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Eucalyptus Agroforestry System in Chittagong: Socio-economic Potentiality Amid Controversies

Abdullah Al Mamun
Institute of Forestry and Environmental Sciences, University of Chittagong, Chittagong- 4331, Bangladesh

Saifullah Muhammad
Institute of Forestry and Environmental Sciences, University of Chittagong, Chittagong- 4331, Bangladesh

Md. Akhter Hossain
Institute of Forestry and Environmental Sciences, University of Chittagong, Chittagong- 4331, Bangladesh

Mohammed Kamal Hossain
Institute of Forestry and Environmental Sciences, University of Chittagong, Chittagong- 4331, Bangladesh

Md. Alamgir Kabir
Department of Agroforestry, Patuakhali Science and Technology University, Dumki, Patuakhali - 8602, Bangladesh

Abstract/ Executive Summary:

The study aimed to uncover the socio-economic potentialities of Eucalyptus of existing prominent agroforestry systems in the rural landscape of Sitakunda and Mirsharai upazila of Chittagong district. Data were collected from 90 agroforestry practitioners irrespective of age, sex and occupation following a semi-structured questionnaire and 30 experimental plots were taken from three different agroforestry systems viz. homegardens, boundary of the crop field and on fallow lands, where farmers used to cultivate Eucalyptus as a component of agroforestry. To determine trends toward planting Eucalyptus, homegardens were categorized into three age group viz. ?15 year, 15-30 year, ?30 year. Considering age group of the homegardens, significant difference is prevailed among three types of homegarden. Average MAI of Eucalyptus in homegarden, crop field boundary and fallow land were 10.681m³h^-1yr^-1, 48.618m³h^-1yr^-1 and 45.181m³h^-1yr^-1 at an average age of 8.9 year, 6 year and 6.3 year respectively. Farmers are aware with the present controversies of Eucalyptus which is disclosing through mass media. All agroforestry practitioners believed that Eucalyptus is responsible for reducing agricultural crop production and it is applicable for other trees also. However, they are still planting Eucalyptus ignoring the controversies as it does not require intensive technical input and management.

Keywords: Agroforestry, Eucalyptus, homegarden, MAI, windbreak

Location: Institute of Forestry and Environmental Sciences, University of Chittagong, Chittagong

Start Date: 00-06-2011

End Date: 00-06-2011

Program Area: Resource Development and Management

Non-commodity: Impact

Objectives:

The study is conducted to depict the status of Eucalyptus species, people’s consciousness and knowledge about performance of Eucalyptus species as an agroforestry component.

Methodology:

To design an appropriate questionnaire, the researchers first conducted a reconnaissance survey in June 2011 for report building and identifying potential households for the study. The existing agroforestry systems were categorized into homegarden, trees in boundary of crop field and fallow land for the purpose of collecting better primary data, later Homegardens were categorized into three age group viz. ?15 year, 15-30 year, ?30 year then field survey was conducted throughout Mirsharai and Sitakundaa upazila of Chittagong district, Bangladesh.
The study area is located between 22030' and 22054' north' latitude and 91027' and 91045' east longitude. The area is bounded on the north by Tripura state of India, Chagalnaiya and Feni upazilas of Feni district, on the east by Fatikchari and Hathazari upazilas, on the south by Pahartali upazila, on the west Swandip channel of the Bay of Bengal. There might be some variation in microclimate round the year. Usually high rainfall concentrates during the monsoon in June to September. Dry period prevails from November to March for about 4-5 months. Relative humidity is high, usually 73-88%, with only minor variation and the average annual temperature ranges from 22.44⁰C to 30⁰C. From each upazila 15 plots were selected following simple random sampling irrespective of location and age of the agroforestry systems. Separate plot sizes were determined for the three categories to facilitate data collection viz. 5m × 0.5m plot for trees in crop field boundary , 10m × 10m plot for fallow land and complete enumeration in case of homestead agroforestry system. Spiegel relaskope, measuring tape and diameter tape were used to collect different variables to facilitate volume calculation from standing trees. Equation used for volume calculation - Volume of the Eucalyptus trees using height (m) and girth at breast height (cm) is calculated following the standard equation. The regression equations which showed maximum value of regression square were chosen for volume calculation.

Source of Information: International Journal of Agronomy and Agricultural Research (IJAAR); ISSN: 2223-7054 (Print) 2225-3610 (Online); Vol. 4, No. 1, p. 32-39, 2014

Article Link (Online Journal): http://www.innspub.net

Funding Source:

Budget:

Total Budget (Tk.) :

Achievement/Findings:

As Eucalyptus is planted as agroforestry component to a large extent in the studied area, it was convenient for the researchers to perceive the attitude of the agroforestry practitioners regarding Eucalyptus. Though people have no scientific knowledge about agroforestry technology and potentiality of Eucalyptus species as an agroforestry component, they are planting the species unconsciously because of its high growth rate and wide site suitability. Moreover, Eucalyptus is more capitalistic and requires low cost technology input and management, all classes of farmers are planting it. Role of Eucalyptus species as a agroforestry component associated with different agricultural crops need to be properly determined to assist the practitioners in adopting proper combination of agricultural and tree components in their agroforestry plots.

Knowledge Management: Journal