Horti-silvi-pastoral system for increased productivity of marginal and degraded lands under rainfed conditions.
Raturi G. B., Hiwale S. S.
Author Affiliation: Central Horticultural Experiment Station, Godhra 389 001, Gujarat, India.
3 : 179-186
Abstract : Experiments were conducted at the Central Horticultural Research Station, Godhra, Gujarat, on suitable components for a agrosilvopastoral system with production potential on marginal/degraded lands under semiarid dryland conditions. The studies were started in 1985 on a 10 ha area on reserved forest land, highly eroded and degraded due to overgrazing, with compacted soil, gullies and rocky parts. The area was divided into 12 plots according to contours and soil depth. Plots with soil 1-1.25 m deep were planted with hardy fruit crops such as mango [Mangifera indica], guava [Psidium guajava], ber [Ziziphus mauritiana], pomegranate [Punica granatum], annona [Annona] and kagzi-lime [Citrus aurantiifolia], established on staggered contour trenches for water harvesting. Areas within 6 m of the gully rims were planted with Eucalyptus and Leucaena leucocephala, and areas along the gullies were planted with bamboos. Cenchrus ciliaris was planted along the gully collars for erosion control, and Stylosanthes hamata between the fruit crops. Live check dams of Agave americana and Ipomoea carnea and gully plugging with earthen dams were implemented as further erosion control measures. Surface runoff was collected for irrigation. Crop establishment methods and production achieved are briefly described. The results were encouraging despite the failure of the monsoon for 3 yr. There were good yields of fruit, fodder and fuelwood, and there was a net return of Rs?11?599 in year 3.