Microclimate regulation efficiency of the rural homegarden agroforestry system in the Western Sichuan Plain,China

Traditional rural homegarden agroforestry systems(referred to as homegarden) in the Western Sichuan Plain of China are often referred to as "Linpan" in Chinese. These homegardens are usually composed of farm houses, trees, bamboos, and small patches of land for flowers, fruits and vegetables. Over the Western Sichuan Plain’s area of approximately 18,800 km^2, there were more than 200,000 homegardens, accommodating 72.5% of the region’s rural population. As a unique local, cultural, and ecological resource, homegardens continuously support peasant households with provisioning, regulation, and landscape ecosystem services. This study combined low height remote sensing used unmanned aerial vehicle(UAV) photography, field investigation, and instrument monitoring. We try to identify the composition and structural characteristics of homegardens, as well as climatic regulation effects of the different types of homegardens. Temperature data were collected both for summer(June to August 2016) and winter(December 2016 to February 2017). The result shows that:(1) the average area of homegardens was 0.67 ha(sizes ranging from 0.16 ha to 1.24 ha), and with vegetation coverage 43.5%-76.9%(including 310 plant species).(2)In comparision with outside the homegardens, the average temperature inside the homegardens was significantly lower in summer(approximately 0.31 ℃-0.90 ℃). Although, the lowest summer temperature was differentiatee in between 13:30-16:00. Especially, the thermal effects of the home gardens were ranged from 2.00℃-2.65℃ at high temperatures(≥30℃).(3) The cooling effect of homegardens were positively correlated(p<0.05) with tree area(X_1), vegetation coverage(X_2), tree coverage(X_3), tree species(X_4), and tree biomassper unit area(X_5), and the contribution rate was represented by X_3>X_4>X_5>X_2>X_1.(4)This study indicates the major role of homegardens for climate regulation and energy efficiency, providing suggestions for homegarden transformation and construction planning for new rural communities.

Regional landscape transformation and sustainability of the rural homegarden agroforestry system in the Chengdu Plain,China

Traditional rural homegarden agroforestry system in the Chengdu Plain of China,called“Linpan”in Chinese,integrates the ecological functions of the landscape with human production activities.Studying the driving mechanisms of rural landscape changes in the Chengdu Plain is of great significance from stakeholders’perspective.Taking the Pidu Linpan Farming System(PLFS)in the suburban area of Chengdu(designated as one of China-Nationally Important Agricultural Heritage Systems in 2020)as a case,this study combined remote sensing image analysis,oral history interviews,and focus group interviews to elucidate the driving forces of landscape changes in the PLFS.The results show that tourism development,traffic accessibility,economic demand,and agricultural heritage protection measure are the main driving forces promoting the stability and maintenance of the traditional homegardens.In contrast,population ageing,land circulation,centralized residence,climate change,and living and recreational need are the forces leading to adverse changes in the traditional homegardens.In addition,these driving forces have led to the gradual abandonment of traditional agricultural activities and critical issues related to rural landscape planning and management.The current research indicates that infrastructure construction and increased traditional agricultural income are considered as the best practices of local stakeholders,promoting the development of the protected homegardens of heritage sites and tourist destinations.Finally,we put forward some suggestions to improve and maintain the traditional rural landscape:(1)establishing a benefit-sharing mechanism;(2)establishing a training system with traditional technology and culture;(3)strengthening infrastructure construction;(4)promoting the development of the agricultural industry;(5)improving the cultural quality of farmers;and(6)establishing a management system with legal effects.This research can provide a basis for the formulation of rural landscape planning and the orderly and healthy development of agricultural heritage in Chengdu Plain.

Financial viability and conservation role of betel leaf based agroforestry： an indigenous hill farming system of Khasia community in Bangladesh

A study was conducted to investigate the cultural and financial management techniques of betel leaf based agroforestry system practiced in or near homegardens of Khasia community in Jaintapur Upazila in the district of Sylhet, Bangladesh. The Khasia is an edu- cated community where 100% of Khasia people were literate, a stunning fact for this ethnic community in Bangladesh. The average family size in the study area was 7.68, with a ration of male and females of 141：100. The homegardens of the Khasia are rich in species composition, which 15 timber species, 22 horticultural species, six medicinal species, 13 annual crops including leafy vegetables, seven species of spices and five species of bamboo were identified along with betel leaf. The Khasia is an economically prosperous community with the minimum family incomes of Tk 4 000 per month （Tk. 70=1 US Dollar）. Betel leaf based agroforestry is very common being a prevalent source of income. About 95.45% of the households are involved in betel leaf husbandry. The mean annual income from one hectare of be- tel leaf plantation was estimated to be Tk. 80979. This practice was proven to be a profitable business where the benefit cost ratio was cal- culated to be 4.47. Moreover, the species composition in the betel leaf plantation area （the forest area once utilized by Khasia for shifting cultivation） was found to be very promising to play the significant role in conservation of biological diversity making the practice a sustainable agroforestry system.

The Study of Homegarden Agrobiodiversity, Practices of Homegardening and Its Role for <i>In-Situ</i>Conservation of Plant Biodiversity in Eastern Hararghe, Kombolcha Town Oromia Regional State Ethiopia

Homegarden plays a vital role for the livelihood of the people living in town. Homegarden agrobiodiversity was studied to highlight homegarden frequency, types, plant species, growth form and associated indigenous knowledge. The research was conducted during January to April 2017. A total of 180 randomly selected households were included in the survey. Ethnobotanical data were collected from purposively selected 60 homegardens using observations and semi-structured interviews while markets survey was conducted through structured questionnaire for homegarden products. Data were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics and similarity and Shannon wiener diversity index. The results indicated that 128 (71%) of the households were practicing home gardening. The homegarden plant composition gave 78 species belonging to 35 families. The representative families and number of species under each family were founded that the family Solonaceae, and Rutaceae rank top of the list (6 species) each followed by Fabaceae and Lamiaceae (5 species each) and Asteraceae, Poaceae, Rosaceae and Brassicaceae (4 species) each. Catha edulis, Lantana camara and Ruta chalepensis had the highest frequency of species followed by the families Asteraceae, Rutaceae and Poaceae. Catha edulis, Rhammus prinoides and Ruta chalepensis were among the families found in homegardens. It can be concluded that homegrdens of Kombolcha are rich in biodiversity. The present study showed the existing status of homegardens and local knowledge contribution to the farming systems in conservation of the biological diversity. In addition, plant species providing substantial benefits and factors combined to determining homegarden diversity are documented.

Financial viability and conservation role of betel leaf based agroforestry:an indigenous hill farming system of Khasia community in Bangladesh

A study was conducted to investigate the cultural and financial management techniques of betel leaf based agroforestry system practiced in or near homegardens of Khasia community in Jaintapur Upazila in the district of Sylhet, Bangladesh.The Khasia is an educated community where 100% of Khasia people were literate, a stunning fact for this ethnic community in Bangladesh.The average family size in the study area was 7.68, with a ration of male and females of 141:100.The homegardens of the Khasia are rich in species composi-tion, which 15 timber species, 22 horticultural species, six medicinal species, 13 annual crops including leafy vegetables, seven species of spices and five species of bamboo were identified along with betel leaf.The Khasia is an economically prosperous community with the minimum family incomes of Tk 4 000 per month(Tk.70=1 US Dollar).Betel leaf based agroforestry is very common being a prevalent source of income.About 95.45% of the households are involved in betel leaf husbandry.The mean annual income from one hectare of betel leaf plantation was estimated to be Tk.80979.This practice was proven to be a profitable business where the benefit cost ratio was calculated to be 4.47.Moreover, the species composition in the betel leaf plantation area(the forest area once utilized by Khasia for shifting cultivation) was found to be very promising to play the significant role in conservation of biological diversity making the practice a sus-tainable agroforestry system.

Scientific Basis of Agroforestry Homegardens in Matara District, Sri Lanka: Present Status and Improvement Needs

High diversity of species in agroforestry homegardens play main agro-ecological roles in complex and sustainable land use systems. Efforts are being made in valuing and protecting the age-old practices of agroforestry on scientific basis in homegardens. This study attempted to analyse the scientific basis of households’ practices and to develop strategies for the promotion of sustainable agroforestry homegardens in Matara district of Sri Lanka. Selected households were interviewed measuring their concern using 5-point Likert scale, and analysed the qualitative data using non-parametric statistics. The study revealed that scientific basis of household practices in agroforestry homegardens are moderate in selection of appropriate trees and plants, and management of trees and plant health care. Households pay little concern on scientific basis in planning and site placement, land preparation and establishment of trees/crops, and implementing proper cultural practices. There is no significant correlation between scientific basis of practices in agroforestry in relation with size of homegardens, educational level of households, and across the category of their occupations. Resources to use scientific knowledge in practice, and opportunity to improve scientific skills have moderate correlation significantly while availability of scientific information and access to scientific knowledge have significant but low correlation as applying knowledge on scientific basis. The interest to acquire scientific knowledge, and sufficient time to improve scientific knowledge, and other reasons have no significant correlation with scientific basis of household practices. Carefully planned interventions including policy adjustments and effective extension programs for learning and experimenting together with supportive programs would enhance scientific basis of household practices for agroforestry in homegardens.

思茅市三家村农户庭园系统的能流和经济流研究

通过对三家村 6种农户庭园模式进行能流和经济流的系统研究 ,得出三家村 6种农户庭园系统的能量投入为 (98.4 8～ 174 .4 5 )× 10 10 J·hm-2 ,能量产出为 (10 1.6 6～ 15 8.5 2 )× 10 10 J·hm-2 ,能量产投比为(0 .88～ 1.4 1)∶1,并且以种植业为主的农户庭园 (模式Ⅰ、Ⅱ )的能量产投比高于以养殖业和副业为主的农户庭园系统 (模式Ⅵ、Ⅶ、Ⅸ ) ;三家村 6种农户庭园模式的经济产投比为 (1.0 0～ 1.35 )∶1,其高低次序是Ⅵ >Ⅶ >Ⅰ >Ⅱ >Ⅴ >Ⅸ ,6种农户庭园模式的经济产出为 2 32 7.9～ 980 3.4元。因此 。

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.

Seedling survival and growth of Aquilaria malaccensis in different microclimatic conditions of northeast India

We studied seedling survival and growth ofAquilaria malaccensis in three different environmental conditions （homegardens, green house and in different canopy conditions） of northeast India. Results show that mean seasonal survival was highest in green house （95.53%±2.33）, followed by homegardens （89.3%±1.89） and different canopy conditions （77.62%±6.73）; the highest values were found during February to April for both the homegardens （96%±1.68） and green house （98% ± 0.88） and lowest during November to January （78%±2.99） in homegardens and May to July （90%：t：4.53） in green house. In case of transplanted seedlings in different canopy conditions, mean seasonal survival was highest during May to July （98%±1.92） and lowest during August to October （66%±12.81）. However, mean seasonal growth of collar diameter was highest in different canopy conditions （23.99%±1.76） compared to green house （21.52%±2.70） and homegardens （12.44%±1.33） and it was highest during rainy season （May to July） and lowest during dry winter （November to January） in all the three experi- mental sites. These variations may be due to the different microclimatic conditions as well as nutrient status of the soil in all the three experimen- tal sites. Although, seedling quality plays a great role in their survival and growth, based on the result of green house experiment, it can be concluded that maintenance of seedlings in green house conditions during their early growth period may improve both the survival and growth for large scale plantation of the species. Thus, the species can be reintroduced in its natural forest range to compensate the loss of natural population of this precious species in northeast India.

Characteristics and functions of traditional homegardens:a review

Traditional agroecosystems play an important role in the conservation of biodiversity and in sustainable development.As a typical type of traditional agroecosystem,traditional homegardens have been receiving increasing attention from scientists,especially ethnobotanists.They are considered as germplasm banks for many crops and other economic plants.They are also a key site for domestication of wild plants.Current ethnobotanical studies on homegardens focus on their structures,floristic composition,and contributions to their owners.Traditional homegardens often show complicated structures,diverse floristic compositions,multiple functions,low input(including labor and money),and ecological and socioeconomic sustainability.The characteristics and functions of traditional homegardens are closely related to many factors,such as their geographic location and the cultural backgrounds and socioeconomic conditions of their owners.Many researches on homegardens are conducted in the tropics.There are few studies on the dynamics of traditional homegardens,especially those located in temperate,arid and semi-arid zones.The dynamics of homegardens and the factors affecting these processes will be a fruitful field for future research.

Developing Homegarden Forestry:A Good Way to Prosperity for the Farmers

a Chinese women farmer’s account