Strategies in addressing the weaknesses/limitations of different agroforestry systems in the Philippines: fallow and multi-strorey systems

Professorial Chair Lecture

UPLB Faculty, Staff and Students Proofessorial Chair Award

Place

UPLB College of Forestry and Natural Resources College Laguna

Date

6-25-2001

Abstract

The limitations or drawbacks which restrict application of some major agroforestry systems in the Philippines and the suggested strategies to address such limitations/drawbacks were discussed. Major areas of research geared towards refinement or improvement of each system were also discussed. The agroforestry systems discussed include: a) fallow system exemplified by the traditional shifting cultivation; and b) various forms of multistory systems such as coconut-based multistory. coffee- or cacao-based multistory,: and homegardens. The identified major limitation in the fallow system is the decreasing trend in the length off allow period due to increasing upland population density. To cope with this problem, farmers have evolved indigenous fallow management strategies categorized under two major options: "effective" and "productive" fallow management strategies. The analog concept was also suggested as one approach in designing sustainable agroforests. Ten areas of research directed at fallow improvement were also presented. For multistory systems. the major problems identified include the non-intercropping in many of our coconut plantations despite the great potential for such endeavor: the above-ground and below-ground competition among the crop components; and the heavy shade-associated diseases in coffee- or cacao-based multistory systems. Five specific areas of research were suggested for the different multistory systems described. While the paper focused on the technical aspects. there are other equally important factors (e.g. socio-economic, political, institutional) that should also be considered holistically to enhance development and adoption of these agroforestry systems by the farmers.

Location

UPLB Main Library Special Collections Section

Call Number

Sp. Col.

Pages/Collation

19 leaves

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