Ununderstood Benefits of Agroforestry with Mahogany Trees in India:
Agroforestry practice with Mahogany tree farming in India can bring farmers a lot of benefits. Benefits which are not clearly delivered or explained or understood. Planting trees randomly around the farm or in the field of the farm is a very old practice. Practice which was stopped many years back. This article throws light on beneficial effects of Mahogany tree plantation and the method of Mahogany tree plantation using science derived suggestions & solutions.
- Habitat & Food
- Soil Biological Activity
- Soil Maintenance
- Water Regulation
- Shade & Wind Protection
- Carbon Sequestration
- Improved Crop Productivity
- Revenue Diversification
Let us discuss the benefits one by one.
READ : HOW FARMER CAN EARN FROM GENERATING CARBON CREDIT
HABITAT & FOOD:
- Mahogany trees create a home or shelter for birds, insects etc.
- Mahogany trees create a continuity with natural forest area
- Mahogany trees attracts insects means increase in pollination and that means natural propagation of species
- Home & Food for birds. Continuing food chain.
- Supports local genetic heritage as well
BIOLOGICAL ACTIVITY OF SOIL:
- Decomposed parts of Mahogany tree ie leaves and root increase the organic matter in soil
- High organic matter in soil increases the biodiversity in the soil and restarts the cycle of soil rejuvenation.
- Growth of microbial activity in the soil, especially fungi, makes the soil more nutritious.
SOIL MAINTENANCE:
- Enough of Mahogany trees means protection of soil from heavy rain force.
- More Mahogany trees means protection of soil from heavy wind, which means less soil erosion.
- Mahogany tree roots bring more water into soil. Increases soil’s water holding capacity as well.
- In the presence of an adequate amount of water, roots bring stability to the structure of soil.
WATER REGULATION:
- Soil needs appropriate structure & texture in order to allow the seepage of water into the deeper part of earth. Mahogany tree roots make the soil appropriate for this process.
- By holding nitrates and other impurities, Mahogany roots allow delivery of clean water to the reserves.
SHADE & WIND PROTECTION:
- Mahogany trees provide shade to the intercrops.
- Further they slow down the wind as well.
- The canopy of Mahogany tree prevents excessive evaporation of water from plants and soil below.
CARBON SEQUESTRATION:
- First, Mahogany trees absorb CO2 directly from the atmosphere throughout their lives.
- Secondly, dead parts of Mahogany trees like shaded leaves and branches also increase the soil carbon pool.
IMPROVED CROP PRODUCTIVITY:
- Insects, Birds, protection from rain force & heavy wind, Carbon stabilization into soil and all other factors mentioned above create a very favorable ecosystem.
- Such an ecosystem which resembles nature permits great growth of crops.
REVENUE DIVERSIFICATION:
- Income from carbon credits
- Income from seeds/fruits/flower
- Income from border plantation
- Income from intercrop
Mahogany trees are best identified tree species to establish and propagate the biodiversity in the nature of southern USA, south america and africa. Indian mahogany has also existed for years. But in order to bring best commercial benefits to farmers, Mahargh advocates planting african mahogany (swietenia mahogany) under its contract farming activity.