Traditional Homegardens Research Articles

IoT Smart Gardening on Herbal Plant and Analytic Virtualization Platform System

The Internet of Things (IoT) is an emerging technology developing recently. The technology of IoT allows users to communicate with controllers and sensors, which are widely used in the agricultural sector, such as farming and weather forecasts. Recently, it has been identified that traditional herbal home gardens are difficult to monitor where herbal plants are sensitive and need a proper monitor. This research has developed an IoT smart gardening for herbal plant systems that helps to analyze four herbal plant types: Aloe Barbadensis miller, Salvia Rosmarimus, Clinacanthus nutans, and Curcuma. The system was designed using a NodeMCU ESP32 controller, soil moisture sensor, and DHT11 temperature and humidity sensor. The collected data was monitored in real-time on the Blynk platform via mobile phones and web browsers on sunny and rainy days. The result shows that the highest temperature on a sunny day was captured at 30°C, and the lowest was 26°C. However, during a rainy day, the highest temperature captured is 28°C and the lowest was 24°C. The highest humidity percentage on a sunny day was 80%, and the lowest was 40%, while the highest humidity on a rainy day was 98%, and the lowest was 68%. The soil moisture data that captured the water content of the soil of each herbal plant on a sunny day has been lost due to high temperatures. However, each herbal plant barely lost its water content due to low temperature and high humidity percentage conditions. The comparison showed that temperature, humidity, and weather could affect the water content in the soil. This research has significantly improved the agriculture sector in monitoring herbal plants and moving from traditional planting with an IoT system concept.

Transformation of traditional home garden (Pekarangan) spatial structure in rural Javanese garden houses compound, Indonesia

ABSTRACT This paper discusses the home garden (Pekarangan) Physical structure in the current condition of Javanese agricultural villages. The discussion mainly focused on home garden layout, spatial elements, and vegetation characteristics. The study of Traditional Javanese village home gardens is summarized from the study of relevant literature. Current conditions were identified from the results of observation and field studies in three villages selected based on the distance of the urban area. A spatial analysis of the home garden’s layout and forming elements was carried out to determine the current condition of the home garden structure and its transformation. The result revealed that the typical Javanese home garden structure in the village still exists and is utilized by people. Some home gardens were also transformed into new structures based on their original form. Home garden spatial structure transformation can be seen in the changes in home garden spatial structure, land size, area coverage, and vegetation characteristics. Furthermore, the composition of the home garden’s spatial structure transformation influences the village’s spatial development.

Factors driving tree community structure in traditional home gardens in the Mayan forest

Introduction'Peasant populations in tropical areas use Traditional Home Gardens (THG) as a key resource for their homes. THG supports significant plant biodiversity, most directly related to asset production, including locally rare species related to food, fuelwood, cultural, ornamental, shade, and wind barriers. Previous studies have considered factors driving tree diversity in THG; however, few have evaluated the biological, environmental, and management factors that shape tree diversity. Our objective in the present study was to identify the drivers of the tree community in THG across a precipitation gradient, evaluating biological, environmental and management factors. MethodsWe visited forty-eight THG distributed across the precipitation gradient spanning around 300 km The tropical Mayan Forest in the Yucatan Peninsula, Mexico., where tree inventory and identification were obtained from specimens with a diameter at breast height > 5 cm. Interviews were conducted with owners about the history of THG. Metadata were captured and analyzed for 19 putative determinants of tree population structure. Differences in tree diversity by individual THG and region were determined statistically. Modeled interaction networks were determined based on a co-occurrence matrix. ResultsTHG tree abundances are mainly explained by the relative abundance of not deliberately established individuals, the organic carbon content in the soil, and surrounding forest integrity. Management history of THG by peasants, including factors such as irrigation, TGH area, and fertilization, showed smaller but significant differences. Tree distribution is at a lower degree influenced by the precipitation gradient in the Yucatan Peninsula, which shows different abundances even for species established by THG owners. ConclusionsOur results suggest that biological and environmental factors may shape tree abundance and distribution over anthropic activities in THG. We identified rare, region-specific, and indicator species by region and modeled interaction networks that show coincidences with the empirical knowledge of THG owners.

Traditional home garden agro‐biodiversity dynamics, agro‐ecosystem services, and management practices in smallholder farmers setting, South‐Central Ethiopia

AbstractTraditional home gardens are rich in agro‐biodiversity and are crucial for improving and diversifying the livelihood of smallholder farmers. Though many researches are carried out on home gardens in tropical regions, there are only few studies on the dynamics of traditional home gardens, agro‐ecosystem services, indigenous management practices, and roles in mitigating climate shocks, which is the objective of the present study. For the same purpose, three sites were purposively selected out of which 308 sample smallholder households were chosen using a simple random sampling technique for a household survey. Key informant interviews, focus group discussions, and field observations were also used to collect data for cross‐checking the data collected through the house hold survey. Results demonstrate that there was a wide‐ranging diversity of crops in traditional home garden landscape. Both annual and perennial crops were incorporated into the home gardens to enhance their multiple agro‐ ecosystem services, including enhancing resilience to climate shocks. They ranged from herbaceous to large trees and food to cash crops. The primary agro‐ecosystem services that the home garden agro‐biodiversity delivered were diversifying the sources of food, income, and medicine, as well as improving food security. Home gardens were largely managed by indigenous knowledge, including hand weeding, manure and compost application, nursery preparation, fencing, and flood run‐off control. The agro‐biodiversity in traditional home gardens is more diverse, dynamic, and resilient to climate shocks. Nonetheless, they are neglected hotspots of agro‐biodiversity and sociocultural diversity. In conclusion, the agro‐biodiversity in traditional home gardens promotes food availability, accessibility, and utilization virtually all year round as well as contributes to the preservation of agricultural genetic and cultural diversity.

Seed Security for Food Security: A Situation Analysis from the Rural Home Gardens

Seeds being a primary agricultural input, its availability, access, and affordability is directly linked to the agricultural production. Traditional home gardens, backyards, Kandyan forest gardens, and micro-agricultural systems rich in biodiversity and species, mix with the knowledge and skills of the community to manage sustainable food production systems. Therefore, the study targeted to identify the types of seed production and preservation systems available among the farming community, and to identify the impact of seed ownership on household resilience to food insecurity. Data were gathered using an initial transaction walk, and a series of focus group discussions with rural households of Imbulpe and Boralanda GN divisions of Rathnapura and Badulla districts, respectively. The study areas were selected given the diversity of the crops in the area. Sample profile included 30 farmers who were purposively selected from each GN division. Results were analyzed using descriptive statistics and it revealed the existence of two seed production and preservation systems: formal and informal. Formal seed systems included both private and public stakeholders in seed and planting material business. Farmers used these formal seed systems for commercial level cultivation of both up-country and low-country vegetables. Informal seed systems were characterized with the own production, selection, storage, and maintenance of seed banks, barter system, and community seed gifting/sharing, and purchasing locally produced seeds from the locality. Informal seed systems were identified mainly for cereals (traditional rice varieties), pulses, fruits, vegetables, and spices at home gardening level. This resulted in seed and planting material ownership retaining among the local farmers. Seed ownership is an intangible asset which empowers social and human capital status of the households. Locally bred varieties proved to be resilient to climate change and maintain the crop diversity in home gardens. Informally sourced seeds recorded comparatively low yield than the hybrid/improved seed varieties that are sourced from formal seed systems. In conclusion own seed supplies ensured food availability, minimized seasonal yield variations, and enhanced meal diversity.
 Keywords: Food security, Household resilience, Seed system

Does human intervention modulate the above-ground carbon biomass of agroforestry systems? A study of homegardens in Jaffna peninsula, Sri Lanka

CONTEXTAccumulating above-ground biomass (AGB) and conservation of biodiversity are two major services provided by any ecosystem and homegardens are no exceptions. The permanent structure of a homegarden is owing to its perennial tree-community which steadily builds up and maintains the tree diversity and AGB accumulation. Being a manmade agroforestry system, humans play a vital role in mediating each component of homegarden ecosystem including its carbon stock and biodiversity through management of the tree community. OBJECTIVEThe objectives of this study were to compute the tree diversity and AGB and human interventions in homegarden ecosystem in Jaffna peninsula and to identify the most prominent factors affecting the AGB. METHODSA primary survey was conducted capturing 135 homegardens from two agro-ecological regions (DL3 and DL4) in Jaffna peninsula (Northern province, Sri Lanka), where homegardens are observed as the primary tree-based vegetation. Data on floral composition, livestock and, household-interventions in homegardens were gathered through a structured questionnaire. Tree diversity and AGB were computed using Shannon-Wiener index (SWI) and carbon stock respectively. A multiple linear regression model was estimated to determine the effects of pre-defined interventions on AGB of homegardens. RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONSThe study sample consisted of 122 small-scale (<0.2 ha), 11 medium-scale (0.2–0.8 ha) and 02 large-scale (>0.8 ha) homegardens. The mean tree diversity as estimated by SWI was 1.1 ± 0.6 with 38 perennial species and 1286 trees; 32 genera and 17 families. An average homegarden is estimated to store 23.8 ± 20.9 Mg C/ha as AGB. Homegardens which reared livestock animals, had a significantly lower SWI value, yet, a higher AGB stock, compared to the opposed group (p < 0.05). The SWI, time allocation (hours) for homegarden/week/ha, technical knowledge on farming and non-timber usage within homegarden have significantly (p < 0.05) contributed to the AGB of homegardens, with regression-coefficients of 6.12, 0.02, 1.38 and 7.91, respectively. The results indicate that up-keeping the commitment of households in managing their homegardens contribute to environmental sustainability. SIGNIFICANCEThe results revealed a significant contribution of human interactions on the size of the AGB of homegardens in Jaffna peninsula. This contribution was not adequately discussed in previously literature and the findings suggest the need to manage human interactions in homegarden agroforestry systems to optimize carbon stock in traditional homegardens.

Traditional homegardens change to perennial monocropping of khat (Catha edulis) reduced woody species and enset conservation and climate change mitigation potentials of the Wondo Genet landscape of southern Ethiopia

Smallholder farmers in the Wondo Genet were forced to switch from long-standing, diverse traditional home gardens to monoculture khat production due to increasing population pressure-induced farmland constraints. The composition of woody species and the biomass carbon stock are thought to drop as homegardens transition from polyculture to monoculture; however there is little quantitative evidence to support this claim. This study was started to assess the effects on woody species, enset, and biomass carbon of converting traditional homegardens to a fast spreading perennial monocropping of khat (Catha edulis Forskal). In 10 m × 10 m (100m2) plots from 43 farms with neighboring land use patterns for each homegarden and khat, woody species and enset were inventoried, the total number of tree, shrub, and enset species counted, as well as the height and diameter of each species measured. To determine the biomass carbon stock of each land use type, both general and species-specific allometric equations are used. Simpson's diversity index, Shannon-Wiener, and Shannon equitability were used to evaluate the diversity of enset and woody species. There were 27 different types of woody species identified, with trees making up 67 % of the total and shrubs accounting for 33 %. Shannon, Simpson, and the richness of woody species all decreased by 46 %, 51 %, and 38 %, respectively, in comparison to residential gardens. For homegardens and khat, respectively, the mean Evenness values were 0.876 and 0.539. In homegardens, Coffea arabica was the most valuable woody species, followed by Cordia africana Lam, Persea americana, Eucalyptus camaldulensis, and Grevillea Robusta. In contrast, Catha edulis was the most valuable woody species in the Khat land use type, followed by Coffea arabica, Croton macrostachyus Del, and Cordia africana. In comparison to homegardens, the above-ground, below-ground, and total biomass carbon reported in khat land use types were reduced by 18 %, 63 %, and 42 %, respectively. Grevillea and Eucalyptus species made up 51 % of the total biomass carbon stock in the homegardens, which suggests that khat and quickly expanding fast-growing plants have displaced native woody species.Understanding the long-term effects of agro-biodiversity loss requires greater research on the implications of the decline in woody species diversity and biomass carbon stock on soil fertility and sustainable farming. This is due to the numerous functions that woody species and enset play.

Ethnomedicinal Aspects of Sundanese Traditional Homegarden: A Case Study in Rural Sumedang, West Java, Indonesia

Rural people of West Java have rich local knowledge on use of plant species to treat various ailments. The traditional medicinal plants have been predominantly cultivated in home-garden agroforestry systems. Nowadays, however, the local knowledge of Sundanese rural people on both ailments and medicinal plants have eroded. In addition, various plants in the homegarden systems have decreased due to conversion of the traditional homegardens to monoculture commercial crops. Rural people in Cibunar, Sumedang, West Java have still strongly maintained Sundanese cultures, including using local knowledge on various ailments and medicinal plants to treat various ailments. This study aimed to elucidate (1) the local knowledge of rural people of Cibunar, Sumedang on illnesses; and (2) role of the homegardens as source of medicinal plants. Method used in this study was mixed-method, qualitative and quantitative with ethnomedicine and ethnobotanical approach. The result of study showed that rural Sundanese community has vernacular names of illnesses, including gering or sakit in Indonesian. Based on local rural people perception, various illnesses can be caused by many factors, poor sleep, bad eating, weather, food poisoning, work fatigue and accidents, including injuries. Treatment of illness according to the local people is usually undertaken by self-treatment, buy medicine from small shops (warung), go to a community health center (Puskesmas), and go to healer (dukun). The traditional agroforestry of homegarden systems have played an important role as sources of medicinal plants, and providing various foods, and resistant with environmental changes, including pests and climate changes.

Diversity and Distribution of Traditional Home Gardens Along Different Disturbances in a Dry Tropical Region, India

Home gardening is an indigenous practice of cultivation that has effectively adapted to local ecological conditions over generations. This study examined the effects of disturbance and garden size on biodiversity to develop a better understanding of vegetation cover and its role in livelihood and provision of forest management in the Vindhyan highlands. Data were collected from 60 gardens which were classified into large (&amp;gt; 650 m2), medium (400–650 m2), and small (&amp;lt; 400 m2), based on size and disturbance gradients viz., high, medium, and low. A total of 133 species from 50 families were recorded, in which trees (47.4%) were dominant followed by shrubs (18%) and herbs (16.5%). With respect to disturbance, the highest number of tree species (39) were found at low disturbance (LD) followed by 33 species in medium disturbance (MD) and 32 species in high disturbhance (HD). The total mean richness of species was greater at LD (20.3 ± 2.3) and lowest at HD (18.5 ± 2.2). Tree density was significantly (P≤ 0.05) higher at LD (293.75 ± 16.1 individual ha–1) as compared to MD (221 ± 11.5 individual ha–1) and HD (210 ± 10.3 individual ha–1). However, the results for shrubs and herbs density were considerably different, where shrubs density was highest at HD (70 ± 6.9 individual per 1,000 m2) and lowest at LD (62.5 ± 5.8 individual per 1,000 m2), while the maximum density of herbs was recorded at MD (466.25 ± 29.8 individual per 100 m2) and minimum at LD (370 ± 21.4 individual per 100 m2). The summed dominance ratio indicated frequent use of garden plants in bio-fencing, vegetables, ornamental, and ethnomedicine. Diversity (P&amp;lt; 0.01) and species richness (P&amp;lt; 0.05) showed a significant positive correlation with garden size. The Principal Component Analysis (PCA) showed that the first component (PC1) accounted for 28.6% of variance, whereas the second explained 21.9% of variance in both disturbance and garden size with a cumulative variance of 50.5%. These components depicted the positive association with HD (14.34), SDiv (13.91), TCD (12.47), and HDiv (12.09). We concluded that the diversity of home gardens changed with disturbance, which crucially served as a refuge for native tree species in a degraded landscape. This pattern highlighted the importance of home gardens for plant biodiversity conservation and local livelihood, which must be a viable option for regeneration of deforested dry tropics, while also reducing the burden on dry tropical forest regions.

Traditional homegardens and ethnomedicinal plants: Insights from the Indian Sub-Himalayan region

Homegardens are a traditional human-made microenvironment, socioeconomically connected to people's long-term survival. In India's sub-Himalayan region, studies have been conducted on many aspects of homegardening systems. However, little has been studied on ethnomedicinal plants from this region's traditional homegardens. The current study focuses on the diversity and population status of ethnomedicinal plants in homegardens and their folk therapeutic uses. The present work was conducted in West Bengal's Jalpaiguri District, part of the Terai zone. A purposive, multi-stage random sampling method was used to select 100 homegardens. Sixty-seven ethnomedicinal plant species representing 44 families and 60 genera including 22 trees, eight shrubs, 34 herbs, and three climber species were documented. The documented ethnomedicinal plants species were used as folk therapies to treat 39 diseases including some serious ailments like cancer. The most commonly employed plant part for therapeutic purposes were leaves (22 species) followed by fruits (seven species), whole plant (five species), rhizome (three species), tuber and young bud (two species). The use-value for the documented ethnomedicinal species varied from 0.56 (Ocimum sanctum) to 0.012 (Lannea coromandelica) while, the fidelity values ranged from 92.17% (O. sanctum) to 3.43% (Streblus asper). The value of cultural importance ranged from 0.384 (Ocimum sanctum) to 0.009 (Corchorus capsularis and Nyctanthes arbor-tristis). The above quantification of the ethnomedicinal plant species signifies the prominence of a species in cultural and folk therapeutic terms, i.e. higher the values, higher is the traditional importance of the species. The present documentation indicates rich traditional knowledge on medico-botanical aspects of the study area as diverse ethnomedicinal plant species were actively harboured and maintained in the homestead by the inhabitants for their primary health care and well-being that usually were supplemented prior to modern health care system. Diverse ethnomedicinal plant species being maintained in the homestead is significant in conservation of these species that too in a human-dominated landscape when these plant species are threatened for existence due to habitat destruction and commercial exploitation in their natural habitats.

Regional landscape transformation and sustainability of the rural homegarden agroforestry system in the Chengdu Plain, China

Traditional rural homegarden agroforestry system in the Chengdu Plain of China, called “Linpan” in Chinese, integrates the ecological functions of the landscape with human production activities. Studying the driving mechanisms of rural landscape changes in the Chengdu Plain is of great significance from stakeholders’ perspective. Taking the Pidu Linpan Farming System (PLFS) in the suburban area of Chengdu (designated as one of China-Nationally Important Agricultural Heritage Systems in 2020) as a case, this study combined remote sensing image analysis, oral history interviews, and focus group interviews to elucidate the driving forces of landscape changes in the PLFS. The results show that tourism development, traffic accessibility, economic demand, and agricultural heritage protection measure are the main driving forces promoting the stability and maintenance of the traditional homegardens. In contrast, population ageing, land circulation, centralized residence, climate change, and living and recreational need are the forces leading to adverse changes in the traditional homegardens. In addition, these driving forces have led to the gradual abandonment of traditional agricultural activities and critical issues related to rural landscape planning and management. The current research indicates that infrastructure construction and increased traditional agricultural income are considered as the best practices of local stakeholders, promoting the development of the protected homegardens of heritage sites and tourist destinations. Finally, we put forward some suggestions to improve and maintain the traditional rural landscape: (1) establishing a benefit-sharing mechanism; (2) establishing a training system with traditional technology and culture; (3) strengthening infrastructure construction; (4) promoting the development of the agricultural industry; (5) improving the cultural quality of farmers; and (6) establishing a management system with legal effects. This research can provide a basis for the formulation of rural landscape planning and the orderly and healthy development of agricultural heritage in Chengdu Plain.

Aboveground Deadwood Biomass and Composition Along Elevation and Land-Use Gradients at Mount Kilimanjaro

Deadwood is an important structural and functional component of forest ecosystems and biodiversity. As deadwood can make up large portions of the total aboveground biomass, it plays an important role in the terrestrial carbon (C) cycle. Nevertheless, in tropical ecosystems and especially in Africa, quantitative studies on this topic remain scarce. We conducted an aboveground deadwood inventory along two environmental gradients—elevation and land use— at Mt. Kilimanjaro, Tanzania. We used a huge elevation gradient (3690 m) along the southern slope of the mountain to investigate how deadwood is accumulated across different climate and vegetation zones. We also compared habitats that differed from natural forsts in land-use intensity and disturbance history to assess anthropogenic influence on deadwood accumulation. In our inventory we distinguished coarse woody debris (CWD) from fine woody debris (FWD). Furthermore, we calculated the C and nitrogen (N) content of deadwood and how the C/N ratio varied with decomposition stages and elevation. Total amounts of aboveground deadwood ranged from 0.07 ± 0.04 to 73.78 ± 36.26 Mg ha–1 (Mean ± 1 SE). Across the elevation gradient, total deadwood accumulation was highest at mid-elevations and reached a near-zero minimum at very low and very high altitudes. This unimodal pattern was mainly driven by the corresponding amount of live aboveground biomass and the combined effects of decomposer communities and climate. Land-use conversion from natural forests into traditional homegardens and commercial plantations, in addition to frequent burning, significantly reduced deadwood biomass, but not past selective logging after 30 years of recovery time. Furthermore, we found that deadwood C content increased with altitude. Our study shows that environmental gradients, especially temperature and precipitation, as well as different anthropogenic disturbances can have considerable effects on both the quantity and composition of deadwood in tropical forests.

Impact of traditional home garden on socioeconomy across altitudinal gradient of Mon District in Nagaland

Concept of home garden is very common in the hilly area of north eastern part of India and play a crucial role in livelihood, economy and biological diversity conservation. The present study aims to study of the home garden in three different altitudinal ranges in Mon district of Nagaland with the prime objective about the socioeconomic status of existing home garden, distribution and the variety of products and their local uses. The household was selected as a sampling unit of study. Data was gathered through a structured interview covering 60 households, 20 from each village. The home gardens across the altitudes were studied in detail in order to ascertain the roles played by these gardens in the socio-economic context. The survey comprises of 47 plant species from 29 different families. Cucumis sativa (28%) was recorded to contribute the highest to the total annual income in the high altitude followed by Capsicum chinensis (25%) whereas; Abelmoschus esculentus (5%) contributed the least. Parkia timoriana (33%) was recorded to contribute the highest to the total annual income in the high altitude followed by Sechium edule (21%) whereas; Rhus semialata (2%) contributed the least. Camellia sinensis (40%) was recorded to contribute the highest to the total annual income in the high altitude followed by Areca catechu (31%) whereas, Zingiber officinale (5%) contributed the least. The economic analysis of home gardens across varying altitudes shows that home gardens in low altitudes were valued more than the ones in the mid hills and highlands. The total yield in larger gardens was higher than in medium and small gardens, but the yield per unit area was higher in small gardens and dropped as garden size increased. In many cases, the family's financial situation was improved by the home gardens, which provided additional revenue while also contributing to social and cultural improvement

Traditional Home Gardens System Change to Commercialization of Khat (Catha Edulis) Reduced Woody Species Conservation and Climate Change Mitigation Potentials of Sidama Landscape in Southern Ethiopia

Traditional Home Gardens System Change to Commercialization of Khat (Catha Edulis) Reduced Woody Species Conservation and Climate Change Mitigation Potentials of Sidama Landscape in Southern Ethiopia

Is the Change from Traditional Homegarden Agroforestry System to Commercialization of Cash Crop Khat a Promise for Men and a Peril for Women in Southern Ethiopia?

Is the Change from Traditional Homegarden Agroforestry System to Commercialization of Cash Crop Khat a Promise for Men and a Peril for Women in Southern Ethiopia?

The Role of Homegarden Agroforestry in Household Livelihoods at Yayo Coffee Forest Biosphere Reserve, Chora District, Southwestern Ethiopia

Traditional homegardens in southwest Ethiopia is well-known land use practices playing an important role in livelihood aspects. Thus, the objective of this study was to examine the contribution of homegardens towards of local people livelihoods. A household interview data collection method was used. A systematic random sampling method was used to select 139 households. Descriptive statistics, one way ANOVA were used for analysis. Homegarden agroforestry was more important for a food source, and contribute about 4079.70Birr annual income on average. This study suggests that homegardens contribute to the sustenance of the livelihoods of smallholder farmers in the study area. Keywords: Yayo, Coffee Forest, Buffer Zone, Cash Crop, Food Security DOI: 10.7176/JBAH/11-21-01 Publication date: November 30 th 2021

The Role of Homegarden Agroforestry in Biodiversity Conservation at Yayo Coffee Forest Biosphere Reserve, Chora District, South-western Ethiopia

Traditional homegardens in southwest Ethiopia is well-known land use practices playing important role in biodiversity conservation aspects. The objective of this study was to examine the contribution of homegardens towards of biodiversity conservation. Homegarden plant diversity assessment was done. A simple random sampling method was used to select 45 homegardens. Diversity indices were used for analysis. A total of 79 plant species belonging to 41 families were identified. Family Fabaceae and Rutaceae have a relatively higher number of species (6 species each). In terms of habit, (34%) of the species were herbs followed by trees (30%), shrubs (27%) and climbers (9%). Farmers manage both exotic (61%) and indigenous (39%), from which 57% were food and 43% nonfood plant species. The Shannon, Simpson and evenness diversity indexes were 3.27, 0.053 and 0.87 respectively. Coffea arabica was the most frequent (86.67%) species followed by Persea americana (68.89) and Catha edulis (64.44) in homegardens of the area. This study suggests that homegardens contribute to plant biodiversity conservation in the study area. However, due to few market-oriented crops concentration, biodiversity of the system have been affected. Thus, gardeners should be encouraged to cultivate versatile plants in the practice for effective biodiversity conservation.

Soil organic carbon and associated soil properties in Enset (Ensete ventricosum Welw. Cheesman)-based homegardens in Ethiopia

Enset (Ensete ventricosum Welw. Cheesman)-based homegardens have long been practiced as central elements of agricultural land management and food security in south and southwest Ethiopia. In contrast to the homegardens’ biodiversity and role in food security, soil quality has received little attention. Objective of this study was to assess soil quality parameters in typical homegardens in comparison with adjacent croplands, both under continuous management for >30 years. The study was undertaken at high (2200–2330 masl), mid (1799–1849 masl), and low (1349–1381 masl) elevation in the central Omo-Gibe basin, southwest Ethiopia. Through interviews of 49 randomly selected farm households, and soil sampling at six paired sites at high and mid elevations, and five paired sites of low elevation, we found that homegardens received the majority of household waste and manure and were less frequently tilled. By contrast, some, but not all, croplands occasionally received inorganic fertilizer. Homegarden soil had significantly greater (P < 0.05) soil organic carbon (SOC) concentrations than croplands. At 0–20 cm depth, SOC concentrations in homegardens (22.4–26.4 mg g−1 soil) were twice as high as in croplands (11.5–12.7 mg g-1 soil). Most likely the lower content of SOC in cropland was due to the limited input of organic matter and intensive tillage. The top 60 cm of homegarden soils stored 21–32 Mg ha-1 more SOC than adjacent croplands. Homegardens at high elevation had a significantly greater SOC stock (P < 0.05) than at low elevation. Hot water extractable (labile) organic carbon levels at 0–20 cm in homegardens (540–649 μg g-1 soil) were three to five times greater than in croplands (106–207 μg g-1 soil) and was strongly correlated with the SOC concentration (R2 = 0.85, in homegardens). The fraction of water-stable macro-aggregates (>0.5 mm) was positively correlated with the SOC concentration and significantly greater in homegardens than in cropland. Our results show that traditional homegardens represent a sustainable form of land management and cropping system, enhancing SOC concentration, soil structure and fertility.

Phenology, population structure and carbon sequestration potential of Parkia timoriana: a heirloom tree in traditional Meitei homegarden of northeast India

Parkia timoriana, a leguminous tree, is an important multipurpose species growing over the northeastern part of India. The species has been closely associated with the livelihood of the society for its beneficial attributes, and therefore, besides its occurrences in the wild, the species also been commonly raised in the home gardens. However, the ecology of the species i.e., phenology, biomass and carbon sequestration potential has not been studied. Girth class distribution indicated the species exhibit more number of individuals in the midsize girth compare to the smaller and larger girth classes. The species showed maximum leaf flushing at the onset of rainy season (Apr–May), whereas, maximum leaf fall occurred during Nov–Jan. Flowering and fruiting was maximum during dry months. The individuals with 30–45 cm girth size and above showed flowering and fruiting and the individuals below this girth do not exhibit flowering and fruiting tendency. The total biomass of P. timoriana was 2.24 t ha−1 and magnitude of carbon sequestration potential was 0.23 t ha−1 year−1. The study suggests that a threshold level of girth size 30 cm and above would be required for the fruiting and flowering. In addition to its multiple uses, the species has a good potential to sequester carbon.

Contrasting Species Diversity and Values in Home Gardens and Traditional Parkland Agroforestry Systems in Ethiopian Sub-Humid Lowlands

Understanding the complex diversity of species and their potential uses in traditional agroforestry systems is crucial for enhancing the productivity of tropical systems and ensuring the sustainability of the natural resource base. The aim of this study is the evaluation of the role of home gardens and parklands, which are prominent tropical agroforestry systems, in the conservation and management of biodiversity. Our study quantified and compared the diversity of woody and herbaceous perennial species and their uses in traditional home gardens and parkland agroforestry systems under a sub-humid climate in western Ethiopia. A sociological survey of 130 household respondents revealed 14 different uses of the species, mostly for shade, fuelwood, food, and as traditional medicine. Vegetation inventory showed that the Fisher’s α diversity index and species richness were significantly higher in home gardens (Fisher’s α = 5.28 ± 0.35) than in parklands (Fisher’s α = 1.62 ± 0.18). Both systems were significantly different in species composition (Sørenson’s similarity coefficient = 35%). The differences occurred primarily because of the high intensity of management and the cultivation of exotic tree species in the home gardens, whereas parklands harbored mostly native flora owing to the deliberate retention and assisted regeneration by farmers. In home gardens, Mangifera indica L. was the most important woody species, followed by Cordia africana Lam. and Coffea arabica L. On the other hand, Syzygium guineense Wall. was the most important species in parklands, followed by C. africana and M. indica. The species diversity of agroforestry practices must be further augmented with both indigenous and useful, non-invasive exotic woody and herbaceous species, particularly in parklands that showed lower than expected species diversity compared to home-gardens.