Combinations of trees and crops in the taungya method as applied in Thailand

Background

In this article, the authors desribe the 'taungya' methods used in Thailand for reforestation and agroforestry in the 1980s. This method was primarily used under theForest Village Programme, during which landless people were given 1.6 ha of land to reforest and raise their crops.

Goals & Methods

The goal of the study was to understand the relationship between tree-crop combinations and different climate conditions. The authors describe four major combinations: (A) in the north Tectona grandis, upland rice, maize, and sorghum; (B) in the northeast Eucalyptus camaldulensis, Melia azedarach, Leucaena leucocephala, and cassava; (C) in the west Melia azedarachta, Eucalyptus camaldulensis, sorghum and maize; and (D) in the south Dipterocarpus alatus, Hevea brasiliensis, Leucaena leucocephala, Melia azedarach, Casuarina junquiana, cashew nut, banana, pineapple, and coffee.

Conclusions & Takeaways

The authors found that the tree-crop combinations do reflect climate conditions. They recommend that the interaction between tress and crops be studied further in order to find more productive and stable combinations.