AGROFORSTRY + Social Forestry + Watershed

management
Paper - 1 | Section - B

EDITION : 2019
TELEGRAM : https://t.me/forestryopt

YouTube : https://bit.ly/2NSWF4E

Contact : +917223970423 Upscbotany05@gmail.com

 SYLLABUS

 AGROFORESTRY – Scope and necessity; role in the life of people and domestic animals
and in integrated land use, planning especially related to (i) soil and water conservation;
(ii) water recharge; (iii) nutrient availability to crops; (iv) nature and eco-system
preservation including ecological balances through pest-predator relationships and (v)
Providing opportunities for enhancing biodiversity, medicinal and other flora and fauna.
Agro forestry systems under different agroecological zones; selection of species and role
of multipurpose trees and NTFPs, techniques, food, fodder and fuel security. Research
and Extension needs.
 SOCIAL/URBAN FORESTRY : Objectives, scope and necessity; peoples participation.
 WATERSHED MANAGEMENT – Concepts of watershed; role of mini-forests and forest
trees in overall resource management, forest hydrology, watershed development in
respect of torrent control, river channel stabilization, avalanche and landslide controls,
rehabilitation of degraded areas; hilly and mountain areas; watershed management and
environmental functions of forests; water-harvesting and conservation; ground water
recharge and watershed management; role of integrating forest trees, horticultural
crops, field crops, grass and fodders.

MARKS DISTRIBUTION

Subjects Average 2018 2017 2016 2015 2014 2013 2012

Agro-forestry ≈ 20 m 10 18 20 30 28 26 20

Social-Forestry ≈7m 10 20 10 8 × × 5

Watershed management ≈7m × 20 10 10 × 10 ×

Total ≈ 30 m 20 58 40 48 28 36 25

Paper 1 | Section (B) : Agroforestry (Telegram :https://t.me/forestryopt )

2
AGROFORSTRY + Social Forestry + Watershed management

INDEX

SN Topic Page No

1. Introduction of Agroforestry 1-6

2. Classification 7 - 16

3. Role of trees in soil and water conservation 17 - 18

4. D&D 19 - 21

5. Remaining part of syllabus 22 - 26

6. Social forestry 27 - 30

7. Social forestry plantation 31

8. Watershed management 33 - 39

Paper 1 | Section (B) : Agroforestry (Telegram :https://t.me/forestryopt )

3
 AGROFORSTRY
Paper - 1 | Section - B

 Write about the diagnostic and design survey of agroforestry. Can it help the

2018 farmers in the integration of tree with crops to enhance the crop productivity in
agroforestry system? Justify (10 m).

 Discuss the impact of agroforestry practices on the environment in general and on

soil properties in particular, with a suitable example (8 m).
2017
 Differentiate between Windbreaks and Shelterbelts. Discuss in brief, their impact on
the environment (10m).

 Discuss the role of agroforestry in nutrient cycling and soil conservation. How is
2016
saline soil reclaimed ? (20 m)

 Discuss the needs and scope of agro-forestry for the benefits of people (8 m)
 Elaborate upon the social objectives of agro-forestry (8m).

2015  Adoption of agro-forestry practices by the farming community is the result of

increasing human and cattle population. Discuss (10 m).
 Outline the role of tree architecture in agroforestry (10 m).

 Describe the benefits and constraints of agroforestry (8 m).

 Why are agroforestry systems becoming popular in Himalayan tarai regions, Western
2014
plains and Southem parts of India? Discuss your answer with reasons and tree-crop
combinations adopted in these fegions and parts of the country (20 m).

 What are the unique requirements of tree improvement in agroforestry? (8m).

2013  Describe tree-crop allelopathy in agroforestry (8m).

 What are the fundamental bases of classification of agroforestry systems? (10 m).

 How shelterbelt and wind breaks are helpful in sand dune stabilization and desert
control ? (5m).

2012  What do you know about recent progress in Agroforestry research and development
in our country for sustainable development ? (5m).
 what is D & D? Who can make use of D & D and How? (10 m).

Paper 1 | Section (B) : Agroforestry (Telegram :https://t.me/forestryopt )

4
 Topic 1 INTRODUCTION

CONTENT :-
1. Concept
2. Definition
3. Benefits of agroforestry
4. Constrains
5. Minimize these constraints
6. Exercise

1.1 | CONCEPT

Agroforestry is a collective name for land-use systems involving trees combined with
crops and/or animals on the same unit of land. It actually combines the -

1) Production system of crops with protection cover of trees especially in frazile

ecosystem.
2) Emphasis on use of indigenous trees have MPFTs
3) It is structurally and functionally more complex than monoculture
4) it also provide alternative investment opportunity with insurance cover that by
whatever resions if their main agriculture crop failed, they still have a tree cover to
sold them and sustain their house economy.
5) This concept also used or we can say based on our ancient tradition and Socio-cultural
values to grow trees on boundaries of farm, protect them and harvest at necessary
point of time to reduce village dependency on Forest.

1.2 | DEFINITION

Agroforestry is a any sustainable land-use system that maintains or increases total

yields by combining food crops (annuals) with tree crops (perennials) and/or livestock on
the same unit of land, either alternately or at the same time with using management
practices that suit the local social-cultural characteristics of society and Economic and eco-
logical conditions of the area.

NOTE : Remember “Crop + Tree ± Domestic animals”. 1st two are the essential requirement, 3rd
component is optional it may be present or absent.

Paper 1 | Section (B) : Agroforestry (Telegram :https://t.me/forestryopt )

5
ATTRIBUTES OF AGROFORESTRY

 Productivity : maintain or increase production (of preferred commodities as well as

productivity (of the land)
 Sustainability : By conserving the production potential of the resource base, mainly
through the beneficial effects of woody perennials on soils.
 Adoptability : The word “adopt” here means “accept” (not “modify” or “change). The
implication here is that improved or new agroforestry technologies that are introduced
into new areas should also conform to local farming practices.

1.3 | BENEFITS OF AGROFORESTRY

A) ENVIRONMENTAL BENEFITS :-

 Reduction of pressure on natural forests.

 More efficient recycling of nutrients by deep rooted trees on the site
 Better protection of ecological systems, Protect farm crop against hot/cold wind as
well as lodging in crop.
 Reduction of surface run-off, nutrient leaching and soil erosion through impeding
effect of tree roots and stems on these processes.
 Improvement of microclimate, such as lowering of soil surface temperature and
reduction of evaporation of soil moisture through a combination of mulching and
shading.
 Improvement soil nutrients and soil structure through the constant addition of
organic matter from decomposed litter, loosening of soil by roots, recycling of
leached minerals and freeing new minerals from parent rocks.

B) ECONOMIC BENEFITS :

 Increase farm output : agri-crop (Food) + fuel wood , fodder, fertiliser and timber.
 Reduce chances of crop failure, which is as issue of single cropping or monoculture
systems.

C) SOCIAL BENEFITS :

Paper 1 | Section (B) : Agroforestry (Telegram :https://t.me/forestryopt )

6
  Increase income = Improvement in rural living standards = nutrition and health help
in breaking vicious cycle of poverty – unskillness – poor health.
 Growing Tree nursery, Plantation work and protection measure = increase job
opportunity.
 System like Tungya, help in stabilising migratory tribes and endinf shifting
cultivation practices.

Also link them with -

1.4 | CONSTRAINTS IN AGROFORESTRY

The following are the major constraints in agroforestry –

A) Depression in crop yields due to interference effects caused by the tree

B) Delayed liquidation of planting investments due to long rotation period

Paper 1 | Section (B) : Agroforestry (Telegram :https://t.me/forestryopt )

7
 C) Increased damage to crops by insects, pests and birds as tree provides them shelter,
food and alternate hosts i.e. Bihari cater pillar damage more severe on soyabeam
growing under poplar plantation than open.
D) Allelopathy.

A | INTERFERENCE EFFECT OF TREES

In an agroforestry system, trees being the dominant partners and compete with the
Agri-crops for light, water, nutrients and space. When the immediate supply of a single
necessary factor falls below the combined demands of the plant, the competition begins.

 Competition for light : Shade effects of full canopy of a 8

year old poplar plantation in tarai usually delayed Wheat
maturation ≈ 15-20 days as well as its total productivity.
 Competition for space : trees have deep tap root
system so agri crop usually didnot face this.
 Competition for moisture : Ner eucalyptus plantation,
around meter radiation crop yield fall sharply due to
its allelopathic effects + moisture competition.

D | ALLELOPATHY

Allelopathy is the direct or indirect effect of one plant upon another through the
production of chemical inhibitors that are released in to the environment. Usually this
interaction started with releasing chemicals (Secondary metabolites) called
ALLELOCHEMICALS, after decomposition of leaf letter (chemical warfare b/ plants).

EXAMPLES : Eucalyptus, Juglance ragia.

TYPES : Autogeneic & Allogeneic
USING ALLELOPATHY TO YOUR ADVANTAGE : to control weed growth.

 2013 : Describe tree-crop allelopathy in agroforestry (8m).

 2009 : Describe the role of Allelopathy in crop production (10 m).
 GS 3 (2016) : What is allelopathy? Discuss its role in major cropping systems of
irrigated agriculture.

Paper 1 | Section (B) : Agroforestry (Telegram :https://t.me/forestryopt )

8
1.5 | SOLUTIONS OF THESE CONSTRAINTS

 Manipulation of tree density and arrangement : increase spacing, plantation in east-

west direction to reduce shedding effects.
 Pruning of tree crown and roots (by trenching) – to reduce moisture and nutrient
competition.
 Choice of Agriculture crop and tree component both have different phase of growth i.e.
in case of poplar-wheat intercropping in Tarai, Poplar shed there leaves in November
when we start sowing of wheat crop, so virtually no light competition and shedded
leaves provide manure to wheat. When leaves reappear in mid april, we start wheat
harwesting.

FUTURE POTENTIAL

 Meeting the demand of food, fuelwood & fodder.

 Water conservation
 Fuelwood and energy
 Raw material for industries & Cash benefits to farmers – help in doubling the income by
2022.
 Increased yield and maximized production
 Diversified products + Employment opportunities.

Paper 1 | Section (B) : Agroforestry (Telegram :https://t.me/forestryopt )

9
 Utilization of wasteland and degraded land.
 Carbon sequestration services and its influence on climate change.
 Potential reduction in the rate of deforestation
 Improve soil health
 Agroforestry as a habitat for wild species

1. 6 | EXERCISE

 2017 : Discuss the impact of agroforestry practices on the environment in general and
on soil properties in particular, with a suitable example (8 m).
 2016 : Discuss the role of agroforestry in nutrient cycling and soil conservation. How is
saline soil reclaimed ? (20 m)
 2015 : Discuss the needs and scope of agro-forestry for the benefits of people (8 m).
 2015 : Elaborate upon the social objectives of agro-forestry (8m).
 2014 : Describe the benefits and constraints of agroforestry (8 m).
 2013 : Describe tree-crop allelopathy in agroforestry (8m).
 2011 : While selecting the species for the agroforestry, the below ground and above
groun interactions b/w the components spp need to be considered discuss (10 m).
 2011 : Compare nutrient cycling in a Natural forest, an Agroforestry system and an
agriculture field. Discuss how it helps to sustain soil fertility (10 m).
 2009 : Define agroforestry. Describe an agroforestry model suitable to rehabilitate
degraded hills, discuss the gains of agroforestry system (2 + 10 + 8 = 20 m).
 2005 : Short notes on “Industrial agroforestry”

Paper 1 | Section (B) : Agroforestry (Telegram :https://t.me/forestryopt )

10
 Topic 2 CLASSIFICATION OF AGROFORESTRY SYSTEM

According to Nair (1987), Agroforestry system can be classified according to the following
four basis -

1. Structural Basis
2. Functional basis
3. Socio economic Basis
4. Ecological basis

2013 : What are the fundamental bases of classification of agroforestry systems? (10 m).

2.1 | STRUCTURAL CLASSIFICATION

based on the types of components and their arrangements –

A. NATURE of component :
B. ARRANGEMENT of component :

Paper 1 | Section (B) : Agroforestry (Telegram :https://t.me/forestryopt )

11
A | NATURE OF COMPONENT

(i) Agri-silviculture system, (ii) Silvi-pasture, (iii) Agro-silvi-pasture and (iv) other
system.

i | AGRI-SILVICULTURE system

 SHIFTING CULTIVATION (Slash – burn cultivation) : Fallow are the crop land left without
crops for period ranging from one seasons to several years with aim to recover depleted
soil.

Shifting cultivation Palm oil plantation in Manipur

EFFECT OF SHIFTING CULTIVATION :

 Deforestation and denudation of hill slopes and area is occupied by weeds, useless
shrubs etc.

Paper 1 | Section (B) : Agroforestry (Telegram :https://t.me/forestryopt )

12
  Soil erosion = loss of soil and nutrient + runoff (lowering water table).
 adversely affects cation exchange capacity and physical properties of soil. It leads to
lowering of organic matter and lowering the total quantity of sesquioxides, iron,
aluminum, calcium, potassium, phosphorus etc.

CONTROLLING SHIFTING CULTIVATION :

 Motivate public for permanent agriculture by opening demonstration centers for

improved agricultural practices, good quality seed, manuring, irrigation, weeding
use of improved tools, terracing etc.
 Promote tungya system
 Alternative employment opportunity i.e. oilpalm plantation in Manipur under
tungya system

ADVANTAGES OF SHIFTING SYSTEM :

 Control weed growth and insect-path by burning all them.

 Addition of nutrient (wood ash).
 Provide opportunity to new species to invade and growth in this area (one of the
reason why bamboo forest became dominant in north east)

2007 : what is shifting cultivation ? enlist adverse effect of shifting cultivation on forest

 TUNGYA SYSTEM : means hill cultivation (in Burmese), under this system we grow
agriculture crops in b/w space of tree plantation for (1) check weed growth, (2) provide
irrigation & fertilizers to the tree crop.

TYPES : Departmental tungya (when both agriculture crop and plantation raised by
forest dept), Leased tungya (when dept permit local villagers to grow crop in space b/w
planation after payment of lease rent) and Village tungya (when villager grow agri crop
without paying money).

Advantages :

 Employment generation
 Control weed growth

Paper 1 | Section (B) : Agroforestry (Telegram :https://t.me/forestryopt )

13
  Low production cost : as tree get fertilizers & irrigation free with agri crop, full
protection from wild life damage.
 Increase higher survivability of plantation.
 Improve soil fertility + check soil erosion

 ALLEY CROPPING : also called Hedge-row

intercropping , under this sytem woody plants are
planted in rows and agriculture crop grow b/w
space of rows.

IMPORANCE OF TREE CROP : Reduce evaporation

form soil surface, add nutrents + OM through litter
fall and Nitrogen fixation by root nodule bacteria (we actually select leguminous plants
to grow in agroforestry system to reduce our Urea consumption).

RESULT : maintain of increase crops yiels by improvement in soil and microclimate +

check weed growth. Alley cropping usually works best in place where people feel a need
to intensify crop production but face soil fertility problem i.e Punjab.

SPACING : usually adopted 4 to 8 m b/w rows and 25 cm to 2 m between trees within

rows. Closer spacing is generally used in Humid areas and wider in sub-humid or semi
arid regions ( to decrease water competition).

Maintenance : regular lopping, spacing, trenching etc.

Importance of alley cropping : if they asked importance of alley cropping or any other
other agroforestry system, u needs to write almost same thing as per their structure.

Suitable species : Leucaena leucocephala, Gliricidia sepium, cassia siamia etc.

2005 : Discuss alley cropping and its advantages (20 m).

Paper 1 | Section (B) : Agroforestry (Telegram :https://t.me/forestryopt )

14
 SHELTER BELT : it is the belt of trees consisting several rows of trees established at right
angle to the prevailing winds.

Shape & Composition : triangular shape, raising small grasses at windward side and tall
trees in the centre.

Wedth : ≈ 50 m.

Orientation : Right direction to the prevailing wind (90o), that is the main aim to protect
our farm from hot/cold winds + Lodging of crop during irrigation by strong wind.

Height, Wedth, Length : 1 : 10 : 25

Suitable species :

Grasses Shrubs Trees

Sacharum munja Calotropis procera, cassia Dalbergia sissoo,
Cenchrus ciliraria spp. Eucalyptus etc.

Paper 1 | Section (B) : Agroforestry (Telegram :https://t.me/forestryopt )

15
 IMPORTANCE : (1) deflect air current & reduce velocity of prevailing wind, (2) improve
soil fertility and nutrient recycling, (3) prevent soil erosion and evaporation (decicating
effect of hot wind), (4) Provide food, fooder, timber, shelter to wild life, (5) protect
livestock, crops and pasture land from cold/ hot dry wind (6) Produce timber and other
Forest produce etc. (Remember Protective & productive role of forest and do stack
holder analysis)

ISSUE : Cover wast swath of land so suitable only where Land prices are low and easy to
available. Wildlife that sheltered here may crease losses to agri crops.

 WIND BREAKS : wind breaks are the strip

of trees (± shrubs) planted in right angle to
protect field, homes, canal or house from
strong hot/cold wind.

Structure : usually grow trees in 2/3

parallels rows to block air sufficientrly
(may also possible in single row). Often we
see Eucalyptus & Casuarina (in coastal area) for this purpose in 4/5 rows to work
effectively.

EFFECTS OF WINDBREAKS :

Paper 1 | Section (B) : Agroforestry (Telegram :https://t.me/forestryopt )

16
 Advantages /Importance : almost same as shelterbelt + also suitable where land price
are height as it encroach small area.

2017 : Differentiate between Windbreaks and Shelterbelts. Discuss in brief, their impact on
the environment (10m).

2012 : How shelterbelt and wind breaks are helpful in sand dune stabilization and desert
control ? (5m).

2007, 08, 10 : Difference b/w wind breaks and shelterbelt. Give design and layout of

both and suggest suitable tree species with their characters (20m ).

 MULTI SPECIES TREE GARDENS :

under this system various kinds of
tree species are growing in mixed.
Main AIM – production of food,
fodder and timber for home
consumption.

ii | SILVI - PASTURE system

Here woody plants combines with pasture is known as silvipasture system. Hete trees
component grow for production of timber, fuel, fruits, fodder for livestock and improve soil
fertility.

 PROTEIN BANK : under this system, various

multipurpose tree species especially protein rich trees
are planted in or around farmland and waste land.

SUITABLE SPECIES : Acacia nilotica, Albizzia lebbeck,

Neem, Leucaena leucocephala, Gliricidia sepium etc.

 LIVEFNCE OF FODDER TREES AND HEDGES : a hedge of fodder trees and other shrub
vegetation raise around the farm to prevent animals infiltration.
SUITABLE SPECIES : almost same.

Paper 1 | Section (B) : Agroforestry (Telegram :https://t.me/forestryopt )

17
iii | AGRI - SILVO - PASTURE system

Here woody perinneals combined with seasonal agri crop and grasses, so in case of
protection and production this is one of the best system and almost simulate natural
condition.

 HOME GARDENS or MULTI-TIER system :

This system is found extensively in high rainfall areas in tropical South and South
east Asia. In India, Kerala and Tamil Nadu are famous for it with humid tropical climates
where coconut is the main crop. Many species of trees, bushes, vegetables and other
herbaceous plants are grown in dense and in random or spatial and temporal arrangements.
Most home gardens also support a variety of animals. Fodder grass and legumes are also
grown to meet the fodder requirement of cattle. Home gardens are highly productive,
sustainable and very practicable. Food production is primary function of most home
gardens.

STRUCTURE OF HOME GARDENS : high species diversity and usually 3-4 vertical canopy
strata. The layered configuration and compatible species admixture are the most
conspicuous characteristics of all home gardens. Generally all home gardens consist of an
herbaceous layer near the ground, a tree layer at the upper levels and an intermediate
layer.

CHOICE OF SPECIES : (a) Woody species :

Anacardium occidentale (Almond), Artocarpus
heterophyllus (Kathal), Citrus spp (Nibu),
Mangifera indica (Mango), Azadirachta indica,
Cocus nucifera (Coconut). (b) Herbaceous
species : Onion, cabbage, Pumpkin, Sweet
potato, Banana, Beans etc.

2003, 11 : What is home garden ? explain with a model (20 m).

 WOODY HEDGEROWS : Woody hedges, especially fast growing and coppicing fodder
shrubs and trees are planted for the purpose of browse, mulch, green manure, soil
conservation etc.

Paper 1 | Section (B) : Agroforestry (Telegram :https://t.me/forestryopt )

18
 iv | Other system

 Apiculture with trees : In this system various honey (nector) producing trees frequently
visited by honeybees are planted on the boundary of the agricultural fields.

 Aquaforestry 2011 : In this system various trees and shrubs preferred by fish are planted
on the boundary and around fish ponds. Tree leaves are used as feed for fish. The main
role of this system is fish production and bund stabilization around fish ponds.

SUITABLE SPECIES : Morus alba, leucaena leucocephala etc.

B | ARANGEMENTS OF COMPONENT

(i) Spatial arrangement and (ii) Temporal arrangement.

 SPCIAL ARRANGEMENT : here various components arranges in specific pattern means

Zonation of components present i.e. Alley cropping, boundary plantation etc.
 TEMPORAL ARRANGEMENT : here no specific pattern of zonation i.e. Shifting
cultivation.

2.2 | FUNCTIONAL CLASSIFICATION

Same as forest do –
 PRODUCTIVE FUNCTION : Food, Fodder, Fuel wood, timber, NTFPs
 PROTECTIVE FUNCTION : Shelter, Soil conservation.

2.3 | SOCIO-ECONOMIC CLASSIFICATION

 COMMERCIAL AGROFORESTRY SYSTEMS : have commericial angle with the adoption

of system i.e. Oil Palm plantation in Manipur, Rubber plantation in Kerala, Coconut
plantation in south india, Poplar plantation in Tarai.

 INTERMEDIATE AGROFORESTRY SYSTEMS : between commercial and subsistence scale

of production i.e. Growing teak on the boundaries of farm with food crops so the cash
crops fulfill the cash needs and the food crops meet the family‘s food needs.

 SUBSISTENCE AGROFORESTRY SYSTEMS : where the use of land is directed towards

satisfying basic needs and is managed mostly by the owner and his family.

Paper 1 | Section (B) : Agroforestry (Telegram :https://t.me/forestryopt )

19
 2.4 | SOCIO-ECONOMIC CLASSIFICATION

 Agroforestry systems in Humid / Subhumid lowlands : Homegardens, Trees on

rangelands and pastures, improved fallow in shifting cultivation.

 Agroforestry systems in Semiarid and arid lands : Various wind breaks and shelterbelts.

 Agroforestry systems in Tropical High lands : Production systems involving plantation

crops such as coffee, tea, use of woody perennials in soil conservation and improved
fallow

NOTE : our AIM of Doubling the farmers income + SDG + Farmers security against
adverse weather can be fulfil by adoption of “integrate farming system” in
which our food crops will grow with commercially valuable Trees and Animals
like rabit farming, fishery, poultry farming, piggery, apiculture, duck farming etc.
if we integrate all of them at one place generate better income and security to
farmers in case of failure of crop production.

EXERCISE

 2017 : Discuss the impact of agroforestry practices on the environment in general and
on soil properties in particular, with a suitable example (8 m).
 2016 : Discuss the role of agroforestry in nutrient cycling and soil conservation. How is
saline soil reclaimed ? (20 m).
 2015 : Discuss the needs and scope of agro-forestry for the benefits of people (8 m)
 2015 : Adoption of agro-forestry practices by the farming community is the result of
increasing human and cattle population. Discuss (10 m).
 2015 : Outline the role of tree architecture in agroforestry (10 m).

Paper 1 | Section (B) : Agroforestry (Telegram :https://t.me/forestryopt )

20
 Topic 3 ROLE OF TREES IN SOIL AND WATER CONSERVATION

 2017 : Discuss the impact of agroforestry practices on the environment in general and
on soil properties in particular, with a suitable example (8 m).
 2016 : Discuss the role of agroforestry in nutrient cycling and soil conservation. How is
saline soil reclaimed ? (20 m).
 2005 : comment upon role of trees in soil conservation.

3.1 | ROLE OF TREES IN SOIL CONSERVATION

The potential role of trees in reducing runoff and soil erosion losses through multilayered
defence against impact of rain drops.

 SOIL CONSERVATION METHODS :

STRIP PLANTING : erosion permitted and erosion resistant crops are growing alternate
on hilly slopes.
CROP ROTATION : grain crop with leguminous crop – improve and maintain soil fertility.
COVER CROPPING :to check weed growth, excessive loss of water through evaporation.

Paper 1 | Section (B) : Agroforestry (Telegram :https://t.me/forestryopt )

21
3.2 | ROLE OF TREES IN SOIL FERTILITY

Trees improve soil

fertility through (1) Nutrint
recycling, (2) N-fixation by root
bacteria, (3) add organic matter
and (4) control soil erosion
activity.

Paper 1 | Section (B) : Agroforestry (Telegram :https://t.me/forestryopt )

22
 Topic 4 DIAGNOSIS & DESIGN

 2018 : Write about the diagnostic and design survey of agroforestry. Can it help the
farmers in the integration of tree with crops to enhance the crop productivity in
agroforestry system? Justify (10 m).
 2012 : what is D & D? Who can make use of D & D and How? (10 m).
 2005 : Short notes on D & D In agroforestry system (8 m).

D&D is a methodology for the diagnosis of land management problems and design of
agroforestry solutions. It was developed by ICRAF to assist agroforestry researchers and
development fieldworkers to plan and implement effective research and development
projects.

THE KEY FEATURES OF THE D & D :-

 Flexibility : in procedure & adaptability so adapted as fit the needs and resources of
different users.
 Speed : D a ‘rapid appraisal’ application at the planning stage of a project with in
depth follow up during project implementation.
 Repetition : D&D is an open-ended learning process. Since initial designs can almost
always be improved, the D&D process need not end until further improvements are no
longer necessary.

CRITERIA OF A GOOD AGROFORESTRY DESIGN :-

There is no substitute for good design. A good agroforestry design should fulfill the
following criteria:
 Productivity : it should be improve net productivity from a unit area with its protective
role. With this increased output of tree products, improved yields of associated crops,
reduction of cropping system inputs, increased labour efficiency, diversification of
production, satisfaction of basic needs, and other measures of economic efficiency or
achievement of biological potential.

Paper 1 | Section (B) : Agroforestry (Telegram :https://t.me/forestryopt )

23
 Sustainability : it have to improve sustainability of production systems and its
conservation role so can motivations of low income farmers, who may not always be
interested in conservation for its own sake.
 Adaptability : No matter how technically elegant or environmentally sound an
agroforestry design may be, nothing practical is achieved unless it is adapted by its
intended users. This means that the technology has to fit the social as well as the
environmental characteristics of the land use system for which it is designed.

Who can make use of D & D ?

 Researchers
 Extension officer
 Government field workers
 NGOs

Basic Procedures of D & D :-

The basic logic of the D&D discovery procedure is displayed in the following table.
The process can be subdivided into small steps and used selectively for varying purposes,
but the hierarchical logic of D&D is quite robust and generally applicable to virtually any
problem in technology design. The more detailed procedural suggestions are best thought
of optional steps for collecting and processing the information needed to answer the
basic question shown in the table.

D&D Stages Basic Questions to Key factors to Mode of inquiry

answer consider

Pre-diagnostic Definition of the land Distinctive Seeing and comparing

use systems and site combinations of The different land use
selection (which resources, systems
system to focus on? technology and
land user objectives

How does the system Production Analyzing and

work? (How is it objectives and describing the system
organized, how does strategies,
it function to achieve arrangement of
its objectives?) components

Paper 1 | Section (B) : Agroforestry (Telegram :https://t.me/forestryopt )

24
 Diagnostic How well does the Problems in Diagnostic interviews
system work? (What meeting system and direct field
are its problems, Objectives observations
limiting constraints, (production short- Troubleshooting the
problem- generating falls, sustainability problems, subsystems
syndromes & problems
intervention points?)
Casual factors,
constraints and
interventions
points

Design & How to improve the Specifications for Iterative design and
Evaluation system? (What is problem solving or evaluation of
needed to improve performance alternatives
system enhancing
performance?) interventions

Planning What to do to Research and Research design project

develop and development planning
disseminate the needs, extension
improved system? needs

Implementation How to adjust to Feedback from on- Re-diagnosis and re-

new information? station research, design in the light of
on-farm trials and new information
special studies

D & D is an Iterative Process :-

The basic D&D process is repeated throughout the project implementation stage
to refine the original diagnosis and improve the technology design in the light of new
information from on-farm research trials, more rigidly controlled on-station
investigations, and eventual extension trials in a wider range of sites. As shown in the
following flowchart, the iterative D&D process provides a basis for close feedback
complementarily between different project components. By adjusting the plan of action
to new information, the D&D process becomes self corrective. In an integrated
agroforestry research and extension programme, the pivotal decisions are taken in
periodic meetings which evaluate new results and revise the action plan accordingly. The
process continues until the design is well optimized and further refinement is deemed
unnecessary. You can enter the cycle at any point, but the ultimate fine-tuning and
dissemination of the technology will most likely be accomplished by the farmers
themselves.

Paper 1 | Section (B) : Agroforestry (Telegram :https://t.me/forestryopt )

25
 Topic 5 Remaining part of syllabus

 2014 : Why are agroforestry systems becoming popular in Himalayan tarai regions,
Western plains and Southem parts of India? Discuss your answer with reasons and tree-
crop combinations adopted in these fegions and parts of the country (20 m).
 2013 : What are the unique requirements of tree improvement in agroforestry? (8m).
 2012 : What do you know about recent progress in Agroforestry research and
development in our country for sustainable development ? (5m).
 2002 : What should be the basis for the choice of species in agroforestry system (20 m)

5.1 | CHOISE OF SPECIES FOR AGROFORESTRY

Agroforestry requires trees with special characteristics like –

1) Tree should be fast growing & easy to manage

2) Fix atmospheric nitrogen.
3) Should not compete with food crops
4) Do not release toxic chemicals, allelopathy and allergy (remember issue of Poplar in
JK).
5) Excellent copping ability
6) High germination capacity and survival rate.
7) High market demand and local asseptibility
8) Multipurpose utility i.e. timber, fooder, fuel wood etc.

5.2 | Agro forestry systems under different agroecological zones

Pls refer attached pdf file

Paper 1 | Section (B) : Agroforestry (Telegram :https://t.me/forestryopt )

26