Silvipasture Research in India - A Review

Abstract

Due to increase in human and livestock population of India, the pressure on land is increasing day by day to get food, fodder, fuel wood, timber, etc. Therefore, the existing natural resources are deteriorating and creating the land degradation. To minimize the land degradation and fulfil the demand of fuel wood, timber, green and dry forages for human and livestock in the country, silvipastoral system has been identified as an ideal alternative. Research works reported in the literature on various aspects such as forage production from under story, leaf fodder and fuel wood through pruning of trees, total production from the system, livestock production, soil amelioration, change in microclimate and economics of the system have been collected and discussed in this review. Studies revealed that total biomass and livestock production per unit area and per unit time can be enhanced manifold through silvipastoral system as compared to grazing lands available in the present situation. The physical and chemical properties of the soils can also be improved through this system. However, the deficiencies observed in research have been given for future line of research work so that sustainable production can be obtained.