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Degrading uplands in the rainforest region of Madagascar: Fallow biomass, nutrient stocks, and soil nutrient availability

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Abstract

Soil fertility restoration depends on natural fallows in the slash-and-burn system of eastern Madagascar. In the Beforona-Vohidrazana study zone, none of the fallow species are able to withstand the slashing, burning and cropping frequencies of 3–5 years. Eventually soils are abandoned for agriculture. Along the degradation sequence, this study quantifies fallow biomass, nutrient stocks and soil nutrient availability of four dominant fallow species Trema orientalis, Psiadia altissima, Rubus moluccanus, and Imperata cylindrica. At 3 years, the shrubs Psiadia and Rubus were more productive (11–14.4 t/ha aboveground biomass or AGB) than the tree species Trema (8.5 t/ha). Only after 5 years did tree productivity (24.7 t/ha) exceed that of shrubs (17–20 t/ha). Imperata’s biomass stagnated at 5.5 t/ha after 3 years. A sharp decline in fallow productivity was observed with advancing fallow cycles after deforestation. While Psiadia produced highest AGB in the second fallow cycle (C2) being 100%, C1 achieved 89% of that, C3 74%, and C4 only 29%. With the ability to propagate vegetatively and to accumulate important amounts of nutrients in roots, Rubus and Imperata, both exotic and invasive species, showed improved adaptation mechanisms towards frequent disturbances compared to the two indigenous species Trema and Psiadia. Available soil nutrients P, K, Mg were highest under forest and declined rapidly with increasing fallow cycles. Ca and pH rose momentarily in the first fallow cycle before declining with advanced soil use. Al concentrations increased steadily with time. As lengthened fallow periods are not practical, there is a need to intensify upland systems based on improved nutrient cycling, targeted inputs, fire-less land management, and land use diversification. Allowing regrading tree and bush fallows to accumulate biomass (above- and belowground carbon) will significantly improve Madagascar's greenhouse gas mitigation contribution.

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Acknowledgments

This research was supported by grants to the main author from CIIFAD (Cornell International Institute for Food, Agriculture and Development), LDI (Landscape Development Interventions Program, Madagascar), ISFE (International Foundation for the Promotion of Nutrition Research and Nutrition Education), Roche Research Foundation, and Jenny Foundation. The research could also benefit from the Bradfield Award, Ithaca, NY. We thank Professors Norman T. Uphoff, Max J. Pfeffer and David M. Bates from Cornell University, Glenn Lines from LDI, and Professor Paul Walter from University of Basel for their inspiration and committed support. Deep appreciation goes to the farmers Joela Randrianarison (Ambinanisahavolo), Boto Lezoma (Ambavaniasy), and Leporaka (Berano) who played a major role within the research team.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. P.O. 1792, Bamako, Mali

    Erika Styger

  2. Agriculture and Rural Development Department, The World Bank, 1818 H Street NW, Washington, DC, 20433, USA

    Erick C. M. Fernandes

  3. Assistance Technique ABC, Chemonics International, 156 Rue Charles de Gaulle, Tsiadana, Antananarivo, Madagascar

    Harivelo M. Rakotondramasy

  4. Circonscription des Eaux et Forêts (CIREF), Antalaha, Madagascar

    Eric Rajaobelinirina

  5. 440 R Street NW, Washington, DC, 20001, USA

    Erika Styger

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Styger, E., Fernandes, E.C.M., Rakotondramasy, H.M. et al. Degrading uplands in the rainforest region of Madagascar: Fallow biomass, nutrient stocks, and soil nutrient availability. Agroforest Syst 77, 107–122 (2009). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10457-009-9225-y

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