Question

what's the importance of black pepper in an agroforestry system

Answer 1

Black pepper is the principal cash crop in the initial phase of agroforestry.

The Agroforestry system creates the natural situation in which mixed crops are planted in several layers providing biodiversity.

The bottom layer consists of vegetables and herbs , the shrubs are planted above them with spices such as black pepper but also berries and fruits. The upper layer consists of trees with fruit and nuts.

Farmers have practiced agroforestry since ancient times. This system contributes to the effective utilisation of land ,increased production and more profit to farmers.

Performance of the tree crops is better in this system when compared to monoculture.fodder crops, shade loving crops and shallow rooted crops can be grown economically.

'Black pepper' the king of spices, is a climbing perennial plant in the family Piperaceae.

Preferring hot and humid, tropical climates
to grow.Pepper plants grow best in a deep, well-draining soil with a good capacity to retain water.

The soil should be rich in organic matter with a pH between 5.5 and 6.0.

Since pepper can survive at different temperature level and it can provide shade to the growing plants and agriculture, it is ideal for agroforestry.

As black pepper grows better under humid condition,the water retaining capacity of the soil will provide more humidity to the other crops too.