Course

Syllabus

Theory

Agro-forestry: Definition and scope of Agroforestry system, Type of Agroforestry system, potential of Agroforestry in India, Prevailing agroforestry system in India; MPTS- definition, role of MPTS in agroforestry system, its selection for different agroforestry system, MPTS of India, Ecological aspects of Agroforestry system, tree -crop interaction – competition, nutrient recycling; Traditional Agroforestry as a viable choice to conserve Agro biodiversity of India. Management of Agro-forestry system; Role of agroforestry in soil and water conservation; windbreak; Shelterbelt definition, objectives.; Socio- economic aspects of Agroforestry system; Design and Diagnostic study of agroforetry system; Silviculture: Definition and scope, Propagation of tree species, Regeneration by seed, coppice, root suckers, Transplanting, stump, branch cutting, rhizomes; Nursery bed preparation and management; Cultural practices for bare root and seedling, field handling of nursery stock; Management of tree species; Silviculture of important tree species, choice of species- site factors, root, crown and bole characteristics, phenology, nutritional and water requirement, ground operation, tending, harvesting utility etc. Horticulture and forage crops-based agroforestry models developed by ICAR-IGFRI; Agroforestry models developed by Indian council of Forestry Research and Education.

Practical

Identification of tree species in agro-forestry, Study of tree growth measurement, Study of environmental parameters affecting AF System, Plant propagation methods, pre-sowing seed treatment, Preparation of nursery bed exercise, practicing propagation techniques for trees, Afforestation method, practical training, pruning, coppicing, pollarding etc. Planting pattern and designs for plantation, natural and artificial regeneration, Design and diagnostic survey of agro- forestry system, Evaluation of agro-forestry system in different agro climatic zones, Exposure Visit to prevailing agroforestry systems of the state and related important institutions, Virtual visit of agroforestry models developed by ICAR-IGFRI, ICFRE.

Course objectives

1. To study Agro forestry as an alternate system of land use.

2. To study different types of Agro forestry for soil and water conservation.

3. To study the characteristics of Agro forestry in terms its potential for soil moisture conservation practices.

Course outcomes

Any student who has undergone the course shall be able to:

Suggested Readings

1. Chundawat D S and Gautham S K. 2017. Textbook of Agroforestry. Oxford & IBH Publishing, New Delhi.

1. Divya M P and Parthiban K T. 2005. A Textbook on Social Forestry and Agroforestry. Satish Serial Publishing, New Delhi.

2. Nair P K R. 1993. An Introduction to Agroforestry. Kluar Academic Publisher

3. Parthiban K T, Krishnakumar N and Karthick M. 2018. Introduction to Forestry. Scientific Publisher, Jodhpur. 350p.