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Evolution of agroforestry in the Xishuangbanna region of tropical China

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Abstract

A review of agroforestry practices in one lowland and one highland community of Xishuangbanna [Yunnan, P.R. China] has been carried out. Multilayer homegardens and taungya for fuelwood in the lowlands, tea shaded by natural forest and shellac production in a swidden farming system in the highlands are described. The extention of these agroforestry systems in Xishuangbanna is analyzed.

Farming systems are facing problems related to shifting cultivation and to a rapid development of rubber which induce a negative evolution of these agroforestry systems.

New agroforestry patterns based on Chinese research work, with rubber trees or with shade medicinal plants, are in extension in villages and in state farms.

Résumé

Un inventaire des systèmes agroforestiers du Xishuangbanna [Yunnan, R.P. Chine] a été réalisé: jardins à plusieurs étages et production de bois feu par système de taungya dans un village de plaine, thé à l'ombre de forêt naturelle et production de gomme-lacque dans un système d'agriculture sur brûlis dans un village de montagne.

Les systèmes de production sont confrontés aux problèmes liés à l'agriculture sur brûlis, et au développement de l'hévéa. Il en résulte des évolutions négatives de ces practiques agroforestières.

De nouveaux modèles agroforestiers, à base d'hévéa ou de plantes médicinales d'ombre, se développent dans les villages et dans les fermes d'état á la suite des travaux de la recherche chinoise.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Laboratory of tropical botany, Montpellier University, France

    C. Saint-Pierre

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  1. C. Saint-Pierre
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Saint-Pierre, C. Evolution of agroforestry in the Xishuangbanna region of tropical China. Agroforest Syst 13, 159–176 (1991). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00140239

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00140239

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