TITLE:
Diversity of Agroforestry Systems Associated with Vegetable Plots in the Municipality of Thionck-Essyl (Bignona Department, Senegal)
AUTHORS:
Ndiouga Sarr Badji, Ismaila Coly, Omar Sane
KEYWORDS:
Characterization, Agroforestry Systems, Thionck-Essyl, Market Gardening Plots
JOURNAL NAME:
American Journal of Plant Sciences,
Vol.14 No.2,
February
22,
2023
ABSTRACT: In Senegal, as in the sub-Saharan zone, tree and
shrub species are generally introduced into the fields and thus constitute an
integral part of agricultural, forestry, and pastoral production systems called
agroforestry systems. With a view to better management of these systems, this
study aimed to contribute to a better understanding of these agrarian systems
in Lower Casamance. To this end, surveys of woody vegetation were conducted in
seven (07) of the 14 market garden blocks in the commune of Thionck-Essyl. On
the basis of a survey rate of 25% in relation to the surface area, 15 square
plots of 2500 m2 each
were installed. The woody flora of these agroforestry systems included 31
species divided into 25 genera belonging to 14 botanical families. The basal
area, the cover rate, and the observed density of woody plants are respectively
6 m2·ha-1;
46% and 67% individuals ha-1. The most frequent species in these agroforestry
systems are Elaeis guineensis Jacq. (85%), Citrus sinensis (L.) Osbeck (71%) and Mangifera indica L. (71%). The dominant height class is [2 -
4 m] with 23% of the woody stand in these agroforestry systems. The horizontal
structure is characterized by a good representation of individuals with a
diameter between 5 and 15 cm (31%). This study constitutes the basis of
information necessary for more rational management of these agrarian systems so
important in the life of the populations of the commune of Thionck-Essyl.