Transforming Malta Orchard into Agroforestry System with Different Crops for Improving Productivity, Profitability and Land Uses

2021 ◽  
Vol 24 (1) ◽  
pp. 113-125
Author(s):  
AK Das ◽  
MA Rahman ◽  
SR Saha ◽  
NS Sarmin ◽  
MA Hoque ◽  
...  

Sustainable agricultural practices like agroforestry systems are being advocated to overcome various problems of farming. A young malta (Citrus sinensis) orchard (3 years old) was transformed into a fruit tree-based agroforestry system in which the performances of summer (okra and Indian spinach) and autumn (mungbean and kangkong) crops and year-round spices (ginger and turmeric) were evaluated following randomized complete block design (RCBD) with three replication each and eventually compared between agroforestry systems and respective sole cropping (control) from March 2018 to February 2019 at BSMRAU field. The experimental results revealed that the yields of the associated crops deprived when grown at the closest row position from the bed of malta tree and spices. Yields of okra, Indian spinach, mungbean, kangkong, turmeric and ginger were reduced by 7.57, 6.52, 14.86, 13.26, 9.70 and 16.23%, respectively under agroforestry system as compared to control. However, malta yield was increased by 5.35% in agroforestry system than control trees. The findings also indicated that the crops in agroforestry system was less hindered by the shade effect of malta trees due to less dense canopy of young malta trees. In comparison to sole cropping system, the higher benefit-cost ratio (BCR) (2.93) and land equivalent ratio (LER) (2.83) were obtained in the studied agroforestry system that explicated higher system productivity and land uses. Notable improvement of total nitrogen and organic matter were obtained in the soil under agroforestry system. Therefore, malta-based agroforestry system can be a promising alternative to provide higher economic benefits, boosting food and nutritional security, improving soil nutrient status and utilization of land. Ann. Bangladesh Agric. (2020) 24(1) : 113-125

Author(s):  
Zannatul Ferdaous Bony ◽  
Md. Abiar Rahman ◽  
Zabid Al Riyadh ◽  
Satya Ranjan Saha ◽  
Mohammad Zakaria

A field experiment was conducted from May 2017 to February 2018 at the research farm of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman Agricultural University to evaluate the performance and profitability of three seasonal (Broccoli, Cabbage and Okra) and two annual crops (ginger and turmeric) in lemon-based agroforestry systems. The experiment was laid out in a Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) and replicated thrice. For seasonal crops the treatments were sole field (T0), 50 cm distance from tree base (DTB) with ginger (T1), 50 cm DTB with turmeric (T2), 100 cm DTB with ginger (T3) and 100 cm DTB with turmeric (T4). For annual crops (ginger and turmeric) the treatments were sole field (T0) and four distance regimes (50, 100, 150 and 200 cm) from the lemon tree base in agroforestry systems. The results of the study revealed that the yield of seasonal crops decreased and the yield of annual crops and perennial trees increased in agroforestry than respective sole cropping systems. The yield performance of crops component was significantly decreased with the decreasing distance towards tree base in agroforestry systems. The economic analysis showed that the net return, benefit-cost ratio (BCR) and land equivalent ratio (LER) was higher in the lemon-based agroforestry system than sole cropping. Therefore, the cultivation of cabbage, broccoli, okra, ginger and turmeric under lemon-based agroforestry systems are economically profitable.


2019 ◽  
Vol 11 (1) ◽  
pp. 130-137
Author(s):  
Mahmoodreza SAEIDI ◽  
Yaghoub RAEI ◽  
Rouhollah AMINI ◽  
Akbar TAGHIZADEH ◽  
Bahman PASBAN-ESLAM ◽  
...  

Cropping systems of safflower (Carthamus tinctorius L.) with faba bean (Vicia faba L.) under different fertility were compared with sole cropping of each crop during 2015 and 2016 at the Research Farm of Tabriz University in Iran. The treatments were cropping systems (safflower and faba bean sole croppings, intercropping systems of safflower and faba bean with ratios of 1:1 and 2:1), and nutrient levels (100% chemical fertilizers, 60%, 30% chemical + biofertilizers and no fertilizer). A factorial set of treatments based on a randomized complete block design replicated three times was used. Cropping system and fertility effects were significant for yield and yield components of each crop. Yield and yield components were increased with the integrated use of 60% chemical plus biofertilizers for both years, while seed yield was reduced by intercropping. Maximum land equivalent ratio (LER), relative value total (RVT), system productivity index (SPI) and monetary advantage index (MAI) were achieved in nutritive level of 60% chemical plus biofertilizers as intercropped plants in ratio of 1:1 for both years. The total actual yield loss (AYL) values were positive and greater than zero in all mixtures, indicating an advantage from intercropping over sole crops. Intercropped safflower had a higher relative crowding coefficient (RCC) than intercropped faba bean, indicating that safflower was more competitive than faba bean in intercropping systems. From this study, it is inferred that intercropping (safflower and faba bean) with integrated use of the reduced chemical and biofertilizers may give better overall yield and income than sole cropping of each crop species.


2019 ◽  
Vol 23 (2) ◽  
pp. 79-87
Author(s):  
ZA Riyadh ◽  
MA Rahman ◽  
MG Miah ◽  
SR Saha ◽  
MA Hoque ◽  
...  

The terrace ecosystem is considered as hotspot of jackfruit tree (Artocarpus heterophyllus Lam) in Bangladesh having potential for understory cropping. However, most of the jackfruit orchards are often found utilized or underutilized. A field experiment was conducted under the jackfruit orchard to study the performance of aroids (Colocasia esculenta L.) from April to October, 2017 in Belabo upazila of Narsingdi district. Four distances (1, 2, 3 and 4 m) from the base of jackfruit tree were considered for aroid planting to evaluate its performance as agroforestry crop in comparison to sole aroid. Land use and economic performances of agroforestry and sole systems were also evaluated. The results indicated that the production of jackfruit increased by 62.73%, while the yield of aroid reduced by 33.48% in agroforestry systems as compared to the yields of sole (non-agroforestry) systems. In agroforestry system, the photosynthetically active radiation (PAR) was severely reduced by 85-77% on aroid crop that caused yield reduction. It was also observed that soil temperature was lower in agroforestry system as compared to sole cropping of aroid, while soil moisture showed inverse trend in sole jackfruit. Economic analysis in terms of benefit cost ratio (BCR) was 2.60 in agroforestry, while the BCR of sole aroid was only 1.83. The land equivalent ratio (LER) was 2.31 in agroforestry system. The present results indicate that aroid cultivation in jackfruit-based agroforestry system under terrace ecosystem can ensure overall higher production and improve economic return. Ann. Bangladesh Agric. (2019) 23(2) : 79-87


2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (8) ◽  
pp. 4582
Author(s):  
Elisabeth Lagneaux ◽  
Merel Jansen ◽  
Julia Quaedvlieg ◽  
Pieter A. Zuidema ◽  
Niels P. R. Anten ◽  
...  

Agroforestry systems with a range of native and often neglected and underutilized tree species (NUS) are increasingly recognized for their potential role in restoration, simultaneously providing ecological and livelihood benefits. Successful adoption of these systems requires knowledge about beneficial species, system-level potential profitability, and barriers faced by farmers. Such information is essential but lacking for most NUS. We analyzed the economic potential of NUS in diverse smallholder-managed agroforestry systems in the Peruvian Amazon. Through semi-structured surveys with local stakeholders (n = 40), we identified 10 native Amazonian NUS fruit with ecological, nutritious and commercial benefits. We then simulated the potential revenue per species and system-level profit of an agroforestry system designed with the 10 NUS. Our projections suggest that a diverse NUS-based agroforestry system can outcompete most alternative land-uses in the region on a per hectare profit basis. This shows that including NUS in restoration efforts could provide economic benefits for smallholders. To realize this potential, we recommend adapted interventions, e.g., increased farmer access to planting material, technical support for production and capacity building with a focus on high-potential NUS.


2020 ◽  
Vol 31 (1) ◽  
pp. 45-55
Author(s):  
MK Hasan ◽  
GMM Rahman ◽  
R Akter ◽  
SAK Hemel ◽  
MT Islam

The study was carried out to determine the economic assessment of lemon-based agroforestry systems established in the Madhupur Sal forest during the period from May 2017 to September 2018. The study selected five lemon-based agroforestry systems viz. Lemon-Mango-Pineapple-Papaya-Ginger, Lemon-Pineapple-Papaya-Banana-Aroid, Lemon-Pineapple-Papaya-Ginger, Lemon-Mango-Turmeric-Red amaranth and Lemon-Litchi-Papaya-Banana along with three replications having 0.13 ha area for each sample plot. The control plots (without lemon plant) for each of the five lemon-based agroforestry systems were also selected. In order to calculate the economic profitability of respective agroforestry systems as well as sole cropping performance, data related to incurred cost, total yield and income from lemon and crop components were collected through practical observation, key informant interview and focus group discussion. The benefit-cost ratio (BCR) and land equivalent ratio (LER) for each of the selected agroforestry systems were also determined. From the study, it has been found that all of the lemon-based agroforestry systems were profitable than their sole cropping in respect of income, BCR, and LER. The net profit (460032 Tk/ha) indicated that the Lemon-Litchi-Papaya-Banana based agroforestry systems were financially more profitable followed by Lemon-Pineapple-Papaya-Banana-Aroid, Lemon-Mango-Pineapple-Papaya-Ginger, Lemon-Pineapple-Papaya-Ginger, Lemon-Mango-Turmeric-Red amaranth based agroforestry systems. But the BCR and LER (3.515 and 1.73) revealed that Lemon-Pineapple-Papaya-Banana-Aroid based agroforestry system was more productive followed by Lemon-Litchi-Papaya-Banana, Lemon-Mango-Pineapple-Papaya-Ginger, Lemon-Pineapple-Papaya-Ginger, Lemon-Mango-Turmeric-Red amaranth based agroforestry systems. Prior to considering the obtained results from the study, it can be concluded that lemon-based agroforestry systems are more profitable than the cultivation of sole cropping. Progressive Agriculture 31 (1): 45-55, 2020


2015 ◽  
Vol 17 (2) ◽  
pp. 47-53
Author(s):  
MI Nazrul ◽  
MR Shaheb

This study was carried out to evaluate the economic benefits of sweet gourd relay with transplanted aman rice under farmer’s field condition at Farming System Research and Development (FSRD) site, Jalalpur and Multi Location Testing (MLT) site, Zakigonj of Sylhet region during 2012-2013 and 2013-2014. The treatment combinations T1: T. aman rice / sweet gourd (var. Mollika), T2: T. aman rice / sweet gourd (var. Hatirpara) local, T3: Sweet gourd (var. Mollika) sole, T4: Sweet gourd (var. Hatirpara) sole and T5: T. aman rice sole (var. Binadhan-7) was maintained. The study was based in a randomized complete block (RCB) design with six dispersed replications. Results in terms of the crops yield, rice equivalent yield, gross return and net return with benefit cost ratio showed higher in sweet gourd / transplanted aman rice relay cropping system. So, sweet gourd  relayed with  transplanted aman rice could be an economically viable technology, instead of sole cropping, for  best utilization of fallow land with residual soil moisture in Sylhet region.Bangladesh Agron. J. 2014, 17(2): 47-53


2012 ◽  
Vol 10 (1) ◽  
pp. 71-80 ◽  
Author(s):  
M. S. Bari ◽  
M. A. Rahim

An experiment was conducted at the existing multistoried coconut orchard of the Horticulture Farm of Bangladesh Agricultural University, Mymensingh to investigate the performance of three medicinal plants viz. aloe vera (Aloe indica), asparagus (Asparagus racemosus) and misridana (Kaempferia angustifolia) in coconut based multistoried agroforestry system (MAF) during March 2005 to March 2007. The experiment was laid out in a randomized complete block design with five replications. Three treatments combinations were: T1- coconut + guava + individual three medicinal plant based agroforestry system, T2- coconut + lemon + individual three medicinal plant based agroforestry system, and T3- individual three medicinal plants in open condition. In the open condition, T3 received 100% sunlight; while coconut + guava based system (T1) and coconut + lemon based system (T2) were allowed 42 to 46% and 53 to 58% sunlight for the growth of the three medicinal plants, respectively. Coconut trees were planted thirty years before (August, 1978) in the spacing of 8m x 8m. As the middle layer plant, both guava and lemon were five years old. Spacing between plants of guava and/or lemon and between rows were 3m ´ 3m. The result showed that multistoried agroforestry systems resulted significant influence on yield and yield attributing parameters of the three medicinal plants. The results also revealed that among the three medicinal plants, asparagus and misridana produced maximum yield under MAF, while aloe vera yielded maximum in sole cropping. Despite of lower yields of aloe vera, the highest gross returns were observed under coconut based multistoried agroforestry systems compared to sole cropping. It was due to the substantial additional contribution by coconut, guava and lemon fruits in MAF, while extra benefit was absent under sole cropping condition. Moreover, between the two different combinations of coconut based multistoried agroforestry systems, the highest benefit cost ratio (BCR) was recorded from the coconut+guava based MAF (T1).DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/agric.v10i1.11067The Agriculturists 2012; 10(1): 71-80


2017 ◽  
Vol 19 (2) ◽  
pp. 87-94
Author(s):  
MI Nazrul

The study was conducted to determine the yield and economic performance of two cropping patterns viz. IP: improved pattern (Wheat - Jute - T. aman) + improved management practice and FP: farmer’s pattern (Fallow - T. aus - T. aman) + management practice. The experiment was laid out in a randomized complete block design with six dispersed replications at farmer’s field in Sylhet region during two consecutive years of 2013-14 and 2014-15. Two years means data showed that the pattern with improved management practices provided 31% higher yield of T. aman rice and also contributed more rice equivalent yield compared to farmers practice. Sustainable yield index, production efficiency, and land use efficiency were the maximum with Wheat-Jute- T. aman cropping system. Similarly, highest mean gross margin and benefit cost ratio were attained in improved pattern. It was concluded that farmers of Sylhet region might follow Wheat (var. BARI Gom-26) - Jute (var. CVL-1) - T. aman (var. Binadhan-7) cropping system in medium high land for higher productivity and profitability.Bangladesh Agron. J. 2016 19(2): 87-94


2020 ◽  
Vol 73 (3) ◽  
pp. 9283-9291
Author(s):  
Juan Pablo Gómez-Yarce ◽  
Edna Rocío Mompotes-Largo ◽  
Aníbal López-Castro ◽  
Juan David Hernández-Arredondo ◽  
Oscar De Jesús Córdoba-Gaona

The cultivation of cocoa (Theobroma cacao L.) under agroforestry systems, generates beneficial environmental conditions for cocoa crop physiology. An experiment was conducted to evaluate the effect of shade trees (Spanish elm trees - Cordia alliodora (Ruiz & Pavon) Oken) planted along with cocoa (clone CCN51) under an agroforestry system on cocoa’s gas exchange parameters regarding the reduction of the light intensity over the cocoa-leaf canopy. The experiment was developed in the Centro de Investigación el Nus - Agrosavia, located in the municipality of San Roque, Antioquia. The experimental design used was a randomized complete block design for the cocoa planting distances from the first row of Spanish elm trees interfacing with the cocoa plantation (4 m, 7 m, 10 m, 13 m). The statistical analysis was performed by estimating the area under the curve (AUC) of each variable, using the trapezoid equation of the statistical environment SAS® 9.4, an analysis of variances was performed to determine if there were statistical differences between treatments, and Tukey’s test at 5% probability was used to estimated statistical differences between means. There were significant differences in the treatments regarding the net photosynthetic rate (A), stomatal conductance (gs), and transpiration rate (E). The highest values of gas exchange parameters were found in the plants located 13 m from elm trees, while the lowest values were presented at 4 m. Plants at 7 m and 10 m always showed intermediate values for all gas exchange parameters. In the same sense, plants at 13 m had a higher radiation use efficiency (RUE) compared to plants at 4 m. The arboreal component modified the environmental conditions on cocoa trees regarding its distribution, generating a differential response to the physiological behavior of cocoa plants.


2021 ◽  
Vol 10 (4) ◽  
pp. e10510413883
Author(s):  
Natan Medeiros Guerra ◽  
Francisco Bezerra Neto ◽  
Jailma Suerda Silva de Lima ◽  
Elizangela Cabral dos Santos ◽  
Renato Leandro Costa Nunes ◽  
...  

The use of a cropping system that provides producers with better land use, higher productivity per unit area, greater diversification in production, and consequently agro-economic advantages, has been the choice of vegetables producers. Therefore, the objective of this work was to evaluate the productive and agro-economic benefits of beet-lettuce intercropping under different equitable amounts of Merremia aegyptia and Calotropis procera biomass (20, 35, 50 and 65 t ha-1 on a dry basis) in different lettuce population densities (150, 200, 250, and 300 thousand plants ha-1), in two cropping years in semi-arid environment. In the cultures and in the intercropping, the production and its components and the agro-economic indexes were evaluated. The maximum production of beet commercial roots in intercropping with lettuce was obtained with a productivity of 33.77 t ha-1 in the amount of 65 t ha-1 of M. aegyptia and C. procera biomass incorporated into the soil and in the lettuce population density of 300 thousand plants per hectare, while the maximum lettuce leaf production was achieved with a productivity of 24.40 t ha-1 in the same combination of green manure amounts and lettuce population densities. The greatest agro-economic advantages of the beet intercropping with lettuce were achieved with a system productivity index (SPI) of 32.97 t ha-1, land equivalent coefficient (LEC) of 0.87 and a monetary equivalence ratio (MER) of 1.55, respectively, in the combination of 65 t ha-1 of M. aegyptia and C. procera biomass with a lettuce population density of 300 thousand plants per hectare.


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