Influences of Biotic Factors on Productivity of Homegarden Agroforestry System

Abstract

In a study of influences of biotic factors on the productivity of homegardens biotic factors were classified into three classes viz., complementary, supplementary and intervening factors. It is found that structure, composition, management and productivity of home gardens depend upon several interlinking socio-economic-cultural, ecological and policy and institutional factors. Intervening factors are the foremost deciding factor in the homegarden management system and its survival. Sustainability and stability of homegarden is ensured, when the positive effects are equal or higher than the negative effects of the system. The prevailing imbalance in the system is caused by dominance of intervening factor. Market price, government policy and labour issues play vital in creating imbalance in the system.