Abstract

This study is an attempt to examine the variation in tree cropping in home gardens in 4 villages in Kerala. A socioeconomic and land use survey was carried out in 247 households from where cropping pattern and tree growth details were recorded. A cropping intensity index appropriate for comparing mixed cropping agriculture was developed and separate intensities were worked out for seasonal and annual crops, perennial crops, tree crops and miscellaneous crops. Using the size class of land holdings asa proxy for economic status, comparisons were made between households in each village and between villages. No difference was observed in the cropping intensity of tree crops between size classes of land holding in all villages. However, density of treesshowed much variation. With the increase in the intensity of perennial crops, intensity of tree crops declines. When the combined intensity of perennial and tree crops was considered, the highest intensity was found in the smallest size class of holdingsin 3 out of 4 villages. Considering the intensity of all crops together, smaller holdings had relatively higher cropping intensities. Among trees in home gardens, the category of multipurpose trees accounted for 50-70 in different villages. The meannumber of trees per hectare was found to be significantly different between villages and between size classes of holdings. In all villages, decrease in tree diversity was noticed with decrease in size of holding. Socioeconomic factors, such as size of land holding, level and source of income, number of subsystems present in the home garden and their period of development (etc.) within the limits of agroclimatic and edaphic conditions, have contributed to the intensification of cultivation in home gardens. Multipurpose trees or trees with high value are preferred for new planting