Structure and energy efficiency of Agroforestry systems practiced by tribal community in Central Himalayas

Abstract

In present study, profitability of the prevailing different agricultural land use systems cultivated by Tharu tribal community of Uttarakhand was studied. Total five different land use systems i.e., sole cropping system (SCS), silviculture system (SS), agrisilviculture system (ASS), agrihorticulture system (AHS) and homegarden system (HS) were selected to analyse agroecosystem of the tribal community of Central Himalaya. Total 70 plants belonging to 35 families were listed across the studied systems. The tree density ranged between 60 individuals ha−1 (HS) and 666 individuals ha−1 (ASS) and tree biomass from 33.51 ha−1 (ASS) to 463.54 t ha−1 (SS). Carbon stock followed the trend of biomass in different land use systems. Herb density varied in between 4.2 (AHS) and 150.3 individuals m−2 (SS) among the different land use systems. The energy output input ratio along with the monetary budget was recorded maximum for AHS and minimum for SS. Hence, we concluded from the present study that AHS is most beneficial system, providing a good source of energy and income therefore, particularly important for Tharu tribal community.