the existing crop species. • Monitoring more existing agroforestry combination in the other agro-ecological zones not covered under the present study.

Knowledge Management: Report/Proceedings