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AGRO-FORESTRY SYSTEMS FOR DRYLANDS

Technical Report · September 2019

DOI: 10.13140/RG.2.2.33228.56962

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 AGRO-FORESTRY SYSTEMS FOR DRYLANDS

Prof.C.Swaminathan

Agricultural College & Research Institute

Tamil Nadu Agricultural University
Madurai 625 104
(e mail : [email protected])
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PREMISE
Our country is self sufficient in food grain production thanks to the architects of
green revolution. In the past India have also seen revolutions for Dairy and dairy products
(white revolution) and sea food (Blue revolution). On the other hand, against the National
Forest Policies (1952 & 1988) of one-third of area should be under forest cover, only less
than one-fifth of area is now clothed with green cover. At the same time a large stretches
of Brown Lands (dry, degraded, waste (d), and poor in quality, Teri lands, problem soils)
in our country is uncared and unattended, which has a vast potential to bring about a new
revolution by using appropriate technologies and by exploiting the human and natural
resources. The broad objective of the evolved appropriate technologies should include
benefits from ecological and economic interactions and greening of brown lands, as it is
aiming at increasing food, fodder, fuel and timber production to meet the demands of ever
increasing human and livestock population and to bridge the yawning gap between supply
and demand of food, fuel and fodder. This may be possible through suitable technologies
and alternate land use systems (tree based systems) that are identified and discussed in this
paper. A revolution on brown lands by adopting the technologies, if made possible, can
feed the burgeoning animal population, improving the living environments of ever-
increasing human population, preserving the natural resources and enhancing the
ecological and environmental rehabilitation besides building a greener-cleaner India. I
have been planning, programming and working on these lines for the past 16 years to
achieve a new revolution on uncared, unattended and degraded lands through tree based
land use systems, christened by me as Brown Revolution. This revolution could be
possible through a comprehensive approach by both the central and state governments
with involvement of all scientists, farming communities and public, as people’s movement
never fails in any sector of development.
CONCEPTS AND HYPOTHESES
 Rain fed agriculture during monsoon rains (3 months) is always at high risk.
Inclusion of compatible and desirable species of woody perennials, preferably
Nitrogen fixing trees, on farmlands is beneficial.

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  Introduction of fruit trees in dry lands along with agricultural crops or as
monoculture could reduce the risk of cropping in dry lands.
 Development of Integrated Plant Nutrient Supply strategies for fruit trees raised in
dry lands help to minimize the cost of inorganic fertilization. Improvement in the
organic matter content of the soil results in increased activity of favorable
microorganisms.
 Inclusion of trees improves the soil physical conditions such as permeability, water
holding capacity, aggregate stability and soil temperature and conservation of soil
and control of erosion. This besides, influence of hydrological characteristics by
tree groves may extent from micro-site to farm level and regional level.
 Inclusion of trees satisfies the basic needs of 5 Fs viz., Fuel, Fodder, Fertilizer,
Feed and Food besides raw materials for shelter.
 Integration of more than one component on a same land management unit
minimizes the risk involved in rain fed cropping. Even if, one crop fails, income
from another component is assured.
 Developing technologies for seedling production is the prime requisite for a good
beginning in forestry sector.
 Such lands use systems offer scope for employment generation to the family and
rural poor.
THUMB RULES
 Tree selection for a particular system of land use should take in to consideration
the agro-climatic conditions and location of the site and expectations of the
farmers.
 The alternate model should clearly specify the placement of trees and crops and
various locations in the field, number of trees to be planted (tree density), tree
geometry and types of tree species.
 Introduction of trees should not be done at the cost of food production. Instead the
trees should supplement to total productivity.
 The trees included in this land use system should be a multi utility or multipurpose
species besides N fixer.
The questions
The requirement of the increasing population has led to widespread pressures upon land
resource, and frequently to land degradation. In addition to loss of soil fertility, land
degradation including degradation of water resources, pasture resource etc and the soil

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degradation takes place through soil erosion, loss of organic matter, loss of
microorganisms and loss of microflora and fauna. More so, soil fertility in tropics is much
lower than what it was three decades ago. The moderate to steep slope areas are not at all
suitable for arable farming from a scientific point of view like ploughing across the
contour instead of along the contour, poor interaction between soils and plant communities
with a low degree of internal recycling etc. which ultimately lead to disturbed natural
equilibrium. The diverse natural vegetation communities are replaced by single crops and
carbon and other nutrients are necessarily removed from the plant - soil ecosystem as
harvest.

Alternative Approaches
Recently, there has been a greater application of the inherent dangers involved in the
current unsustainable cultural practices and more emphasis is being laid to alternative
approaches, which are ecologically sustainable, economically sound and socially
acceptable. Integrated watershed management is one such approach, which is gaining wide
popularity not only among specialists, policy planners and bureaucrats but also among the
common masses.

Agro-forestry: A Sustainable Management Option

Agro-forestry is a sustainable land use system in which woody perennials are deliberately
combined with agricultural crops and / or animals in a same piece of land either through
spatial or temporal arrangements (Nair, 1987). Agro-forestry has both productive and
protective functions. Among the productive functions, the five ‘Fs’ (fuel wood, food,
fodder, feed, fibre and fertilizer) are the most important besides timber and NTFP (Non
Timber Forest Produce). The protective functions include shade, reduction in wind speed,
control of erosion and maintenance and improvement of soil fertility, recreation, carbon
sequestration, climate change.

Processes by which Trees Sustains Soil Fertility

Addition Processes
 Maintenance of soil organic matter, through carbon fixation in photosynthesis and
its transfer via decay of litter and roots
 Nitrogen fixation, by many leguminous and a few non-leguminous trees like
casuarina
 Nutrient pumping and recycling by trees
 Atmospheric inputs by rain (throughfall and stemflow) and dust, including
lightening
 Increased water infiltration, through better soil physical properties and effects of
roots
 Water pumping through taking up of water from depth by tree deeper root systems

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Reduction Processes
 Protection from erosion and thereby from losses of organic matter and nutrients
 Reduction in the rate of organic matter decomposition, by shading and mulching
 Reduction of water loss from evapotranspiration, by shade and litter

Alternate Processes
 Maintenance of soil properties through organic matter and effects of roots
 Penetration of compact soil layers by roots
 Modification of extremes of soil temperature, by shade and litter

Chemical Processes
 Reduction of acidity through bases in litter
 Reduction of salinity and sodicity, by trees in association with other management
measures
 Reduction of soil toxicities caused by pollution

Biological processes and effects

 Production of leaf litter of high quality, containing a balanced nutrient supply, and
its transfer to the soil by litter decomposition
 Improved activity of soil fauna
 Mycorrhizal associations for increased phosphorus availability
 Root nodulation and rhizosphere effects
 Release of plant growth-promoting substances by the rhizosphere

Trees contribute a lot towards sustainability and improvement of soil fertility. It has been
proved that trees increase soil organic matter. Their tap-roots retrieve water from well
below the depth reached by roots of herbaceous plants. At a time when pastures are brown,
the leaves of trees and shrubs remain green. The process can considerably increase water
input to the plant-soil ecosystem. The root systems of trees, including fine feeder roots and
associated mycorrhiza take up nutrients from the soil solution that would otherwise be lost
as leaching. Shading by tree canopies leads to lower temperatures, so reducing evaporation
losses. The islands of moist soil around trees indicate improvements in water-holding
capacity. The trees also help in improving the physical conditions of soil, for example,
structure, porosity, permeability and water holding capacity. Trees also help in improving
chemical condition by reduction of soil acidity, salinity and sodicity. The production of
leaf litter improves the activity of soil fauna. However, the greatest advantage of trees is in
controlling soil erosion by checking the rate of soil runoff. The reduction in runoff is to a
small degree, caused by canopy interception and direct transpiration but the greater part of
it results from higher infiltration capacity under trees. Table 2 gives the figures of average
runoff and soil loss under different land uses.

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Subsystems of agro forestry

1. Agrisilviculture system: In this system agricultural crops are intercropped with tree
crops in the interspaces between the trees. Under this system agricultural crops can be
grown up to 2-3 years. The crops can be grown profitably up to the above said period
beyond that it is uneconomical to grow cash or grain where as fodder crops, shade loving
crops, shallow rooted crops can be grown. Even wider spacing can be adopted without
sacrificing tree population for easy cultural operations as well as to get more sunlight to
the intercrop. Performance of tree crops in this system is better compared to monoculture.

2. Silvopasture system: Trees are planted in the poor, degraded soils and fodder grass and
legume mixtures are being raised in the interspaces of trees. The trees should be a
multipurpose and provide shade, fodder, fuel, drought tolerant and leguminous. A typical
example in Tamil Nadu is Kangayam tract, where Acacia leucophloea is being grown and
fodder grass Cenchrus and often fodder sorghum raised as intercrop. The tree canopy
gives a better shade to the cattle and the pods become palatable feed to the cattle and
sheep.

3. Agrisilvopastoral system: In this system forest trees are grown along with fruit trees and
in the interspaces grass and legume mixtures are raised. In an experiment Leucaena when
intercropped with Sapota the performance was very good. Therefore the best
combinations have to be identified for profitable agroforestry systems. By adopting the
above agroforestry system we can solve the problems of wood, food, fodder and restoring
the ecological balance. Further by adopting this system the unemployment problem can
be solved to some extent and improve the socio economic conditions of the farming
community.

Characteristics of Trees suited for agro forestry system

The properties, which are likely to make a woody perennial suitable for agro forestry
system in a water shed, are;

1. Should be a. MPT (Multi purpose tree -Five “F’s)

2. Preferably a NFT (nitrogen fixing tree)
3. A thick and dense crown in conical shape.
4. A well tailored root system with deep roots, dense fine roots and abundant
mycorrhizal association.
5. Resistance to severe pruning and high leaf biomass production.
6. A reasonable balanced nutrient content in the foliage.
7. Rapid and faster litter decomposition to enhance nutrient release.
8. Absence of toxic substances in the litter or root residues.

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 9. Resistance to pests and diseases.
10. Tolerance to protracted moisture stress.
11. Low invasiveness.
12. Satisfy Productive functions or service functions other than soil improvement.

Research accomplishments in identifying Agro-forestry models for different agro

climatic zones of Tamil Nadu.

Various types of agro-forestry designs have been developed through field experiments for
by the author (Prof. C.Swaminathan) over the past two decades in tropical ecosystem are
presented below for adoption.

Agro forestry Components of the system Application

systems options
developed
(i). ‘Fruit -Forest A combination of Guava + Gliricidia along with Southern zone
trees-Animal’ six goats and a milch cow is highly profitable and
Land use system promising for dry tropics in Tamil Nadu state.
(ii). Silvopasture Fodder yield of all seven forage crops increased North Eastern
up to three years and declined there after. zone
A combination of Acacia leucophloea and Western zone
Cenchrus is the ideal Silvopasture for red lateritic
soils of Tamil Nadu state.
(iii)‘Forest tree - Combinations of Sword bean and Eucalyptus and Southern zone
Vegetables’ Sword bean and Casuarina are ideal for Tamil North Eastern
Land use system Nadu. zone
(iv)Tree Mixtures of Sapota + Leucaena and Sapota + North western
mixtures Land Casuarina is promising for dry tropics in Tamil zone
Use system Nadu state.
(v) ‘Fruit trees – Fruit- forest tree mixtures of Mango + Leucaena Southern zone
N Fixing trees’ and Cashew + Casuarina are promising for dry North western
Land Use tropics in Tamil Nadu state. zone
System
(vi) Mixed Vertical growth of Ailanthus was increased when North Eastern
Perennial grown in an espacements of 7 X 7m inter- zone
System planting of six rows of N fixing tree species.
(vii) ‘Fruit – Combinations of Mango + Maize and Guava + Southern zone
Fodder – System Maize are the best for dry tropics. North western
zone

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 (viii) Dry Direct seeding is the best for Cenchrus setigerus Southern zone
Grazing and Pennisetum polystachion with a mean fodder Western zone
Pastures- Sowing yield of 22.6 t/ha/year and 5.6 t/ha/year
Methods. respectively.
Broad casting is the best method to establish
Cenchrus pastures with a fodder productivity of
12.5 t/ha/year.
(viii) Dry Dual inoculation of Azospirillum and Southern zone
Grazing Phosphobacteria registered 2.6 times higher yield Western zone
Pastures- in Pennisetum polystachion and 3.7 times in
Microbial Andropogon gayanus when compared to no
inoculants. inoculation.
Single inoculation of Azospirillum increased by
2.25 times in Cenchrus setigerus.
(viii) Dry Seed treatment with K2HPO4 at 2 per cent Southern zone
Grazing concentration is the best hardening chemical for Western zone
Pastures- Pre- pre monsoon sowing of Pennisetum polystachion
sowing seed and Andropogon gayanus for establishing dry
hardening. land pasture.
(ix) Forage Pennisetum polystachion & Andropogon gayanus Southern zone
species are identified for establishing dry land grazing Western zone
Identification pastures.

Land configuration options for establishing AF models

1. Contour Cultivation: Contour operations are done across the slope by cultivation of
crops, trees on contour. The contour furrows created would form a multitude of mini
barriers across the flow path of runoff. Contour cultivation remains the most effective on
moderate slopes of 2-7%. The water in furrows is collected in the depressions. Perennial
grasses can be grown in such depressions.

2. Contour Bunding: It is the most popular soil conservation measure practised on large
scale in different states. The practice comprises of constructing narrow based bunds on
contour to impound runoff water behind them, so that impounded water is absorbed
gradually into the soil profile. The bunds are normally impounded up to a height of 30
cms. The bunds should be constructed from the top of the catchments and proceeded
downwards.

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3. Graded Bunding: Graded bunds are constructed in relatively high rainfall areas. The
excess water has to be removed out of the field to avoid water stagnation, especially in
deep black soils. These bunds are outlets for safe removal of water. The channels of
graded bunds are wide and shallow.

4. Broad Bed Furrow System: This system comprises of broad beds of wide dimension
with sunken furrow of varied size along the slope in Vertisols. Two, three or four rows of
crop can be grown in broad bed. The system of mixed cropping and intercropping is
followed. The furrow helps in safe disposal or surplus runoff without causing erosion of
soil. This system provides better drained and more easily cultivated soil beds.

6. Contour Furrow: Contour furrow is also called as strip farming. The cropping is
usually intermittent on strips or in rows with catchments area left fallow. The principle is
to collect runoff from catchments area to improve soil moisture on the cropped area.

7. Runoff Water storing and recycling: In semi-arid areas, summer rainfall is short in
duration and comprises of limited rainy days. The intensity of rainfall is high which gives
high runoff. This is because high intensity of rainfall has low infiltration rate and runoff
rate is therefore, very high. Therefore, catchments area, which has low-lying region, is
selected and bunded for collection of runoff water. Sometimes, bulldozers or road rollers
are used to form a saucer around the proposed tank and runoff water is collected and
recycled for crop-plant use.

Conclusions
Taking into account the land features, climate and extent of dryland areas, adoption of
Agro-forestry measures to improve the productivity of watershed is a useful proposition. It
is quite appropriate due to availability of biodiversity, ample solar radiation and adequate
rainfall, which will be useful in establishing agro-forestry on watershed basis, for
sustainable production and promoting livelihood opportunities for resource poor people
dwelling in the watershed. This will be also helpful in reducing the pressure on forests and
improve tree and forest cover on both agricultural as well as fallow lands.

Integrated watershed management is an approach in the right direction to arrest the trend
of land degradation and agro-forestry should form an important component of integrated
watershed management, especially in sloping lands for the benefits like runoff and soil
erosion control, augmenting soil-water availability, maintenance of soil organic matter and
biological activity besides improving physical, chemical and biological conditions of the
soils in the watershed.

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 Further readings

Ganeche, C. C.Swaminathan and K.Vairavan.2001. Intensive farming system for semi-

arid regions. Today’s indispensable venture. Low External Input and
Sustainable Agriculture. 2 (3): 21-22.

Srinivasan, K. and C Swaminathan. 1999. Comparative performance of Cenchrus-

legumes mixtures as under storey in Acacia leucophloea. Tropical Agriculture
76(4): 232-235
Swaminathan, C., S.Robin, K.Kannan, D.Malarivizhi and C.V.Dhanakodi .1999.Effects
of Eucalyptus and Casuarina on the yield of intercrops in agro forestry systems.
Allelopathy Journal. 8(2): 251-260
Swaminathan,C. 2001 Sustainable mixtures – Optimum species combination for a
tropical alfisols of South India. Biological Agriculture & Horticulture 18:259-
262
Swaminathan, C., C.V.Dhanakodi and S.Mariappan.1999. Early growth performance of
mango and cashew co planted with four nitrogen fixers in a tropical alfisols.
Journal of sustainable forestry 8 (2): 15-26
Swaminathan, C., C.Surendran and V.M.Srinivasan.1999. Ailanthus-Casuarina; An ideal
mixed forest community for Alfisols. East African Agriculture and Forestry
Journal.( Published)
Vairavan, K. C.Swaminathan, R.Marimuthu.2001. Fodder Production in a hortipastoral
system in alfisols. Madras Agricultural Journal 88 (4-6):267-270
Vairavan, K., S.Kannan,,C.Ganeche and C.Swaminathan. 2000.Benefits of dry land and
wasteland farming. Udyaniki Jeevan 8(2): 2.
Swaminathan, C., S.Robin, D.Malarvizhi, K.Kannan and C.V.Dhanakodi. 1998. Forage
species for dry land pastures. Indian Farmers’ Digest, 31(5): 32
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