Visualization Analysis of the Impact of Rubber Agroforestry Ecosystem on Soil Microbial Community

Rubber agroforestry systems positively impact soil microbial communities. This study employed a bibliometric approach to explore the research status, hotspots, and development trends related to these effects. Using CiteSpace software, we visually analyzed research literature from the Web of Science (WOS) core database, spanning 2004 to 2024. The focus was on the impact of rubber agroforestry ecosystems on soil microbial communities. The results indicate significant attention from Chinese researchers, who have published numerous influential papers in this field. Authors Liu Wenjie have contributed the most papers, although no stable core author group exists. The Chinese Academy of Sciences is the leading research institution in terms of publication volume. While there is close collaboration between different institutions and countries, the intensity of researcher cooperation is low. The most cited literature emphasizes soil nutrients and structure in rubber agroforestry, laying a foundation for soil microorganism studies. Most cited journals are from countries like Netherlands and the United Kingdom. Key research areas include the effects of rubber intercropping on soil microbial communities, agroforestry management, and soil health. Research development can be divided into three stages: the initial stage (2010-2015), the development stage (2015-2020), and the mature stage (2020-2024). Current studies show that rubber intercropping and rubber-based agroforestry systems enhance soil microbial communities, positively impacting soil health. This paper provides a theoretical basis for the sustainable development of rubber agroforestry systems and improved management plans. Future research could explore the effects of species composition on soil microbiological characteristics and develop methods for species interactions. An in-depth study of the soil microbial community’s structure and function, and its relationship with rubber trees, is crucial. Developing effective, rationally designed rubber agroforestry systems and underground soil microbiome technology will promote sustainability and improve plantation productivity.

Synergistic Interactions of Soil and Vegetation in Agroforestry Systems in Mitigating Climate Change in Upper East Region, Ghana

Climate change has been a global pandemic with its adverse impacts affecting environments and livelihoods. This has been largely attributed to anthropogenic activities which generate large amounts of Green House Gases (GHGs), notably carbon dioxide (CO2), methane (CH4), and nitrous oxide (N2O) among others. In the Upper East of Ghana, climate change manifests in erratic rainfalls, drought, high temperatures, high wind speeds, high intensity rainfall, windstorms, flooding, declining vegetation cover, perennial devastating bushfires etc. Practices such as burning farm residues, use of dung as fuel for cooking, excessive application of nitrogenous fertilizers, and deforestation that are prevalent in the region exacerbate the situation. Although, efforts made by governmental and none-governmental organizations to mitigate climate change through afforestation, agroforestry and promotion of less fuelwood consuming cook stoves, land management practices antagonize these efforts as more CO2 is generated than the carrying capacity of vegetation in the region. Research findings have established the role of trees and soil in carbon sequestration in mitigating climate. However, there is limited knowledge on how the vegetation and soil in agroforestry interplay in mitigation climate change. It is against this background that this review seeks to investigate how vegetation and soil in an agroforestry interact synergistically to sequester carbon and contribute to mitigating climate change in Upper East region of Ghana. In this review, it was discovered soil stored more carbon than vegetation in an agroforestry system and is much effective in mitigating climate change. It was found out that in order to make soil and vegetation in an agroforestry system interact synergistically to effectively mitigate climate change, Climate Smart Agriculture practice which integrates trees, and perennials crops effectively mitigates climate. The review concluded that tillage practices that ensure retention and storage of soil organic carbon (SOC) could be much effective in carbon sequestration in the Savannah zones and could be augmented with vegetation to synergistically mitigate climate change in the Upper East region of Ghana.

A Plan to Extract Gigatons of Atmospheric CO2 through Agroforestry

The UN International Panel Environment Programme (“UNEP”), 2023 Emissions Gap Report urgently presses the global community to adopt a two-pronged approach to reduce atmospheric concentration of CO2—expedite efforts to reduce annual CO2 emissions;and increase investment in large-scale carbon dioxide removal (“CDR”) projects. The Gap Report sets a 2050 target of six-gigatons annual land-based CDR. Our proposed agroforestry project will convert thirty-five-million acres of rangeland in the American Great Plains to silvopasture, combining growing trees and raising livestock. Employing agroforestry interests 61% of Great Plaints farmers/ranchers recently surveyed. The Project plans to annually collect + six-gigatons CO2 equiv. of fallen leaves and store the stable carbon-rich biomass underground for centuries. The purpose of this paper is to describe the framework for formation of a global partnership at the local, regional, and international levels to coordinate public and private financing mechanisms, implement, and operate a large-scale CDR Project that will meaningfully impact the global effort to mitigate climate change.

The amelioration of degraded larch(Larix olgensis)soil depends on the proportion of Aralia elata litter in larch-A.elata agroforestry systems

Research has indicated that introducing Aralia elata into larch plantations forms an agroforestry system which could provide economic benefi ts for local farmers and improve degraded soils.However,the impact of litter mixtures on soil chemical and microbial properties in this agroforestry system are unclear,which limits effi cient management of the agroforestry system.A 365-d incubation experiment examined the eff ect of litter mixtures of diff erent proportions of larch(L)and A.elata(A)on soil chemical and microbial properties.The results show that levels of mineral N,available P,microbial biomass carbon and nitrogen,cumulative C mineralization,and activities of hydrolases and oxidases increased with an increase of A.elata in the litter mixtures.Concentration of total soil carbon,nitrogen,and phosphorous did not change(except for total nitrogen).Compared with larch litter alone,levels of mineral N,available P,microbial biomass carbon and nitrogen,cumulative C mineralization,and the activities of hydrolases and oxidases increased by 7.6–433.5%.Most chemical and microbial properties were positively correlated with mixed litter proportions and the initial levels of N,P,K,Ca,Mg,Mn,Zn and Cu in the litter,while negatively correlated with the initial concentrations of C,Fe and lignin,C/N and lignin/N ratios.The results indicate that A.elata litter can improve degraded larch soil and the degree depends on the proportion of A.elata litter in the litter mixtures.

Expert elicitations of smallholder agroforestry practices in Seychelles:A SWOT-AHP analysis

Agroforestry can leverage the co-benefits of climate change adaptation and mitigation while conserving biodiversity and restoring degraded and deforested lands.The preference of relevant stakeholders regarding agroforestry practices enhances sustainable land management through strategic decision-making in Seychelles and other island states.A suitable approach for assessing stakeholders'preferences of agroforestry is the implementation of the strengths,weaknesses,opportunities,and threats(SWOT)approach in combination with the analytic hierarchy process(AHP)method.The entry point of this study is an extensive literature review process,during which 28 SWOT factors were identified.These SWOT factors were deliberated on during a half-day workshop with agricultural experts who agreed on 20 SWOT factors that reflect the local realities of the Seychelles through a consensus approach.Using the SWOT-AHP approach,focus group discussions were conducted to examine the perceptions of researchers and extension workers about the adoption of agroforestry in Seychelles.The results indicated that the positive aspects of smallholder agroforestry outweigh the negative aspects.For example,increased agricultural production,control runoff and soil erosion receive the highest scores among the strength factors perceived by researchers and extension workers,respectively.The willingness of international organizations to fund agroforestry-related projects and the existence of native tree species on farmlands have the highest scores among the opportunity factors.The lack of education,information,and communication between the government and farmers,and the small land size and crop competition have the highest scores among the weakness factors.Lastly,change in government policies on land use has the highest score among the threat factors by researchers,whereas the most significant threat is climate change and variability for the extension workers.The provision for a 30-year land lease agreement in the National Agroforestry Policy of Seychelles is viewed by both groups as an incentive that could potentially drive the adoption and acceptability of agroforestry.Furthermore,better coordination of various efforts to promote agroforestry and more substantial extension services for farmers,especially the role of technologies for optimal production on small plots of land,can enhance climate resilience in Seychelles and other small island developing states.

Exploration and Practice of Rubber Based Agroforestry Complex Systems in China

Agroforestry ecosystems are constructed by simulating natural ecosystems, applying the principles of symbiosis in nature, and organizing multiple plant populations to coexist, while conducting targeted cultivation and structural control scientifically. Rubber agroforestry complex ecosystems aim for sustainable development in terms of industry, ecology, resource utilization, and the livelihoods of producers. Rubber agroforestry complex ecosystems create a complex production structure system that integrates biology, society, and the economy through species combinations. Rubber trees and associated biological components coordinate with each other, mutually promote growth, and yield a variety of products for producers. Cultivation techniques and patterns of rubber agroforestry are essential components of these ecosystems. This study analyzes the production practices of rubber agroforestry complex cultivation, with a focus on the development and characteristics (complexity, systematicity, intensity, and hierarchy) of rubber agroforestry systems using a literature analysis and a survey approach. It explores the types and scales of complex planting, specifications and forms, and major effects of complex cultivation. This study identifies successful rubber agroforestry cultivation patterns and practical techniques, as well as the potential benefits of developing rubber agroforestry cultivation. It also points out the shortcomings in the development of complex planting, including an emphasis on production practices but insufficient theoretical research, a focus on production but inadequate attention to the market, and an emphasis on yield while overlooking the improvement of standards, brands, and added value. There are various complex patterns for young rubber plantations, but relatively fewer for mature plantations. Based on this analysis, this study suggests that future efforts should focus on in-depth research on interspecies and environmental interactions in rubber agroforestry ecosystems, clearly define key roles, accelerate the innovation of development patterns, and strengthen the foundation for development. It recommends promoting and demonstrating successful rubber agroforestry complex patterns and providing technical training, developing product branding for rubber agroforestry patterns, enhancing product value, expanding the application functions of rubber-forest mixed crop products, and establishing a stable and sustainable industry chain. This study provide practical experience and theoretical insights in rubber agroforestry complex systems from China the potential to enrich the knowledge of rubber agroforestry composite systems, provide practical experience to improve the operating income of smallholders, and even promote the sustainable development of rubber plantations.

Diversity and Importance of Benin’s Forests and Agroforestry Systems Woody Species in Mortars and Pestles Manufacture

The disappearance of resources with high genetic potential and great utility for people and the challenge of the conservation and sustainable management of these resources are two opposing facts of which the world is now concerned. In Benin, forests and agroforestry systems complement each other in wood supply for mortar and pestle manufacture. Thus, this study aimed to investigate the diversity of woody species used for mortar and pestle manufacture and to analyze the preferences of manufacturers through an ethnobotanical approach. Based on the snowball sampling method, and interviews with 112 manufacturers from different ethnic groups, we identified 31 tree species. These species belong to 30 genera and 13 plant families. The Fabaceae are more represented with 14 species (i.e. 45% of the total). Ten are frequently used. But there are four species, such as Vitellaria paradoxa C. F. Gaertn., Prosopis africana (Guill. & Perr.) Taub., Terminalia glaucescens Planch. ex Benth. and Pericopsis laxiflora (Benth.) Meeuwen, which are highly preferred by manufacturers respectively. The calculation of the Indexes of Possession of Global Knowledge (IPSG) revealed that the ethnic group Nagot (0.204) possessed more knowledge and is followed by Mahi (0.201) and Fon (0.18) respectively. Forests and agroforestry systems are both supply sites for manufacturers. The non-parametric Wilcoxon test proved that there are no significant differences between the species’ preference for mortars or pestles manufacture (v = 181, p-value = 0.38). Since the trees cutting in agroforestry systems can be destructive to them, provisions such as the promotion of agroforestry in rural areas and the integration of the used species in the reforestations programs must be taken to curb the pressure and contribute to the conservation of the biodiversity.

Preliminary Study on the Effect of Different Ecological Cultivation Modes on the Water Stability of Soil Aggregates in Rubber Based Agroforestry Systems

Rubber trees (Hevea brasiliensis Müll. Arg.) have been commercially cultivated for a century and a half in Asia, particularly in China, and they constitute a common element of plantation ecosystems in tropical regions. Soil health is fundamental to the sustainable development of rubber plantations. The objective of the study is to explore the influence of different complex ecological cultivation modes on the stability of soil aggregates in rubber based agroforestry systems. In this study, the ecological cultivation mode of rubber—Alpinia oxyphylla plantation, the ecological cultivation mode of rubber—Phrynium hainanense plantations, the ecological cultivation mode of rubber—Homalium ceylanicum plantations and monoculture rubber plantations were selected, and the particle size distribution of soil aggregates and their water stability characteristics were analyzed. The soil depth of 0 - 20 cm and 20 - 40 cm was collected for four cultivation modes. Soil was divided into 6 particle levels > 20 cm. soil was divided into 6 particle levels > 5 mm, 2 - 5 mm, 1 - 2 mm, 0.5 - 1 mm, 0.25 - 0.5 mm, and 0.053 - 0.25 mm according to the wet sieve method. The particle size proportion and water stability of soil aggregates were determined by the wet sieve method. The particle size proportion and water stability of soil aggregates under different ecological cultivation modes were analyzed. The results showed that under different ecological cultivation modes in the shallow soil layer (0 - 20 cm), the rubber—Alpinia oxyphylla plantation and the rubber—Phrynium hainanense plantation promoted the development of dominant soil aggregates towards larger size classes, whereas the situation is the opposite for rubber—Homalium ceylanicum plantation. In soil layer (20 - 40 cm), the ecological cultivation mode of rubber—Phrynium hainanense plantation developed the dominant radial level of soil aggregates to the diameter level of large aggregates. Rubber—Alpinia oxyphylla plantation and rubber—Homalium ceylanicum plantation, three indicators, including the water-stable aggregate content R0.25 (>0.25 mm water-stable aggregates), mean weight diameter (MWD), and geometric mean diameter (GMD), were all lower than those in the rubber monoculture mode. However, in the rubber—Phrynium hainanense plantation, the water-stable aggregate content R0.25, mean weight diameter, and geometric mean diameter were higher than in the rubber monoculture mode, although these differences did not reach statistical significance.

Evaluation of Women’s Contribution in Agroforestry Demonstration through Moringa Species Introduction in Western Oromia,Ethiopia

Agroforestry technologies are very keen practices in most small-scale farming systems where gender issues are not well considered in most developing countries.Moringa is a tropical plant that consists of 13 species,while five of them are found in Ethiopia.This study aimed to evaluate the potential and contribution of women in agroforestry demonstrations where Moringa oleifera and Moringa stenopetala are introduced in farmers’fields.Selection of the best performing moringa species and preferred by farmers for further scaling up was also another objective.The activity was conducted in five districts of west and east Wallagga zones.A total of 10 FREG comprising 150 farmers were established.The two moringa species were planted on 100 farmers’fields where 50 women and 50 men were purposively selected and given responsibilities of moringa demonstration.Leaflets and practical training on moringa production,importance and utilization were prepared and given to all concerned bodies.84%of women and only 32%of men effectively demonstrated the moringa species.A total of 200 farmers were interviewed to evaluate and select the best from the two species depending on their growth performance,fresh leaf taste and odor,and survival rate.Based on the above criteria,143(71.5%)farmers preferred Moringa oleifera.In general,the two moringa species were performed well in most places,and its utilization started at household level.Finally,the authors recommend that women are the potential for demonstrating agroforestry technologies,and Moringa oleifera is a more preferred species in western Oromia.

Soil Organic Carbon and Nitrogen Dynamics in Arabica Coffee Agroforestry Systems in the Noun Division, West Cameroon

Agroforestry systems (AFSs) offer viable solutions to climate change because of the below-ground biomass (BGB) that is maintained by the soil. Therefore, spatially explicit estimation of their BGB is crucial to account for emission reduction efforts. A study to assess soil organic carbon (SOC) and nitrogen dynamics in Arabica coffee agroforests was conducted in two subdivisions (Foumbot and Kouoptamo) of the Noun Division in western Cameroon. The methodological approach involved the collection of 150 soil samples taken at different depths: 0 - 10, 10 - 20 and 20 - 30 cm. Depending on the depth, the SOC stock is 27.93 ± 1.13 tC/ha at 10 cm depth, 22.37 ± 1.47 tC/ha at 20 cm and 20.79 ± 0.31 tC/ha at 30 cm. According to the age classes of the Arabica coffee systems (ACA), the C/N ratio in our study area averaged 26.94 ± 13.60 for the (5 - 20) year old systems in Foumbot and 60.64 ± 48.80 for the (20 - 35) year old systems in Kouoptamo. Depending on the depth, at 10 cm this ratio is higher in Kouoptamo than in Foumbot with a maximum value of 57 and 38 respectively for the two subdivisions. In view of the results obtained, it would be important to analyse the types of microorganisms responsible for the decomposition of organic matter which is linked to soil organic carbon.

Soil Fertility in Agroforestry System of Chinese Fir and Villous Amomum in Subtropical China

A trial of interplanting and non-interplanting villous amomum (Amomum villosum Lour.) under the canopy of Chinese fir (Cunninghamia lanceolata Hook.) at age 22 was established in Sanming, Fujian of China, and a survey on soil fertility was carried out 10 years after its establishment. Compared with the control (non-interplanting), the properties of soil humus in agroforestry system were ameliorated, with a higher level of humification and resynthesis of organic detritus. The soil microbial population and enzymatic activities were both higher under the influence of villous amomum. Both the nutrient supplying and nutrient conserving capacities of the soil were improved. This agroforestry system exhibited an advantage of improved soil fertility as well as an accelerated growth of Chinese fir, it was, therefore, a sustainable management system suited for Chinese fir in South China.

Effects of Terracing and Agroforestry on Soil and Water Loss in Hilly Areas of the Sichuan Basin, China

Soil erosion in hilly areas of the Sichuan Basin is a serious concern over sustainable crop production and sound ecosystem. A 3-year experiment was conducted using the method of runoff plots to examine the effects of terracing and agroforestry in farmland systems on soil and water conservation of slope fields in the hilly areas in Jianyang County, Sichuan Province, Southwestern China. A power function (Y = aXb) can statistically describe the relationship between water runoff (Y) and rainfall (X). The regression equation for the treatment of sloping terraces with crops (Plot 2) is remarkably different from that for the treatment of sloping terraces with grasses and trees (Plot 1) and the conventional up- and down-slope crop system (Plot 3) regarding equation coefficients, while regression equations are similar between Plot 1 and Plot 3. Water runoff amount and runoff coefficient of slope fields increased by 21.5～41.0 % and 27.5～69.7 % respectively, compared to those of sloping terraces, suggesting that terracing notably reduced the water runoff in the field. In the case of sloping terraces, lower amount of water runoff was observed on sloping terraces with crops than on sloping terraces with grasses and trees. Sediment yields on the slope fields in the normal year of rainfall distribution were notably higher (34.41～331.67 % and 37.06～403.44 % for Plot 1 and Plot 2, respectively) than those on sloping terraces, implying that terracing also plays a significant role in the reduction in soil erosion. It is suggested that terracing with crops is significantly effective for soil and water conservation in cultivatedfarmland, while the conventional practice of up- and down- slope cultivation creates high rates of water runoff and soil sediment transport. Terracing with grasses and fruit trees shows a less reduction in water runoff than terracing with crops, which was observed in the 3-year experiments.

Streamflow and Soil Moisture of Agroforestry and Grass Watersheds in Hilly Area

A study was conducted in a hilly area of Sichuan Province,Southwestern China, to compare the streamflow and soil moisture in two upland watersheds with different land use patterns. One was an agroforestry watershed, which consisted mainly of trees with alder (Alnus cremastogyne Burkill) and cypress (Cupressus funebris Endl.) planted in belts or strips with a coverage of about 46%, and the other was a grassland primarily composed of lalang grass (Imperata cylindrica var. major (Nees) C. E. Hubb.), filamentary clematis (Clematis filamentosa Dunn) and common eulaliopsis (Eulaliopsis binata (Retz.) C. E. Hubb) with a coverage of about 44%. Streamflow measurement with a hydrograph established at the watershed outlet showed that the average annual streamflow per 100 mm rainfall from 1983 to 1992 was 0.36 and 1.08 L s-1 km-2 for the agroforestry watershed and the grass watershed, respectively. This showed that the streamflow of the agroforestry watershed was reduced by 67% when compared to that of the grass watershed. The peak average monthly streamflow in the agroforestry watershed was over 5 times lower than that of the grass watershed and lagged by one month. In addition, the peak streamflow during a typical rainfall event of 38.3 mm in August 1986 was 37% lower in the agroforestry watershed than in the grass watershed. Results of the moisture contents of the soil samples from 3 slope locations (upper, middle and lower slopes) indicated that the agroforestry watershed maintained generally higher soil moisture contents than the grass watershed within 0-20 and 20-80 cm soil depths for the upper slope, especially for the period from May through July. For the other (middle and lower) slopes, soil moisture contents within 20-80 cm depth in the agroforestry watershed was generally lower than those in the grass watershed, particularly in September, revealing that water consumption by trees took place mainly below the plow layer. Therefore, agroforestry land use types might offer a complimentary model for tree-annual crop water utilization.

Agroforestry and its Application in Amelioration of Saline Soils in Eastern China Coastal Region

Some environmental problems, especially soil salinity hinder the regional sustainable development of eastern China coastal region. Salinity mainly comes from tide weave, seawater flooding and seawater intrusion. Over exploitation of groundwater, which is the result of unfitful land use systems, leads to seawater intrusion and salt concentration increase. Agroforestry systems can enrich soil fertility and prevent soil salinization, furthermore help maintain biodiversity and enhance productivity. For the intergrated multiple ecosystems the most critical issue is to select optimum tree species and rationally arrange these plants. The basics of this multiple ecosystem is that different plants will occupy variable ecological niches within an area, both in space and in soil depth. Shelterbelts and trees intercropping with agricultural crops are major types of the multiple ecosystem. Shelterbelts can reduce wind speed and consequently lessen evaporation and erosion of the soil, increase pasture growth by up to 60% on exposed sites, increase crop yields by up to 25%. Besides intercropping with jujube, other agroforestry multiple ecosystem such as forestry plus agriculture, forestry plus agriculture plus fishery, and forestry plus animal husbandry are the most appropriate ways to utilise land resource in this region.

Productivity and nutrient cycling in an agroforestry ecosystem for interplant of pineapple and coconut

In this paper, the biomass productivity and nutrient cycling in an agroforestry system of coconut (Cocus nucifera) interplanted with pineapple (Ananas comosus) had been studied. The result showed that the biomass productivity of this ecosystem was 47 460 kg...hm2...a?1, which was 4.3 times as much as that of pure coconut plantation. In the biological cycling of N, P. K elements, the total annual retention was 559.470 kg...hm?2, the annual return was 410.745 kg...hm?2, the annual uptake was 970.475 kg...hm?2, respectively. The average circulation rate in three nutrient elements (N, P, K) was 42.32%, which was 27.53% more than that in pure coconut stands. Coconut interplanted with pineapple was proved to be one of optimum cultural patterns, which had the higher biomass productivity, and better usage efficiency of environment resources in tropical areas.

Nutrient dynamics associated with leaf litter decomposition of three agroforestry tree species (Azadirachta indica, Dalbergia sissoo, and Melia azedarach) of Bangladesh

Azadirachta indica A. Juss, Dalbergia, sissoo Roxb., and Melia azedarach L. are little studied species in nutrient return capabilities from leaf litter decomposition to maintenance of the soil fertility despite their importance in agroforestry practices of Bangladesh. A leaf litter decomposition experiment was conducted using a litterbag teeh7 nique to assess the nutrient reaun efficiency of these species. The de- composition rate of leaf litter was highest for M. azedarach and lowest for D. sissoo. Rainfall and temperature of study sites showed a significant （p〈0.05） positive relationship with the rate of leaf litter decomposition. The highest decay constant was observed for M. azedarach （6.67）. Nitrogen and Phosphorus concentration in leaf litter showed a decreased trend sharply at the end of the first month, whereas rapid decrease of Potassium concentration was reported within 10 days. Conversely, higher concentration of nutrient was observed at the later stages of decomposition. All three species showed a similar pattern of nutrient release （K 〉 N 〉 P） during the decomposition process of leaf litter. Among the studied species, D. sissoo was best in terms of N and P return and A. indica was best in terms of K return.

Economics of the plant species used in homestead agroforestry on an offshore Sandwip Island of Chittagong District, Bangladesh

This study was performed in five villages of Sandwip Upazila, Chittagong district with a view to identify the tree resources, utilization pattern and economic return of major fruit and timber tree species. Information collected from a total of 60 households ranging from marginal, small, medium and large categories. Number of plant species increased with the increase of homestead area. A total of 33 plant species were recorded from the homegarden, of which 19 were fruit and 14 were timber tree species. Considerable number of vegetables was also planted under the shade of the homestead trees. The investment analysis showed that average benefit-cost ratios were greater than one, net present values were positive and internal rate of returns were more than 10%. Long term investment on horticulture and timber tree species is highly profitable if species like Artocarpus heterophyllus, Cocos nucifera, Tectona grandis and Swietenia macrophylla are planted.

Economic contribution of participatory agroforestry program to poverty alleviation: a case from Sal forests, Bangladesh

In the Forest Department of Bangladesh, a Participatory Agroforestry Program （PAP） was initiated at a denuded Sal forests area to protect the forest resources and to alleviate poverty amongst the local poor population. We explored whether the PAP reduced poverty and what factors might be responsible for poverty alleviation. We used three poverty measurement methods： the Head Count Index, the Poverty Gap Index and the Foster-Greer-Thorbecke index to determine the extent poverty reduction. We used a linear regression model to determine the possible differences among factors in poverty reduction. Data were collected through semi structured questionnaires and face to face interviews within the study area. PAP proved effective at poverty alleviation, considerably improving the local situation. The linear regression model showed that PAP output explained the income differences in poverty reduction. Participants identified bureaucracy and illegal money demands by forest department officials, an uncontrolled market system, and underdeveloped road infrastructure as the main obstacles to reduction of poverty. Overall, PAP is quite successful in alleviating poverty. So this program might be of interest at other degraded forest areas as a tool to alleviate poverty.

Nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium recycling in an agroforestry ecosystem of Huanghuaihai Plain: with Paulownia elongata intercropped wheat and maize as an example

The studies show that in the whole community, P is deficient, and N and K are basically balanced. N, P and K are accumulated in plant tissues and litters, but depleted in soil. N and P contents in surface soil(0—20 cm) are the main factors affecting crop growth, and P contents in 20 80 cm soil layer is the major affecting Paulownia elongata growth. The absorption coefficients of N, P and K in the communities are 0 078, 0 014 and 0 052 respectively, their utilization coefficients are 0 95, 0 90 and 0 94, and the recycling coefficients are 0 042, 0 05 and 0 063 respectively.

Determining bioclimatic space of Himalayan alder for agroforestry systems in Nepal

Himalayan alder species are proven to be very useful in traditional as well as contemporary agroforestry practice. These nitrogen-fixing trees are also useful in the land restoration. Therefore, understanding the distribution of Himalayan alder and the potential zone for plantation is meaningful in the agroforestry sector. Suitable climatic zones of Alnus spp. were modelled in Max Ent software using a subset of least correlated bioclimatic variables for current conditions(1950 -2000), topographic variables(DEM derived) and Landuse Landcover(LULC) data. We generated several models and selected the best model against random models using ANOVA and t-test. The environmental variables that best explained the current distribution of the species were identified and used to project into the future. For future projections, ensemble scenarios of climate change projection derived from the results of 19 Earth System Models(ESM) were used. Our model revealed that the most favorable conditions for Alnus nepalensis are in central Nepal in the moist north-west facing slope, whereas for Alnus nitida they are in western Nepal.The major climatic factor that contributes to Alnus species distribution in Nepal appears to be precipitation during the warmest quarter for A. nepalensis and precipitation during the driest quarter for A. nitida. Future projections revealed changes in the probability distribution of these species, as well as where they need conservation and where they can be planted. Also, our model predicts that the distribution of Alnus spp. in hilly regions will remain unchanged, and therefore may represent sites that can be used to revitalize traditional agroforestry systems and extract source material for land restoration.