Management of agroforestry systems for better production ability and diversification

Diversification and sustainability in production are the two main goals to be achieved through short and long term strategies. Management of agroforestry systems in general and tree component in particular, exert strong influence on the performance and production ability of associated components. Our studies over the last 8 years on location-specific agroforestry models developed for upland terraces as well as silvi-pastoral models for sloping, degraded land in the northwestern Himalayas indicate that suitable tree-crop combinations, followed by proper tree canopy management are the deciding factors for making upland temperate agroforestry a viable and profitable landuse system. Proper tree crown management has been found to regulate belowground and aboveground biological interactions for critical resources between the components of the systems, and also maintains vigour and biomass production ability for prolonged duration. Various canopy management practices - maintenance of tree components as hedgerows at different spacings, retention of canopies by the cutting of stems to different heights, and removal of crown to 25, 50 and 75%- have been found to strongly influence performance, production abilities, and physiological status of associated agricultural crops to a large extent. The findings suggest an additional advantage of suitable management approaches in improving production and monetary gains to the hill farming community.