EVALUATING THE POTENTIAL OF AGRO-FORESTRY SYSTEMS TO SUPPORT SUSTAINABLE SMALL RUMINANT PRODUCTION IN TAMIL NADU'S DRY LAND TRACT

Abstract

An in-depth investigation was carried out to determine the potential of Silvipasture in supporting sustainable small ruminant production within Tamil Nadu's dry land tract. The study centered on a one-acre plot, where tree components Gliricidia sps. and Leucaena leucocephala were selected, and Cenchrus ciliaris, Stylo hamata, and Stylo scabraas were used for pasture establishment, with a seed ratio of 3:1:1. Biomass yield was recorded every two months over a three-year period, with annual yields ranging between 35-37 metric tons. The results indicated that the biomass yield from Gliricidia sps was greater than that of Leucaena leucocephala, and the yield from the grass and leguminous component through the cut and carry system was sufficient to meet the nutrient requirements of both sheep and goats, as per the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS). This Silvipasture system could therefore sustain around 16-18 sheep or 12-14 goats, providing farmers with an economically viable approach to increasing revenue from their land and maintaining sustainable small ruminant production..