Agroforestry systems

1. Multi Cropping:
A promising technology
By:
Dr N. Raju Singh, Scientist (Agroforestry)
ICAR Research complex for NEH Region, Umiam

2. Cropping systems- meaning and classification
Cropping system is defined as the order in which the crops are grown or
cultivated on a piece of land over fixed period.
Cropping pattern is defined as the yearly sequence and spatial
arrangement of crops on a same piece of land over a same period of time.
Classification of cropping systems
1. Monoculture
2. Multiple Cropping
3. Following or Fallow in Rotation

3. Multiple Cropping
Parallel Multi-cropping Sequential Multi-cropping
1. Mixed Cropping
2. Intercropping
3. Relay Cropping
4. Alley Cropping
5. Multistoried Cropping
1. Sequential Cropping
A. Double Cropping
B. Triple Cropping
C. Quadraple Cropping
2. Ratoon Cropping/
Ratooing

4. Multistoried Cropping System: A Promising Technology
Introduction
Other names of multi storied cropping are multi-layer cropping
and multi-tire cropping. It is one kind of intercropping. Growing
plants of different height in the same field at the same time is
termed as multi storied cropping.
The manipulation of plant species,
composition, structure, and canopy cover
to achieve or maintain a desired plant
community to facilitate the sustainable
management of multiple crops on
multiple levels.

5. Key Design Considerations
Design
Select plants that provide
multiple benefits
Use plants that provide short
and long-term products
Avoid plants that compete for
same resources
Utilize the different canopy
layers to increase options

6. Products
Multi-Story Cropping can include a wide variety and types of plants and products
Medicinal and aromatics
Food
Ornamentals
Wildlife habitat
Fuelwood
Fence posts
Fodder
Green fertilizer

7. Example
Agroforestry systems
are highly integrated,
multi-storey collections
of over story forest
trees valued for timber,
an intermediate layer of
small trees including
tea, coffee and banana,
and a diverse array of
understory herbs and
vines used for food and
medicine.

8. Most prevailing multi-cropping systems in North East India
Alnus nepalensis + pineapple Machilus bombycina + broom + pineapple
Grevellia robusta + pineapple Alnus + Tea + black pepper
Multipurpose trees based agroforestry systems

9. Fruit tree based agri-horti systems
Peach (Prunus persica) Pear (Pyrus communis) Plum (Prunus domestica)
Guava (Psidium guajava) Khasi Mandarin (Citrus reticulata) Assam lemon (Citrus limon)
Most prevailing multi-cropping systems in North East India

10. Agroforestry Research in Meghalaya
• Khasi Mandarin and Assam lemon based agrihorticulture, Som-broom based agrisilvi and agrisilvipastoral,
agroaquaculture, sericultrue based AFS, alder based multi storied AFS and various other agroforestry systems have
been developed by the Institute. Performance of fruit tree based agrihorti systems in the NEH region:-
Tree Crop Field crop Variety of field crop Tree Density (Tree/ ha) Net return (Rs/ha)
Khasi mandarin
Groundnut JL-24
400
4541
Soybean Alankar 19625
Turmeric RCT-1 30375
Ginger Nadia 33416
Taro Local 18583
Guava
Groundnut JL-24
400
3000
Soybean Alankar 916
Turmeric RCT-1 2750
Ginger Nadia 15791
Chillies Local 1125
Assam lemon
Soybean Alankar
400
2583
Turmeric RCT-1 1916
Ginger Nadia 36625
Radish Japanese white 2583
Prices are based on the market price of late 1990s

11. MPTs based agroforestry systems
• NEH region is characterized by presence of vast tract of forest areas. Therefore, livelihood of
the population is also strongly influenced by the forest wealth especially the tree resources.
• Farmers deliberately keep some of the multipurpose trees (MPTs) in their fields to meet their
multifarious requirements.
• Therefore some of the MPT based agroforestry systems were also evaluated at the ICAR
Research Complex at Umiam for their suitability for the region.
• Indigenous trees of the region like Alnus nepalensis, Gmelina arborea, Michelia oblonga, Parkia
roxburghii, Prunus cerasoides and Symingtonia populnia were planted at a density of 416 trees per
hectare.
• After 12 years of growth, volume production was assessed for each species besides fuel and
foliage yields. Volume production varied among different species and it was highest (2.07 m 3
tree-1 ) for Parkia roxburghii, and lowest (0.43 m 3 tree-1 ) for Symingtonia populnea.
• Though monetary input for each species was not considerably different, the output was highest
(Rs. 1854 per tree) for Parkia roxburghii followed by Gmelina arborea (Rs. 1625 per tree) and
Michelia oblonga (Rs. 1157 per tree).
• After twelve years, on an average, farmers could get benefit of Rs. 3.609 lakh from one hectare
cultivation of these tree species only.

12. Income from multi-storied cropping system in coconut orchard
Multi storied systems Income (in Rs) Total/ha (in Rs)
Coconut + Banana + Taro 33600 + 122400 + 20000 176000
Coconut + Banana + Ginger 33600 + 122400 + 163200 319200
Coconut + Banana + Pineapple 33600 + 122400 + 100800 256800
Coconut + Banana 33600 + 159200 192800
Monocrop system (Coconut) 43200 43200
Coconut + Pasture 43200 + 8400 51600
Income from multi-storied cropping system in Mango orchard
Multi storied systems Income (in Rs) Total/ha (in Rs)
Mango (on year) + Pineapple 132000 + 100800 232800
Mango (off year) + Pineapple 8400 + 103200 111600
Mango (on year) + Papaya + Pineapple 116000 + 48400 + 89600 254000
Mango (off year) + Papaya + Pineapple 12000 + 81600 +100800 194400
Mango + Pasture 116000 + 4800 120800

13. Advantage and importance of multi- cropping
Advantages of
multi cropping
Increased utilization of scarce
natural resources.
Increased biodiversity which
reduces pest and disease pressure.
Inter-cropping of seasonal fruits
species with annual crops.
Provides farmers with a
continuous source of income

14. Plant and Crop Selection
Careful Species selection is important in multi-storied cropping systems.
 Shade-tolerant plants and crops are essential, as is the proper maintenance for the system's
continuous production.
The combination of crops with different production cycles should be synchronized to facilitate
an uninterrupted supply of food.
Depending on the climate and other environmental factors, there may be peak and lag seasons
for harvesting, but in general there needs to be consumable products year round.
Though most production is for home consumption, the marketable surplus can be a safeguard
against crop failure.
A relatively small amount of time is required to maintain the system.

15. Practices and Management
The management of crops (especially trees) in multi-layered gardens is
important for maximizing fruit and biomass production, and for
intensifying plant populations.
From planting to harvesting, appropriate horticultural practices should be
followed in order to utilize land efficiently, and facilitate production from
trees and their associates.
Adequate pruning and training techniques ensure that the proper number
of trees per unit area can be cultivated and also allows for healthy growth.
The compatibility of fruit and forest trees, as well as other annual crops,
should be determined to provide for high productivity yields.

16. Conclusion
In high density population areas, a multi cropping system is
imperative to provide households with enough food for
consumption as well as income for other essential goods.
Farmers in North East should have practiced a highly
sophisticated form of multi-storied cropping for generations and
have great experience in maximizing yields within the small
amount of land they have.

17. THANK
YOU