Question

Productive, Protective & Multipurpose agroforestry systems are classified on the basis of _______ basis.

• A. Physiognomy
• B. Ecology
• C. Socioeconomic
• D. Functional

Hint:

Remember Nair's four main classification criteria:
1. Structural (nature of components and arrangement)
2. Functional (primary outputs like productive or protective)
3. Socioeconomic (scale of production/management)
4. Ecological (environmental conditions)

Answer 1

The Correct Option is D

Step 1: Understanding the Concept:
Agroforestry systems are classified into various groupings to facilitate systematic study and management.
According to the widely accepted classification scheme by Nair (1987), systems are grouped based on structural, functional, ecological, and socioeconomic criteria.

Step 2: Detailed Explanation:
- Functional classification is based on the primary role or output of the system.
- Under this classification:
1. Productive systems focus on producing food, fodder, fuelwood, or timber (e.g., shifting cultivation, plantation crop combinations).
2. Protective systems aim to conserve soil, water, and wind barriers (e.g., windbreaks, shelterbelts, soil conservation hedges).
3. Multipurpose systems provide a combination of both productive and protective benefits.
- Physiognomic classification refers to the structural arrangement of plants, ecological classification refers to environmental zones, and socioeconomic classification relates to management intensity.

Step 3: Final Answer:
Therefore, these systems are classified on a functional basis.