Hardwickia binata based silvipasture systems: Ideal for sustainable forage production on degraded lands

Abstract

The productivity of degraded grazing lands in arid and semi-arid regions under rainfed conditions is often poor because of the dominance of low yielding annual grasses and lack of suitable fodder tree species. In this context, introduction of suitable drought resistant grasses along with trees can play a vital role in improving the productivity of degraded grazing lands. Hardwickia binata Roxb. is considered to be an important multipurpose tree species suitable for forage and wood production in semi-arid regions of India. It provides good quality nutritious fodder rich in crude protein and also provide extremely hard, heavy and durable timber in addition to high quality fuel-wood. In semi-arid regions where erratic rainfall and recurrent drought is the common phenomenon,
development of Hardwickia binata based silvipasture systems are recommended to increase system productivity, enhancing fodder availability and improving soil fertility. In this system, grasses provide green forage during monsoon season and H. binata provide top feed during winter and summer seasons. Further, soil quality was improved via leaf litter decomposition and nitrogen fixation by leguminous tree Hardwickia binata.