Bamboo (Bambusa spp.) based agroforestry systems under rainfed upland ecosystem.

Abstract

Bamboo is an extremely versatile plant capable of providing ecological, economic and livelihood security to the people. Bamboo reaches structural maturity within three years and the mean annual increment (MAI) of medium or large sized bamboos is as high as or higher than that of many other fast growing tree species. Bamboo generates plenty of oxygen, low light intensity and protects against ultraviolet rays and is also considered to be an atmospheric and soil purifier. Furthermore, it conserves water and greatly reduces soil erosion (Amneth, 1996; Thus, development of bamboo based agroforestry systems in this context holds great promise in augmenting the supply of bamboo. Under this system because of growing of various intercrops, products are obtained even in the early stages of plantations and the income is much higher than sole bamboo plantation. With this background the present study has been initiated during September, 2007.