Agroforestry: Systems and Prospects

The book includes total 26 chapters; the first 10 chapters describe traditional agroforestry systems found in different parts of our country. Homegardens, having a multi-tire in structure, are another example of traditional agroforestry system found generally in northeast and southern part of our country. Chapters 11 to 14 deal with some modern agroforestry models, and mechanism of competitive interaction in found in agroforestry systems. Chapter 15 to 19 describes nutrient cycling and natural growth resources conservation by agroforestry systems. Tree has both protective as well as productive role. Tree canopies protect soils from rain beating and wind blowing whereas fine roots bind soil particles together and thereby protect soils from erosion. Trees recycle leaf and root litter and nutrients and make system at least semi-sustainable. Different models of agroforestry like shelterbelt and wind breaks are known to help protect environment from dust and sand dunes drifting; some models like medicinal plant based system that provide medicinal and other high value crops. These service oriented functions of agroforestry are described in chapter 20 to 23. Tree improvement is an important aspect of agroforestry study. It helps develop plus trees for different agroforestry models. Multiplication of propgules and planting materials are equally important for development of agroforestry. These information are provided in chapters 24 and 25. But, agroforestry systems require much more parameters owing to their perennial nature. The last chapter describes economic parameters like NPV, IRR, annuity, sensitivity etc. in detail.