Studies on the plant diversity of the agroforestry systems in agastheeshwaram taluk kanyakumari district tamil nadu india

Abstract

In the realm of agroforestry, homegardens and other multistrata, multispecies association occupy an odd place. Homegardens are diverse agricultural systems in which grow a mixture of multipurpose trees and shrubs in intimate association with annual and perennial agricultural crops and livestock. The present study was conducted in Agastheeswaram taluk of Kanyakumari district, at a distance of ca. 10 km away from Nagercoil, the capital of the district. The vegetation analysis was done by quadrat method. The density, frequency, basal area and importance value index (IVI) were computed. The distribution pattern of species was determined by computing Whitford index. The dominance-distribution pattern was determined at both the species and family levels. The Shannon diversity index, Simpson dominance index, Evenness index and Whitaker index were determined. Floristically, a total of 348 plant species belonging to 256 genera and 82 families were recorded in 4 village homegardens of Agastheeshwaram taluk, Kanyakumari district. Fabaceae was the dominant family, with 17 genera and 25 species was the dominant family recorded from the present study. Of these, 66 were trees, 70 shrubs, 63 climbers/creepers including lianas, 128 herbs and 21 grasses. Of the 82 families, 80 belonged to angiosperms and 1 each to gymnosperms and pteridophytes respectively. This survey mainly focuses on the floristic diversity in and between homegardens. With regard to species diversity, it is recommended to study the site for at least a full year, so that seasonality can be taken into account. This is particularly important for the life cycle of the crops and other environmental conditions, for example, the availability of water throughout the year. A more thorough survey over a longer period of time might also give a better view on the role of the homegarden in the economic network of the village.