Floristic Composition and Distribution of Plant Communities Under different Traditional Agroforestry Systems in Takoli Gad Watershed of Garhwal Himalayas

The study was carried out in Lower (300-1200 masl) and Middle (1200-2000 masl) altitudinal ranges of the Takoli Gad Watershed of Garhwal Himalaya. Quadrats of 10×10 m, 5×5 m and 1×1 m were randomly laid out for trees, shrubs, crops and herbaceous plants in each system, respectively. Agri-silviculture, silvi-pasture, and homegardens were recognized as traditional Agroforestry systems. A total of 19 tree species, 10 agricultural crops and 6 herb species were recorded in Agri-silvicultural system, whereas 23 tree species, 15 agricultural crops which include cash crops and 6 herb species were recorded in home garden. In silvi-pastoral systems, 19 tree, 13 shrubs, 9 herb and 10 grass species were documented. Maximum diversity was in the home garden system owing to the inclusion of fruit trees and other multipurpose tree species. Agri-silviculture systems are generally utilized for food production, whereas home garden systems are mostly used for subsistence purposes and silvi-pasture systems are mostly used for fodder and fuelwood production. From the current study it can be conclude that the traditional agroforestry systems are important for the livelihood support of local people and biodiversity conservation to protect the depletion of natural resources.