Introductory Agroforestry

Forestry–Introduction, related definitions. Objective of silviculture. Forest classification. Indian Forest Policies. Artificial and natural regeneration–objectives, choice between natural and artificial regeneration. Coppicing, pollarding, root suckers. Forest mensuration – objectives, instruments for diameter, height and age measurement. Tree stem form, form factor, form quotient. Measurement of volume of felled and standing trees. Agroforestry–definition, objectives and potential. Distinction between agroforestry and social forestry. Choice of species with respect to site/economic uses and constraints on tree growing. Agroforestry systems, sub-systems and practices, shifting cultivation, taungya, home gardens, alley cropping, intercropping, wind breaks, shelterbelts and energy plantations. Planning for agroforestry–constraints, diagnosis and design methodology, selection of tree - crop species for agroforestry. Agroforestry projects – national and overseas. National Agroforestry Policy 2014. MPTs (Azadirachta indica, Acacia species, Bamboos, Dalbergia sissoo, Eucalyptus species, Grewia optiva, Gmelina arborea, Leucaena leucocephala, Melia species, Populus deltoides, Tectona grandis, etc.) – nursery and planting management practices. Major wood-based industries in India – Timber, panel, plywood, paper and pulp, match, etc. – Raw material requirements and their procurement. Economics and marketing of products raised in agroforestry systems.