Kerala Agricultural University

About: Kerala Agricultural University is a education organization based out in Thrissur, India. It is known for research contribution in the topics: Population & Agriculture. The organization has 1386 authors who have published 1028 publications receiving 10844 citations.

Agroforestry as a strategy for carbon sequestration

Abstract: During the past three decades, agroforestry has become recognized the world over as an integrated approach to sustainable land use because of its production and environmental benefits. Its recent recognition as a greenhouse gas–mitigation strategy under the Kyoto Protocol has earned it added attention as a strategy for biological carbon (C) sequestration. The perceived potential is based on the premise that the greater efficiency of integrated systems in resource (nutrients, light, and water) capture and utilization than single-species systems will result in greater net C sequestration. Available estimates of C-sequestration potential of agroforestry systems are derived by combining information on the aboveground, time-averaged C stocks and the soil C values; but they are generally not rigorous. Methodological difficulties in estimating C stock of biomass and the extent of soil C storage under varying conditions are compounded by the lack of reliable estimates of area under agroforestry. We estimate that the area currently under agroforestry worldwide is 1,023 million ha. Additionally, substantial extent of areas of unproductive crop, grass, and forest lands as well as degraded lands could be brought under agroforestry. The extent of C sequestered in any agroforestry system will depend on a number of site-specific biological, climatic, soil, and management factors. Furthermore, the profitability of C-sequestration projects will depend on the price of C in the international market, additional income from the sale of products such as timber, and the cost related to C monitoring. Our knowledge on these issues is unfortunately rudimentary. Until such difficulties are surmounted, the low-cost environmental benefit of agroforestry will continue to be underappreciated and underexploited.

The enigma of tropical homegardens

Abstract: Tropical homegardens, one of the oldest forms of managed land-use systems, are considered to be an epitome of sustainability. Although these multispecies production systems have fascinated many and provided sustenance to millions, they have received relatively little scientific attention. The objective of this review is to summarize the current state of knowledge on homegardens with a view to using it as a basis for improving the homegardens as well as similar agroforestry systems. Description and inventory of local systems dominated the ‘research’ efforts on homegardens during the past 25 or more years. The main attributes that have been identified as contributing to the sustainability of these systems are biophysical advantages such as efficient nutrient cycling offered by multispecies composition, conservation of bio-cultural diversity, product diversification as well as nonmarket values of products and services, and social and cultural values including the opportunity for gender equality in managing the systems. With increasing emphasis on industrial models of agricultural development, fragmentation of land holdings due to demographic pressures, and, to some extent, the neglect – or, lack of appreciation – of traditional values, questions have been raised about the future of homegardens, but such concerns seem to be unfounded. Quite to the contrary, it is increasingly being recognized that understanding the scientific principles of these multispecies systems will have much to offer in the development of sustainable agroecosystems. Research on economic valuation of the tangible as well as intangible products and services, principles and mechanisms of resource sharing in mixed plant communities, and realistic valuation and appreciation of hitherto unrecognised benefits such as carbon sequestration will provide a sound basis for formulating appropriate policies for better realization and exploitation of the benefits of homegardens.

Drumstick (Moringa oleifera): a multipurpose Indian vegetable.

Abstract: The Hindustan centre of crop origin is the cradle of many economically important vegetable crops. Ash gourd (Benincasa hispida Cogn.), bitter gourd (Momordica charantia L.), kundru (Coccinia indica L.), pointed gourd (Trichosanthes dioica L.), snake gourd (Trichosanthes anguina L.), egg plant (Solanum melongena L.), hyacinth bean (Dolichos lablab L.), sword bean (Canavalia sp.) and many other vegetables originated in this part of the world. There is yet another vitamin-rich, mineral-packed and nutritious vegetable of this tropical and subtropical centre of crop origin grown by the dravidians and later by the aryans in each and every home yard, and presently disappearing from cultivation, called variously drumstick, horse radish tree, radish tree, and West Indian Ben. The name drumstick derives from the shape of the pod, resembling the slender and curved stick used for beating the drum. Probably the name radish tree originates from the pendulous, slender and thin shape of the immature fruits of the tree resembling very much the siliqua of the radish.

Carbon Sequestration in Agroforestry Systems

Abstract: Agroforestry—the practice of growing trees and crops in interacting combinations—is recognized worldwide as an integrated approach to sustainable land-use. It is estimated to be practiced over 1 billion hectares in developing countries, and to a lesser extent in the industrialized countries. Agroforestry systems (AFSs) are believed to have a higher potential to sequester carbon (C) because of their perceived ability for greater capture and utilization of growth resources (light, nutrients, and water) than single-species crop or pasture systems. The estimates of C stored in AFSs range from 0.29 to 15.21 Mg ha − 1 yr − 1 aboveground, and 30 to 300 Mg C ha − 1 up to 1-m depth in the soil. Recent studies under various AFSs in diverse ecological conditions showed that tree-based agricultural systems, compared to treeless systems, stored more C in deeper soil layers near the tree than away from the tree; higher soil organic carbon content was associated with higher species richness and tree density; and C3 plants (trees) contributed to more C in the silt- + clay-sized (