Agroforestry Model Research Articles

Tiger grass (Thysanolaena maxima) cultivation in CALSANAG watershed in Romblon, Philippines: dilemmas and prospects for sustainable natural resources management

Abstract. Landicho LD, Ocampo MTNP, Cabahug RED, Baliton RS, Andalecio E, Inocencio R, Servanez M, Cosico RSA, Abadillos MG, Catillo AKA. 2020. Tiger grass (Thysanolaena maxima) cultivation in CALSANAG watershed in Romblon, Philippines: dilemmas and prospects for sustainable natural resources management. Biodiversitas 21: 2322-2330. Promoting sustainable natural resources management is a complex issue such that striking a balance between socioeconomic productivity and environmental integrity remains a challenge. This paper highlights the results of a study conducted from April to December 2019, which assessed the state of natural resources management in Barangay Marinorte, Romblon, which is part of the CALSANAG (Calatrava, San Andres, and San Agustin) Watershed. Biophysical characterization was done to determine land use and biodiversity, while farm household survey was administered to 133 farmers to characterize their socioeconomic conditions. Results showed that all of the farmer-respondents were engaged in the production of tiger grass (Thysanolaena maxima Roxb), where most of the farm households derived an estimated annual income of >Php50,000. Although their household income is higher as compared to other upland farming communities in the Philippines, most of them expressed that their income is insufficient since tiger grass is harvested only once a year, and the farmers have no alternative sources of income. On the other hand, biophysical characterization revealed the following: the farms are generally rainfed, have rolled to steep slopes, and have indications of low soil fertility, soil erosion incidence, and very low level of biodiversity (0.92). Most of the farmers practiced "slash-and-burn" to cultivate tiger grass as a single crop and hence, the forest cover has declined. A multi-agency collaboration jointly initiated agroforestry promotion in the upland farming communities through capability-building of upland farmers in agroforestry and establishment of tiger grass-based agroforestry model which showcases the economic and ecological viability of agroforestry systems in CALSANAG Watershed.

Performance of <I>Gmelina arborea</I> and <I>Emblica officinalis</I> under Agroforestry on Fallow Lands in Uttarakhand and Uttar Pradesh

The study is the outcome of performance of Gamhar ( Gmelina arborea ) and Aonla ( Emblica officinalis ) under agroforestry on fallow lands. Agroforestry models were established with G. arborea and grafted E. officinalis var. NA-7 planted in Randomized Block Design at 4m × 5m and 5m × 5m spacing with Rabi crops like Wheat-Barley and Kharif crops Groundnut-Paddy at the above sites. It was observed that the soil at Kodapur (Prayagraj) site is alkaline in nature with 8.30 pH in comparison of both sites at Dhaluwala majbata (7.12 pH) and Fatehpur Pelio (7.36 pH). Available Phosphorus was found in medium ranges at all sites. Available nitrogen and potassium were found in low ranges at Dhaluwala majbata than the sites at Fatehpur Pelio and Kodapur. Both species of G. arborea and E. officinalis performed well on these fallow lands. The growth parameter of G. arborea and E. officinalis showed a regular increase both in height and girth along with agriculture crops at all sites. The Initial Increment of both species G. arborea with height 189.45 cm and girth 18.15 cm in mixed planting at Dhaluwala with 5 × 5 m spacing and E. officinalis of height 74.67 cm in control plot at Fatehpur Pelio with 5 × 5 m spacing and girth 7.11 cm in control plot at Dhaluwala with 4 × 5 m spacing were found maximum in comparison to other sites after completion of one year plantation. The present study reflects, the initial growth of Gamhar ( G. arborea ) and grafted Aonla ( E. officinalis ) on fallow lands in Uttarakhand and Uttar Pradesh states are fast growing species and also short rotation suitable cash crops, which are capable to improve the livelihood of farmers.

Species test of Mulberry plants on agroforestry land for silk yarn quality improvement in Bali

Mulberry plants are tested on agroforestry land because of its well adaptation. The agroforestry model is a combination of sengon (Falcataria moluccana) and mulberry (Morus sp.) plants. The selected mulberry plants consisted of three species, namely M. alba, M. cathayana and M. nigra. The study objective was to determine the best mulberry species leaves as silkworm feed to produce quality cocoons on agroforestry area in Bali. The test was carried out in a complete randomized design (CRD) with the species treatment of M. alba, M. cathayana and M. nigra. It consists of three replications each. Each replication consists of 100 silkworms. The variables observed in this study were cocoon quality and thread/fibber including the percentage of larvae which become a cocoon, the percentage of normal cocoon, cocoon weight, cocoon skin weight, ratio of cocoon skin and fiber length. The results showed that the maintenance rendement (%) was M. alba (70%), M. cathayana (62,0) and M. nigra (60,5), weight of cocoon (g), was M. alba (1,47), M. cathayana (1.53) and M. nigra (1.41), Weight of filaments (mg) namely M. alba (30,12), M. cathayana (25,35) and M. nigra (26,25 ), and the rolling strength of silk thread, namely M. alba (97.45), M. cathayana (74.11) and M. nigra (69.27). M. alba, M. nigra and M. cathayana mulberry leaf species grown from agroforestry patterns can be used to feed silkworms. The mulberry cropping pattern type both monoculture and agroforestry did not show a significant difference in the silkworm cocoons quality and quantity. The highest maintenance rendement is silkworm fed by M. alba, second is M. cathayana and third M. nigra. M. nigra and M. cathayana compared to M. alba did not show significant differences in cocoon weight, cocoon skin weight, percentage of filaments and rolling strength of silkyarn.

Dendrocalamus asper productivity after beginning thinning

Dendrocalamus asper is one of bamboo species that is highly required for industrial purposes and community. Beside as the construction materials, shoot of D. asper has a good taste. However, D. asper cultivation faces some obstacles because its big stem and clump disturb other species. Planting in agroforestry model and an appropriate D. asper clump management are the efforts to attract people to plant D. asper. Thinning is applied in D. asper management. This is expected to be able to reduce its canopy impact on the under plants and to improve D. asper productivity. Objective of this research is to find out the influence of beginning thinning on D. asper clump productivity. The research used complete random design with blocks with three treatments of thinning, i.e. a. thinning by eliminating first generation (J1), b. thinning by eliminating first and second generation (J2), c. without thinning (control/J3). The bamboo clump used in the research is two years old. 2 years old clumps. The planting spaces were 10 m x 10 m with a total of 100 clump. The research showed that J2 give the best height growth (5.18 m). It is better than control/J3 (4.5 m), and there were no differences on parameter of diameter and numbers of stem in a clump, although J2 treatment showed the highest average number of stem in a clump.

Promoting agroforestry model in increasing land cover to sustain community livelihood in Paru Village Forest

In forestry sector, social forestry gained more concern nowadays and subjected to create new economic growth. Agroforestry is a silviculture practice that is suitable to be applied in areas with social forestry schemes. In this condition, Agroforestry is one of solution to restore degraded forest and other form of landscapes which can cover ecological, economical, and social aspect. This paper aim to gain information of plant survival rate in the establishment of agroforestry plot for a total 8 hectares in Paru Village Forest under Sijunjung Forest Management Unit, West Sumatra by planting 9 tree species (both of forest tree and fruit tree/multipurpose tree species) and 3 seasonal crops species. We applied different planting technique for two types of land status. For protection forest was applied by gap planting technique while for other land status area was applied Intensive Artificial Regeneration (IAR) with planting distance of 8 m x 8 m. Data collection covered for survival rate and initial height measurement. Growth percentage was observed at ages 1, 6 and 12 months after planting, respectively 95.2%; 94.5% and 93.5%. Survival rate is good enough for 12 months after planting, supported by community participation which looks high in maintaining their crops.

Plantation Under Compensatory Afforestation Fund Management and Planning Authority Transforming <i>Jhum</i> Cultivation to a Diverse Agroforestry System: Introspection from Phalong Village, Manipur

CAMPA is a National Advisory Council for monitoring, technical assistance and evaluation of compensatory afforestation activities in entire nation. Monitoring and evaluation work of Tamenglong Forest Division, Manipur was carried out in 2018. The field observations from Phalong Village, Manipur revealed that additional compensatory afforestation undertaken in jhum paddy fields was excellently maintained by the farmer. The farm agro biodiversity of this plantation site was very high, which seems to be transforming rice monoculture in to a diverse agroforetry system. This article aims to highlight the innovations of farmer in transforming jhum paddy monoculture to a diverse agroforestry model through plantation done under the scheme of CAMPA.

Oil Palm Agroforestry Can Achieve Economic and Environmental Gains as Indicated by Multifunctional Land Equivalent Ratios

Driven by increased global demand for vegetable oil in the food and biofuel sectors, oil palm plantations based on monoculture technology have expanded into lowland tropical forests. Interest in diversified, mixed oil palm systems is increasing as these might increase efficiency of the use of land and other resources, reduce farmer risk and decrease greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions per unit product. Land Equivalent Ratio for provisioning services (LERP) values above 1.0 show that at least some diversified systems use land more efficiently than monocultures and are thus ‘land sparing’, where monoculture LERP cannot exceed 1.0. Diversification also modifies climate and water regulating functions (‘land sharing’) relative to a forest reference, as indicated in the LERR index. A ‘multifunctional’ LERM indicator combines both; land sparing plus land sharing effects jointly determine expected regulating services. Empirical assessment of multiple ecosystem services in agricultural landscapes is assisted by models that synthesise process-based knowledge, especially for perennial systems where well-designed experiments require a full production cycle and are costly and scarce. Agroforestry models explore spacing, intercropping and soil management options, predicting harvestable yields, impacts on water flows, nutrient leaching and greenhouse gas emissions. We used the process-based Water, Nutrient and Light Capture in Agroforestry System (WaNuLCAS) model to explore mixed oil palm + cocoa and oil palm + pepper intercrop systems with modified (‘double row’) planting patterns for Indonesian contexts and estimated consequences for the carbon footprint. The oil palm + cocoa intercrop provided a high LERP (1.4), while also replenishing more ground water and having a lower C footprint. This combination also has a return to labour equal to that in oil palm monocultures and a higher benefit cost ratio than the oil palm + pepper combination that maximizes Net Present Value. Oil palm + cocoa systems are also less sensitive to price uncertainty for oil palm, and buffer for oil palm and cocoa production risks, assumed to be independent of each other. Considerable economic and environmental system improvements appear to be feasible through mixed oil palm systems and diversification as a pathway to intensification deserves full attention of research and policy development.

Agroforestry as a model of sustainable land use of small-scale private forest: a case study in Sumedang, West Java, Indonesia

A small-scale private forest using a model of agroforestry has been growing as part of a rural culture and has become an important source of income for many rural people. In many cases, particularly in densely populated area, farmers usually integrate seasonal crops and livestock with perennial crops to fulfil their daily dietary needs. However, the aspects of sustainability that are comprehensively reviewed have not been widely revealed in small-scale private forest. The aim of this paper is therefore to identify the characteristics of small-scale private forests under the agroforestry model. The sampling technique used was simple random sampling and data were collected through questionnaire from 27 farmers. Agroforestry-based small-scale private forest demonstrates a sustainable farming system: the system possesses a high ecological stability; socially, it is based on the local culture and knowledge; and economically, the agroforestry model contributes significantly to farmers' income.

Agroforestry as a model of sustainable land use of small-scale private forest: a case study in Sumedang, West Java, Indonesia

A small-scale private forest using a model of agroforestry has been growing as part of a rural culture and has become an important source of income for many rural people. In many cases, particularly in densely populated area, farmers usually integrate seasonal crops and livestock with perennial crops to fulfil their daily dietary needs. However, the aspects of sustainability that are comprehensively reviewed have not been widely revealed in small-scale private forest. The aim of this paper is therefore to identify the characteristics of small-scale private forests under the agroforestry model. The sampling technique used was simple random sampling and data were collected through questionnaire from 27 farmers. Agroforestry-based small-scale private forest demonstrates a sustainable farming system: the system possesses a high ecological stability; socially, it is based on the local culture and knowledge; and economically, the agroforestry model contributes significantly to farmers' income.

Diagnostic and Design Approach: Preparation Masterplan Policies of Agroforestry Development in Madiun, Java, Indonesia

Deforestation and degraded forest land will continue to affect climate patterns in various places and trigger an increase in the frequency and intensity of weather events and extreme climate. The impacts felt by the community are quite a lot both in the social, economic, infrastructure, fishery, agriculture, health, tourism sectors, even in the areas of defence and security. Various anticipatory steps need to do by raising awareness of the community and relevant stakeholders to this issue of climate change. One of the actions of climate change adaptation in the capacity building is to encourage the emergence of national and local policies that address the concerns and readiness mitigation to cope with the impacts of climate change on various fronts, particularly in agriculture and food security. This study aims to encourage the preparation of the policy masterplan of agroforestry development as an effort to mitigate climate change in Madiun, East Java, Indonesia. With a Diagnostic and Design approach (D&D), a policy recommendation for agroforestry development in the medium and long-term developed. The result of a D&D approach by the available resource potential, the agroforestry model that is feasible to be developed is agro-silviculture and agro-silvopastoral.

Land and Water Management In Pineapple and Sengon Agroforestry Systems in Peatland

Fires of land and forests on peatland occur every year. This problem is triggered by the burning of land that is not cultivated, or the business of land clearing by community group that does an open fire which is less costly. Because of this condition, people need to find alternative efforts to use peat without burning the land. The agroforestry model is an effort carried out by utilizing land for wood industry plants and the seasonal crops (agriculture) are planted among the main crops. This effort encourages partnerships between private parties and local residents. Field applications have been carried out in the Sumatra Alam Anugrah LLC concession area, in Gumai Village, Teluk Rumai Village, Gelumbang sub-district. Sengon plants are used as main plants, while pineapple plants are intercrop plants, which are expected to contribute to the income of local residents. Results of the study showed that soil characteristics were characterized by porosity ranging from 90 to 95% and soil content of 0.2 gr / cm3. The movement of water in the soil was very fast. In order to manage the land and water of the study area it is suggested to apply a concept of water control that is a shallow drainage, namely the primary channel that has a depth of 2 m, the secondary channel, and tertiary channel that were made with a depth of 1 m. In the plot of the land a worm channel is made with a distance between 50 channels and a depth of 40 cm. With this shallow water system, the depth of the groundwater can be maintained at an altitude of 30 to 40 cm, so that it is suitable for pineapple growth and also prevention of land fires.

Leucaena for paper industry in Gujarat, India: Case study

Keynote paper presented at the International Leucaena Conference, 1‒3 November 2018, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia.India is one of the major producers/consumers of paper and pulp products (3–4% of global share). Approximately one-fourth of industry raw material has come from wood-based plantations from the 1990s onwards. The greatest development challenge faced by the industry since that time is sourcing robust raw material from agroforestry on private lands. Following genetic improvement of leucaena (Leucaena leucocephala) and realization of its potential as a multiple-use species, it was introduced into India in 1980 under an international cooperation effort with support from the Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency (SIDA). It has since spread across the country as a panacea for rural needs of fuel wood, small timber and cattle forage.The paper industry has found that it has potential as raw material for paper making. One of the largest Indian paper companies is JK Paper Ltd, which has an annual production capacity of 550,000 t/yr with 3 integrated pulp and paper plants located at Songadh (Gujarat), Rayagada (Orissa) and Kagaznagar (Telangana) producing writing and printing paper and virgin packaging boards.This case study describes the leucaena farm forestry plantation program initiated by JK Paper Ltd, Unit CPM (Central Pulp Mills). The unit, under its agroforestry and farm forestry plantation approach, planted leucaena plantations in 2009-2010 in parts of Gujarat, Maharashtra and Madhya Pradesh States. To motivate farmers in the mill’s catchment area, and to build confidence in on-farm plantations, exposure visits were arranged to Andhra Pradesh, where huge tracts of agricultural land were under leucaena plantations. As a result, to date, this unit has engaged >7,800 farmers who have established leucaena plantations covering an area of >18,400 ha.A robust plantation R&D network addressed issues such as seed treatment, seed germination, rhizobial inoculation, geometry of plantations, agro-forestry models, selection and development of high production clones, establishment of clonal seed orchards, genetic improvement through mutation techniques and hybridization programs for wood quality improvement.

Adaptive Agroforestry Model To Improve Livelihood And To Support The Management Of Minraleng Watershed In Maros Regency

Many watershed area in Indonesia and South Sulawesi experience erosion, flood and landslide in rainyseason and in dry season experience drought, like in Minraleng Watershed. This condition have impacted to food insecurity of the community that reside in watershed area. This study aim to formulate adaptive agroforestry model to increase farmer livelihood in supporting watershed management. Population study i.e. all of the farmer household in Minraleng Hulu Watershed. Study sampling was done by purposive sampling in 4 sampling village (Limampoccoe, Cenrana Baru, Timpuseng and Batu Putih). Data collection was done by in-depth interview and observation. Data was analyzed by qualitative descriptive and spatial analysis. Result of the study indicated that combination pattern of landscape agroforestry model need to be developed in dry land and the big property land in Cenrana Baru, Limampoccoe and Batu Putih. That agroforestry model known by Taungya by developing adaptive plant to drought and give livelihood diversification and adaptive to the short rainy season, secure from pest i.e. swine, monkey, and cow. In Timpuseng village, agroforestry pattern need to be was permanent intensive agroforestry which is known by Talun where farmer need to develop three to fourth strata of plant to resolve limited land by planting gamal tress and candlenut in the top of the strata, while planting coffee and pepper in second strata, and chili and elephant grass in third strata. Intensive permanent agroforestry with low labour input to resolve limited farmer labour which dominant in rice field

Imposing Biopores in Agroforestry as an Alternative Measure of Climate Adaption in Semi-Arid Tropic of Eastern Indonesia

A small scale agroforestry model integrated with land and water conservation was scientifically tested to alleviate drought impact in dry land agriculture in North Lombok. Biopores were imposed to the model as an integrated approach in climate change adaptation. Northern part of Lombok is typologically less developed soils with high erosion, undulating, and under semi-arid climate is vulnerable to climate change. Measures of adaptation in such ecosystem should be carried out by (i) implementing best practice in land and water conservation, (ii) applying appropriate cropping system, (iii) considering local climate variability and (iv) using water efficiently as economic goods. These four components were incorporated in a scenario of small scale agroforestry. A participatory action research with three field experiments were conducted at Sukadana village, sub-district of Bayan, North Lombok. Some factors were imposed in the scenario, namely: (1) composted biopores of diameter 10 cm and 20 m depth, on farms and 40 cm depth, underneath of trees pit, (2) alley cropping in agroforestry, (3) characterization of local climate, and (4) water use efficiency. Three groups of farmers were selected by means of a purposive sampling to involve in two consecutive years of field experiments, i.e. 2012 and 2013. Output of research was a model of small scale agroforestry integrating cropping system, land and water conservation, as well as local climate characteristic. The model performed a significant contribution on improving performance and yields of agricultural crops as well as wood trees, mainly white teak ( Gmelina arborea ) growing well on biopores. Biopores underneath trees reduced water and soil particles loss through runoff, as well as increased carbon sequestrated. On farm lands biopores played a significant role in conserving soil moisture, increasing crop water use efficiency and providing essential nutrient for plants. Conserved water could be used by plants in a period of dry spell to avoid drought stress. The imposed biopores in agroforestry could be an adaptation measure to climate variability, and climate change on farm level in semi arid tropic of eastern Indonesia. Keywords: water conservation, biopores, agroforestry and climate variability DOI : 10.7176/JEES/5-10-5

Hi-sAFe: A 3D Agroforestry Model for Integrating Dynamic Tree–Crop Interactions

Agroforestry, the intentional integration of trees with crops and/or livestock, can lead to multiple economic and ecological benefits compared to trees and crops/livestock grown separately. Field experimentation has been the primary approach to understanding the tree–crop interactions inherent in agroforestry. However, the number of field experiments has been limited by slow tree maturation and difficulty in obtaining consistent funding. Models have the potential to overcome these hurdles and rapidly advance understanding of agroforestry systems. Hi-sAFe is a mechanistic, biophysical model designed to explore the interactions within agroforestry systems that mix trees with crops. The model couples the pre-existing STICS crop model to a new tree model that includes several plasticity mechanisms responsive to tree–tree and tree–crop competition for light, water, and nitrogen. Monoculture crop and tree systems can also be simulated, enabling calculation of the land equivalent ratio. The model’s 3D and spatially explicit form is key for accurately representing many competition and facilitation processes. Hi-sAFe is a novel tool for exploring agroforestry designs (e.g., tree spacing, crop type, tree row orientation), management strategies (e.g., thinning, branch pruning, root pruning, fertilization, irrigation), and responses to environmental variation (e.g., latitude, climate change, soil depth, soil structure and fertility, fluctuating water table). By improving our understanding of the complex interactions within agroforestry systems, Hi-sAFe can ultimately facilitate adoption of agroforestry as a sustainable land-use practice.

Identifikasi Model Pengelolaan Lahan Kering Dataran Tinggi Berbasis Agroforestri Tradisional di Pulau Timor

Tujuan diadakannya penelitian ini untuk; (i) mengidentifikasi model pengelolaan lahan kering dataran tinggi berbasis agroforestri tradisional; (ii) mengukur seberapa besar kontribusi pendapatan rumah tangga masyarakat yang diperoleh pada masing-masing model pengelolaan lahan kering dataran tinggi berbasis agroforestri tradisional. Penelitian ini dilaksanakan di Pulau Timor khususnya di kecamatan Miomaffo Barat, Kabupaten Timor Tengah Utara, Nusa Tenggara Timur pada bulan Oktober-Desember 2016 menggunakan metode deskriptif eksploratif dengan teknik pengumpulan data menggunakan teknik observasi, kuesioner, dan wawancara langsung pada tokoh kunci (Qey person). Penentuan sampel dalam penelitian ini berdasarkan peta existing conditions penggunaan lahan yang merupakan hasil overlay data Citra landsat serta data persebaran ekologi agroforestri di pulau Timor. Penentuan responden guna mengetahui kontribusi ekonomi masyarakat ditentukan secara snowball sampling. Hasil penelitian diketahui bahwa terdapat tiga model agroforestri tradisional yang dikembangkan masyarakat di lokasi penelitian yaitu; (a) model agrosilvicultur Kono yang merupakan praktik perladangan menetap dengan komposisi jenis tanaman berkayu (Kehutanan), tahunan dan tanaman semusim; (b) model agrosilvopasture Poan yang merupakan praktik kebun hutan tetap dengan variasi jenis tanaman yang tinggi (Polycultur) serta bentuk pengelolaan yang menyerupai bentuk kebun hutan (Forest Garden) dengan stratifikasi tajuk yang beragam; (c) model silvopastural Suf, merupakan praktik penggembalaan alam pada kawasan padang savana, yang dimanfaatkan sebagai ranch peternakan alami. Analisis kontribusi pendapatan rumah tangga masyarakat diketahui di atas 50%. Artinya bahwa secara kontribusi ketiga model agroforestri tradisional yang ditemukan berpeluang untuk dikembangkan dengan perlu adanya intervensi intensif dalam hal pengelolaan yang berkelanjutan dengan pertimbangan pada aspek ekologi wilayah, sosial ekonomi serta budaya atau kearifan lokal masyarakat setempat.

Land Degradation and Option of Practical Conservation Concepts in Manna Watershed Bengkulu Indonesia

Watershed overcoming deteriorates in its function was indicated by increasing soil erosion and land degradation. The research aims were to determine and map critical land degradation levels and to chose options of practical conservation concepts in Manna watershed. The Manna watershed lays on 102°51'38.2" - 103°10'57.8" long, and 04°0'39.6" - 4°29'38.0" alt covering 72,899.9 ha. The analysis procedures to determine land degradation levels based on Ministry of Forestry Rule (No. P.32/Menhut-11/2009), Procedures of Technical Design on Forest and Land Rehabilitation in Watershed (RTkRHL-DAS). The results showed that the Manna watershed divided in three land uses functions namely protected forest, limited timber forest, and agricultural cultivated areas/settlement. The land starting overcome degradation in covered by 35,318.6 ha or 48,77% of the watershed based on digital mapping using ArcGIS 10.1 software. The lands that categorized the critical level of degradation covered 7,989.5 ha or 11,03% of the watershed, and classified in the high critical level were 169.8 ha or 0,23% of the watershed. Options of conservation practice on the degraded lands in the Manna watershed should implement agro-forestry models because of the physiographical landscape in this area covering by waving to hilly landforms. On the protected forest and limited timber forest should develop agro-forestry with collaborative approaches through social engineering and social forestry. Re-establishing land use of the Manna watershed based on functions of land is the wise options for the sustainable environmental concepts

ECONOMIC EVALUATION OF TYPICAL SUSTAINABLE LAND MANAGEMENT MODELS IN SELECTED PROVINCES OF VIETNAM

Abstract: This study undertakes an economic analysis of selected sustainable land management (SLM) models in three selected provinces: Hoa Binh province in the Northwestern Mountainous region, Quang Tri province in the North Central Coast and Can Tho province in the Mekong Delta. The SLM models in Hoa Binh province are agroforestry models and those in the provinces of Quang Tri and Can Tho are annual crop rotations and intercropping with improved cultivation methods. The present study uses primary data from a multipurpose survey of 826 farm households. The results show that the agroforestry systems in Hoa Binh province are not financially attractive to farmers as their net returns are low, but their off-site benefit of soil erosion reduction in terms of safe removal and dumping cost of sediment is remarkable, about VND 300,000–320,000 per hectare per year. The SLM models in Hai Lang district (Quang Tri) are profitable with a much higher net return than that of prevailing non-SLM model with cassava mono-cropping. For Can Tho province, the SLM models with rice and upland crop rotations have significantly higher net returns than those of the triple-rice rotation model. However, the profitability of the studied SLM models is significantly affected by the risks associated with poor development or lack of outlet markets. Enhancing farmers’ agribusiness knowledge making them be able to deal with risks in the adoption of SLM models is of vital importance.Keywords: sustainable land management economic analysis, Hoa Binh, Quang Tri, Can Tho

Species Test of Morus alba, Morus cathayana and Morus nigra on Agroforestry Land as Silkworm Feed (Bombyx mory Linn.) For Silk Yarn Quality Improvement in Bali Indonesia

Mulberry plants are tested on agroforestry land because of its well adaptation. The agroforestry model is a combination of sengon ( Paraserianthe sfalcataria ) and mulberry ( Morus sp.) plants. The selected mulberry plants consisted of three species, namely M. alba , M. cathayana and M. nigra . The study objectives was to determine the best mulberry species leaves as silkworm feed to produce quality cocoons on agroforestry area in Bali. The test was carried out in a complete randomized design (CRD) with the species treatment of M. alba , M. cathayana and M. nigra . It consists of three replications each. Each replication consists of 100 silkworms. The variables observed in this study were cocoon quality and thread / fiber including the percentage of larvae which become a cocoon, the percentage of normal cocoon, cocoon weight, cocoon skin weight, ratio of cocoon skin and fiber length. The results showed that the maintenance rendement (%) was M. alba (70%), M. cathayana (62,0) and M. nigra (60,5), weight of cocoon (g), was M. alba (1,47) , M. cathayana (1.53) and M. nigra (1.41), Weight of filaments (mg)namely M. alba (30,12), M. cathayana (25,35) and M. nigra (26,25 ), and the rolling strength of silk thread, namely M. alba (97.45), M. cathayana (74.11) and M. nigra (69.27). M. alba , M. nigra and M. cathayana mulberry leaf species grown from agroforestry patterns can be used to feed silkworms. The mulberry cropping pattern type both monoculture and agroforestry did not show a significant difference in the silkworm cocoons quality and quantity. The highest maintenance rendement is silkworm fed by M. alba, second is M. cathayana and third M. nigra . M. nigra and M. cathayana compared to M. alba did not show significant differences in cocoon weight, cocoon skin weight, percentage of filaments and rolling strength of silk yarn. Keywords: Agroforestry, cocoon, mulberry, silkworm, feed DOI : 10.7176/JBAH/8-12-08

Yield, soil health and moisture status in bael (Aegle marmelos)-based hortipasture system in semi-arid ecosystem of India

A study was conducted from 2008–2009 to 2012–2013 to evaluate the performance of bael-based hortipasture (agroforestry) system under different soil moisture conservation practices in rainfed condition for optimization of system productivity and improvement in soil health. Two cultivars of bael, NB-9 and CISH B-2 were transplanted under square system of planting with 6 × 6 m spacing. The understorey of each plot was intercropped with perennial pastures (grass + range legume) viz; Cenchrus ciliaris + Stylosanthes seabrana to utilize interspaces available between rows. Tree growth, forage yield (green & dry), physico-chemical quality of bael fruit, nutrient buildup and moisture content were found to be better in different moisture conservation treatments over control (without treatment). During the fifth year, tree height (NB-9) ranges from 3.11 to 3.31 m and 2.99 to 3.42 m (CISH B-2) under different treatments. Collar diameter varied from 6.91 to 7.86 cm and 6.81 to 7.56 cm in NB-9 and CISH B-2, respectively. Tree canopy (EW) varied from 1.94 to 2.49 m and 1.68 to 2.17 m and canopy spread (NS) ranges from 1.84 to 2.21 m and 1.85 to 2.28 m in cultivars NB-9 and CISH B-2, respectively. Green and dry forage yield was found to be maximum in staggered trenches (17.88 t/ha and 5.78 tDM/ha). Fruit yield in NB-9 varied from 1.14 to 2.41 t/ha and cultivar CISH B-2 gave 1.74 t/ha fruit yield in staggered trench and 1.11 t/ha in control. Increased Nitrogen, Phosphorus and Potash buildup in soil of experimental site ranged from 3.84 to 15.16%, 7.05 to 21.1% and 4.73 to 15.53%, respectively. Moisture content in staggered trench was 37.08% (at 15 cm depth) and 33.51% (at 30 cm depth) higher than control. Overall productivity of fruit and pasture increased with application of in situ moisture conservation treatments in bael-based hortipasture system. Results revealed that bael-based hortipasture system is a potential agroforestry model for degraded land.