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Factors shaping plant diversity in traditional agroforestry system of dominant ethnic communities of upper Brahmaputra valley regions of Northeast India

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Abstract

The traditionally rich agroforestry systems are usually sustained on the basis of choice, need and importance of the plants. The traditional home gardens are usually the manifestation of indigenous communities long acquired understanding of and commitment to resource conservation based on their custom, religious beliefs and practices. The present study aims to assess plant species diversity and understand the key factors that affect the plant diversity of home garden agroforestry systems of three dominant ethnic communities viz. Bodo, Mishing and Sonowal Kachari residing in the unique floodplain system of Brahmaputra valley region of Assam, Northeast India. A total of 368 plant species were recorded with herbs being the most abundant (159 species) followed by trees (148 species) and shrubs (63 species). With 294 plant species, the Sonowal Kachari home gardens contributed to highest species richness, followed by Mishing (244 species) and Bodo tribe (214 species). Sorenson similarity index revealed high similarity in plant species composition between the Mishing and Sonowal Kachari home gardens. Because of its huge economic and cultural significance, Areca catechu L. was the predominant tree crop in all the ethnic group home gardens. Factors like home garden size and proximity of gardens to major roadways showed significant positive correlation with plant species richness and diversity, while duration of flood and ethnicity had a negative correlation with the same. The owner’s choice had a bearing on the plant species composition of the gardens on a smaller scale, however it was also affected by socio-economic and environmental factors on a broad scale. The information generated from the present study will help to develop a better understanding of the traditional agroforestry systems, preferences of the ethnic communities and development of home gardens towards achieving the greater goal of sustainable livelihood, while contributing to biodiversity conservation.

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Acknowledgements

The help and active cooperation received from the local villagers, council leaders and the field assistants during the field surveys is highly acknowledged. Mr. Saumitra Deb is thanked for help in preparation of the study area map. The Head, Department of Ecology and Environmental Science, Assam University, Silchar is acknowledged for his support.

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This work was self-financed since no external funding was received for the work.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Ecology and Environmental Science, Assam University, Silchar, Assam, 788 011, India

    Madhusmita Dutta, Panna Deb & Ashesh Kumar Das

  2. Centre for Biodiversity and Natural Resource Conservation, Assam University, Silchar, Assam, 788 011, India

    Panna Deb

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  1. Madhusmita Dutta
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  2. Panna Deb
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Conceptualization PD, AKD, Fieldwork MD, Analysis PD, MD, Drafting MD, review and editing PD, AKD and MD.

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Correspondence to Panna Deb.

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Dutta, M., Deb, P. & Das, A.K. Factors shaping plant diversity in traditional agroforestry system of dominant ethnic communities of upper Brahmaputra valley regions of Northeast India. Agroforest Syst 97, 727–738 (2023). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10457-023-00823-5

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