ISSN:
1572-9680
Keywords:
interculture
;
agroforestry
;
mixed cropping
;
Sri Lanka
;
coconut
;
tea
;
rubber
;
spices
Source:
Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
Topics:
Agriculture, Forestry, Horticulture, Fishery, Domestic Science, Nutrition
Notes:
Abstract A survey on interculture research in Sri Lanka is outlined with details of species composition, spatial arrangement and justification for growing the crops as mixtures. The systems include interculture in tea, rubber and coconut plantations, spice gardens and alley cropping between leguminous tree crops. Soil conservation, generation of fuel and fodder, incentives for replanting and export diversification are some of the justifications put forward for interculture along with microclimate modification and reduction of pest incidence. The predominant expected yield criterion was some yield of associated intercrop with no reduction in tree crop yield rather than a land equivalence ratio of greater than unity. Major methodological problems were encountered due to lack of published information in mixture yields and the heterogeneity of experimental sites. Techniques for determining the biological basis of any yield advantage and the optimal spatial arrangement of intercrops were also missing.
Type of Medium:
Electronic Resource
URL:
http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/BF00045736
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