Agronomic practices for agroforestry systems in India

Abstract

Of late, the importance of agroforestry is increasingly being realized from all corners owing to its multifaceted role in sustainable production, soil health, biodiversity conservation, employment generation, drought proofing, natural resource conservation and ecosystem services. Agroforestry is a unified land-use system involving all dis- ciplines. Though the basic principles of agronomy remain the same, the agronomic practices, are slightly modified owing to presence of perennial component in agroforestry. This paper provides a brief review of all aspects of ag- ronomic practices under agroforestry, so as to give some insights to researchers, teachers, students, farmers and planners. The issues like agroforestry situation in India; selection of agroforestry components and their establish- ment; management of water, nutrients, weeds and insect-pests and diseases; environmental services and natural resource conservation are highlighted here.