HRT 406: Agroforestry
Credit Hours: 2 (1+1)
Full Marks: 50 (Theory: 25, Practical: 25)
Course Objectives
Upon completion, students will be able to:
- Understand the principles and scope of agroforestry systems.
- Learn tree selection, improvement, and their roles in agroforestry.
- Identify different agroforestry systems and their classification.
- Analyze tree-crop interactions and quantify agroforestry products.
- Implement soil management practices under agroforestry.
- Design agroforestry systems using conceptual frameworks and diagnostic tools.
- Manage trees in relation to agricultural and silvicultural operations.
I. Syllabus Overview
- Concept, definition, importance, and scope of agroforestry.
- Tree selection, characteristics, and improvement for agroforestry.
- Classification and overview of agroforestry systems (AFS) in Nepal and globally.
- Tree-crop interaction: factors, types, and quantification.
- Soil-water conservation and fertility management.
- Designing agroforestry systems.
- Project development using ICFAF diagnostic methods.
- Management of trees in AFS.
II. Course Outline
A. Lectures (15)
| S.N. | Topic | Subtopic | No. of Lectures |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Concept of Agroforestry | Definition, importance, scope | 1 |
| 2 | Tree selection & improvement | Roles of trees, Characteristics for development | 2 |
| 3 | Agroforestry systems (AFS) | Classification & overview, Nepal & global AFS | 2 |
| 4 | Tree-crop interaction | Factors, types, quantifying agroforestry products | 2 |
| 5 | Soil management under AFS | Soil-water conservation, Soil fertility management | 2 |
| 6 | Designing AFS | Conceptual framework, Factors affecting design | 2 |
| 7 | Project development | ICFAF diagnosis & design, Diagnostic methods & tools | 2 |
| 8 | Management of trees in AFS | Agricultural & silvicultural operations | 2 |
| Total | 15 |
B. Practical (15)
| S.N. | Topic | Subtopic | No. of Practicals |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Tree selection & identification | High Hills, Mid Hills, Terai | 3 |
| 2 | Contour farming practice | – | 1 |
| 3 | Preparation of A-frames & determine contour lines | – | 1 |
| 4 | Layout of soil-water conservation systems | – | 1 |
| 5 | Nursery establishment for AFS | Collection & identification of seeds, nursery bed prep, seed sowing | 3 |
| 6 | Tree-clinic for AFS | – | 1 |
| 7 | Training & pruning of agroforestry trees | – | 1 |
| 8 | Height & canopy measurement of trees | – | 1 |
| 9 | Different AFS development | SALT & home garden | 1 |
| 10 | Establishment of Agroforestry farm | AFU | 1 |
| 11 | Visit to successful agroforestry projects | Local level | 1 |
| Total | 15 |
References
- Dwivedi, A.P. 1992. Agroforestry: Principles and Practices, Oxford & IBH Publishing, India.
- Chaundawat, B.S. & S.K. Gautam, 1996. Text of Agroforestry, Oxford & IBH Publishing, India.
- Singh, S.P. 1998. HandBook of Agroforestry, Agrotech Publishing Academy, India.
- Thapa, F. 2001. Nepalese Flora for Agroforestry Systems, S.B. Bhandari Publication, Nepal.
- Prakash, Ram. 1991. Propagation Practices of Important Indian Trees, International Book Distributions, India.
