Informations et ressources scientifiques
sur le développement des zones arides et semi-arides

Titre : Influence of an invasive species prosopis juliflora on the structure and functional attributes of native ecosystems in the southern districts of Tamil Nadu

Auteur : Sarasvathi, K

Université de soutenance : Madurai Kamraj University

Grade : Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Botany 2014

Summary
Prosopis juliflora, an invasive species tend to offer several valuable ecosystem services. On the other hand, it also threatens the ecology and economy of livelihood in its invaded range. Thus in present study, ecosystem-specific influence of P. juliflora in selected ecosystems of southern Tamil Nadu was analyzed. The economic valuations of goods offered by P. juliflora and cost-benefit analysis of charcoal production were obtained through semi-structured interviews. Besides, the field observations and laboratory analysis of nutrients were also used to estimate services and disservices of P. juliflora in the selected ecosystems. The results showed that P. juliflora supports livelihood of local people mainly through fuel wood, charcoal and fodder. In particular, the people in fallow land ecosystem derived maximum benefits from the productive services of P. juliflora where 94% of people solely depend on P. juliflora fuel wood for cooking and 92% of people reported that three-fourth of their cattle feed was fulfilled by P. juliflora. They also use it as live fence and construction pole. However, disservices of P. juliflora such as reduction in water table, ground cracking, mechanical disturbance, thorn injury and vehicle damage by thorns were also recorded in the selected ecosystems. According to local people’s perception and field observations, it was found that the soil quality was deteriorated in due course. As a result, the invaded soil did not support the crop growth and yield even after the complete eradication of P. juliflora. The only way to control P. juliflora is to imply local policies. Weedy growth should be harvested regularly. This will provide monetary benefit to local people. The plantations with better germplasm of P. juliflora and thorn less P. alba can be established in barren lands. The marketing of products can be regulated through government agency to sustain the ecology and economy of semi-arid tracts in Tamil Nadu.

Présentation et version intégrale (Shodhganga)