Agroforestry innovations for Imperata grassland rehabilitation

Twelve papers are published, resulting from a workshop in Banjarmasin, Indonesia, in January 1995, on solutions to more productive land uses for these grasslands, and on the research and development agenda for implementing these solutions in partnership with local communities. Subjects covered are: the geographical distribution, characteristics and typology of Imperata grasslands of tropical Asia; historical overview and current farmer perspectives on Imperata grasslands, with special reference to South Kalimantan, Indonesia; food crop-based production systems as sustainable alternatives for Imperata grasslands; Imperata management strategies used in smallholder rubber-based farming systems; the agroforestry alternative to Imperata grasslands; livestock production systems for Imperata grasslands; shade-based control of Imperata cylindrica using tree fallows and cover crops; herbicides and mechanical control of I. cylindrica as a first step in grassland rehabilitation; soil fertility management for reclamation of Imperata grasslnads by smallholder agroforestry; fire management of Imperata grasslands as part of agroforestry development in Indonesia; economic opportunities for smallholders to combine pulpwood trees and food crops; and Imperata economics and policy. Lastly, recommendations of the workshop are set out.