ADAPTABILITY OF ALLEY CROPPING TECHNOLOGY IN RAINFED UPLAND CROPPING SYSTEM IN THE DRY ZONE OF SRI LANKA

Abstract

A long term experiment was started in farmer's fields to determine the adaptability of alleycropping technology in rain-fed upland cropping systems in the dry zone of Sri Lanka. Acomprehensive analysis of environmental, technical, economical, and social aspects of thetechnology evaluates adaptability of this new technology. The results of the first threeyears of experimentation showed that the alley cropping technique was socially acceptableto rain-fed farmers and environmentally sound as it sustains crop yields, reduces grassyweeds and produces a considerable amount of fire-wood. Technically, the operations, suchas collection of Gliricidia seeds, nursery management, field planting and management ofGliricidia hedgerows were not feasible under farm conditions due to absence of wildGliricidia trees, lack of water, timeliness in rain-fed cropping practices and limitations intimely availability of labour. The cost and benefit analysis showed that the new techniquewas not economically viable during first three years of implementation. Therefore.adaptability of alley cropping technology to rain-fed upland cropping systems in the Dryzone is poor mainly due to the technical and economical difficulties of subsistencefarming. Further studies are required to determine the long-term adaptability of alleycropping.