Biomass production of trees and grasses in a silvopasture system on marginal lands of Doon Valley of north-west India
background
This paper shares the results of a 14-year study of silvopastoral systems in the Doon Valley of Northwest India. The study compared growth of two grass species – Chrysopogon fulvus and Eulaliopsis binata – under four tree species – Albizia lebbek, Bauhinia purpurea, Grewia optiva, and Leucaena leucocephala – finding that grass biomass was highest under B. purpurea and G. optiva with the grass E. binata.
research goals & methods
Species complementarity in silvopastoral systems is advantageous to increasing grass biomass production and quality. Complementarity is influenced not only by spatial and temporal canopy variations, but also by root behavior, allelopathic qualities, and impacts on soil moisture. Tree management via lopping or coppicing may also affect silvopasture quality. This study examines sixteen treatment combinations involving four tree species, two grass species, and two periodic lopping intensities (50% and 75%) with four replications.
Conclusions & Takeaways
At the end of the study period, grass clump survival rates and overall biomass were highest with E. binata under B. purpurea and G. optiva. The effect of variation in lopping intensity on biomass was not significant. E. binata was better able to tolerate varying shade levels and competition from other species than C. fulvus.
Reference:
Biomass production of trees and grasses in a silvopasture system on marginal lands of Doon Valley of north-west India. Agroforestry Systems. 1999;46:181–196. doi:10.1023/a:1006230528225.
.Affiliation:
- Central Soil and Water Conservation Research and Training Institute, India