Living Fences, a Widespread Agroforestry Practice in Sri Lanka: Two Cases from Dry and Intermediate Zones

The study was conducted to examine the structure and composition of live fence agroforestry practices in two regions of Sri Lanka and to identify key ecosystem system services provided by them. The studies were conducted in the Katupotha in Kurunegala district and Hingurakgoda in Polonnaruwa district. Species composition including dominance, diversity and sinusial formation were evaluated. Highest average relative importance, relative frequency and dominance values were obtained by Wetahira (Gliricidia sepium), Wetaendaru (Jataropha curcus) and Sudu araliya (Plumeria obtusa) at Katupotha and Teak (Tectona grandis), Wetahira (Gliricidia sepium), Ipil-ipil (Leucaena leucocephala), Neem (Azadiracta indica) and Yakadamaran (Syzygium zeylanicum) at Hingurakgoda. The RIV value shows that live fences of Katupotha was dominated by typical (structural) live fence trees (Over 90% dominance) whereas live fences at Hingurakgoda was dominated by high value timber trees (Over 60% dominance). The results indicate that living fences have high species diversity. A total of 72 species were recorded from the living fences in two sites. Live fences at Hingurakgoda were often more diverse than Katupotha although the total number of species recorded at Katupotha site (68) was more than that of Hingurakgoda (25). 21 out of 25 (84%) species recorded at Hingurakgoda were also recorded from Katupotha. Hence species reported at Hingurakgoda is almost a subset of species identified from living fences at Katupotha. The Index of Similarity for two sites (plant communities) was 0.58 as 21 out of 72 (29%) species were found common to both sites. The study clearly shows that live fences in addition to acting as protective structures against theft of homegarden produce, entry of stray animals and encroachments also could make further contributions to the environment and mankind due to high biodiversity. They include provisioning of timber, food, medicine, fruits, vegetables and fodder for livestock regulatory functions such as shade, windbreak and enrichment of soil fertility and cultural services such as visual amenity due to having ornamental plants. Further this study indicates that there is lot of potential for further enriching these live fences to better perform ecosystem services. Since live fences are a common farming practice spanning all agro-ecological regions of Sri Lanka, they could serve as a place for conservation of species and tool for identification and evaluation of species for different regions and purposes

Bioremediation for water purification· A case study at St. Coombs Lake, Talawakelle

Phytorernediation is one of the most eco friendly and innovative techniques to remove pollutants fromsoi I and water in agricu Itural areas. Th is study explored potentials ofbioremediation for water purificationat Tea Research Institute of Sri Lanka through monitoring water quality of St. Coombs lake andthrough several glasshouse and laboratory experiments for validating the resu Its during the period ofNovember 2004- February of2005.The water qual ity parameters such as pH, nitrate, phosphate, iron and total col iforrns at 35 DC / 100 rnland Escherichia coli at 44° C / 100 ml were monitored during dry and rainy periods. The possiblecauses for water pollution of the lake were also monitored. Nitrate pollution was greater during rainyperiods since higher contribution of erosion and runoff. Higher levels of total coliforms and Escherichiacoli were observed in both seasons. Five plant species traditionally known to have phytorernedialproperties i.e. Kang kong (Ipomea aquaticai, Giant reed (Arunda danax), Water hyacinthiEichhornia cracipesi, Bulrush (Scirpus lacustris) and Kurnbuk (Terminalia arjuna) wereevaluated for nutrient absorption. The histology of Kumbuk and Tea roots were assessed for theiranatomical attributes to the biorernediation properties.The differences in root anatomical traits in different plant species lead to differences in nutrient andwater absorption. Kang kong, Water hyacinth and Bulrush showed better performances in nutrientabsorption. The results supported the potentials and technical attributes to common biorernediationplant species in purification of water. These attempts would be environmentally and user friendly, costeffective as well as aesthetic advantages and long-term applicability compared to chemical treatments.

BIOLOGICAL AND CHEMICAL PROPERTIES OF "VERMIWASH", NATURAL PLANT GROWTH SUPPLEMENT FOR TEA, COCONUT AND HORTICULTURAL CROPS

Earthworms have been well exploited in agriculture worldwide inmaximizing crop production for many years. Amongst vermin-technology(Vermitech) practices, Vermiwash (Vw) has shown its field efficacy withmany crops. Vw is the wash of earthworm's celomic fluid and calcareouslayer and the watery extract of the bedding materials, which is known tocontain ample amounts of soluble macro and micronutrients, natural growthhormones, beneficial microbes, vitamins and amino acids etc. andnematicidal properties. However, the attributes to beneficial agronomicvalues of Vw have not yet been scientifically validated fully although thispractice is extensively being expanded in India and Sri Lanka. Therefore, thepresent study investigated the biological and chemical properties of elevensources of Vw resulted from different earthworm species and raw materials indifferent farms in Sri Lanka. Vw was tested as a source for hydroponics forlettuce in comparison with the Albert solution. The efficacy of regular foliarand soil applications of Vw on bush bean (Variety: Top crop), tomato(Variety: Thilina), nursery tea (cultivar: TRI 4071) and coconut (Variety:DxT) was also evaluated in comparison with vermicompost and conventionalchemical inputs in a series of bioassays.The results of analyses revealed varying levels of biological and chemicalproperties of the test samples but within the optimal range for plant growth.Vw exhibited significantly lower levels of N, P, K but was rich in Ca, Mg,Zn, Fe and Mn; pH and CEC were also in the required ranges. Vwsignificantly (p=0.05) influenced the soil microbial biomass althoughindividual microorganisms were not identified; microbial biomass of Vw andcontrol were estimated as 4.95 and 3.20 x 10-3 mg C02/day/25g soilrespectively. Vw proved as a better alternate source to Albert solution forlettuce growth under hydroponic culture. The root length, root and shootbiomass and total leaf area of bush bean were significantly (p=0.05) affectedby Vw application compared to that of vermin-compost and synthetic fertilizer treatments. In nursery tea, Vw application lead to comparativelygreater callusing of tea cuttings but the increase in root formation and shootgrowth was not significant. Vw application boosted growth of coconutseedlings. However, no positive responses were seen with tomato.The data suggested the potential exploitation of Vw in home gardening,indoor and container planting, biodynamic and organic farming etc. as afarmer friendly, culturally sensitive and economically viable natural product.Further work on attributes to plant growth such as determination of growthhormones, different doses and mass production of uniform quality Vw usingdifferent earthworm species and raw materials etc. would strengthen itssustainable use as an alternative growth supplement

Perceptions of buffer zone villagers on conservation of Knuckles forest range

Conservation measures and policies implemented by the state in the Knuckles forest have traditionallyignored the fact that human survival systems offringe communities are largely based on resources ofthe forest. Thus, there is a constant conflict between the interests of the state and those of theperipheral communities. However, there is a growing trend to incorporate communities in forestmanagement through such approaches as JFM and CFM.The objective of the present study was to determine the perceptions of villagers on the KnucklesConservation Zone (KCZ) declared in 2000 as the declaration had led to significant changes in thelanduse patterns and Iivel ihoods in the buffer zone vi lIages.The study showed that the villagers have a very low level of awareness about KCZ and the policiesrelating to it. For example, of the 60 activities prohibited in the forest, the villagers could name onlysix. Villagers could not explain the reasons for the establishment of the KCZ or when it was declared.A significant communication gap exists between the communities and the Forest Department, whichin the long run could have detrimental effects on the conservation goals. The usage of most NTFPshas reduced to less than half of what it was before the establishment of KCZ. The community hasalso lost some land, particularly chena lands to KCZ. With this prohibition, a significant share of theirincome was lost but no alternative means of income were provided. People have self-adjusted bygrowing vegetables on paddy lands during Yala. There were mixed responses when people wereasked about the specific aspects of the KCZ policy. The changes suggested by villagers focused onreestablishing forest resource use patterns similar to what they enjoyed before the establishment ofKCZ. However, what is most significant is that they all support the conservation of the forest.Although, the Forest Department and the peripheral communities agree on conserving the Knucklesforest, there is no effective mechanism yet in place to include the communities in the conservation ofthe KCZ. As forest conservation in the long run depends on the active cooperation of the society ingeneral and peripheral communities in particular as evident from other parts of the world and in SriLanka, a strong case can be made for the initiation of a joint approach to the management of KCZincluding all stakeholders among whom the buffer zone villagers playa significant role.

Perceptions of buffer zone villagers on conservation of Knuckles forest range

Conservation measures and policies implemented by the state in the Knuckles forest have traditionallyignored the fact that human survival systems offringe communities are largely based on resources ofthe forest. Thus, there is a constant conflict between the interests of the state and those of theperipheral communities. However, there is a growing trend to incorporate communities in forestmanagement through such approaches as JFM and CFM.The objective of the present study was to determine the perceptions of villagers on the KnucklesConservation Zone (KCZ) declared in 2000 as the declaration had led to significant changes in thelanduse patterns and Iivel ihoods in the buffer zone vi lIages.The study showed that the villagers have a very low level of awareness about KCZ and the policiesrelating to it. For example, of the 60 activities prohibited in the forest, the villagers could name onlysix. Villagers could not explain the reasons for the establishment of the KCZ or when it was declared.A significant communication gap exists between the communities and the Forest Department, whichin the long run could have detrimental effects on the conservation goals. The usage of most NTFPshas reduced to less than half of what it was before the establishment of KCZ. The community hasalso lost some land, particularly chena lands to KCZ. With this prohibition, a significant share of theirincome was lost but no alternative means of income were provided. People have self-adjusted bygrowing vegetables on paddy lands during Yala. There were mixed responses when people wereasked about the specific aspects of the KCZ policy. The changes suggested by villagers focused onreestablishing forest resource use patterns similar to what they enjoyed before the establishment ofKCZ. However, what is most significant is that they all support the conservation of the forest.Although, the Forest Department and the peripheral communities agree on conserving the Knucklesforest, there is no effective mechanism yet in place to include the communities in the conservation ofthe KCZ. As forest conservation in the long run depends on the active cooperation of the society ingeneral and peripheral communities in particular as evident from other parts of the world and in SriLanka, a strong case can be made for the initiation of a joint approach to the management of KCZincluding all stakeholders among whom the buffer zone villagers playa significant role.