Keywords:

Abstract:

The study assessed NPK (Nitrogen, Phosphorus, Potassium) transferred through litter from forest to
farmlands, forest product extraction systems and farmers' perceptions on forest dependency for
maintaining farm fertility in Lete and Kunjo, Mustang (high mountain) and Tibrekot, Kaski (mid-hill
region), Nepal. NPK in composite samples of forest litter were determined by standard methods.
Questionnaire survey of randomly selected households (HH) (25% of 138 in Mustang and 14.15% of 212
HHs in Kaski), key informant survey and field observations were conducted to solicit socio-economic
and resource use information. In Lete, each HH collected 582 kg Pinus wallichiana needles, made
compost and transferred 3.84, 0.54 and 2.99 kg N, P and K to 0.7965 ha whereas in Kunjo, each HH
collected higher (2162 kg) which transferred 19.66, 1.84 and 10.39 kg respectively to 0.55 ha farmlands
per year, indicating higher dependency of Kunjo farmers for maintaining soil fertility. Forest product
extraction was regulated by a local Conservation Area Management Committee consisting of ward
representatives and Mukhiyas. All HHs depended on forest for maintaining soil fertility with 85.29%
totally depending on forest while 14.71% also used some chemical fertilizers. In Hemja, each HH
collected 250 kg leaf litter of mainly Schima-Castonopsis and transferred 11.08, 1.26 and 5.86 kg of N, P
and K respectively, and 612 kg grass, transferred 16.27, 2.22 and 11.42 kg respectively per year to
farmlands (0.1538 ha upland- Bari and 0.2383 lowland- Khet per HH). The litter and grass collection was
regulated by operational plan and constitution of Tibrekot Community Forest. In both regions, peoples’
dependency on forest resources was decreasing (according to 73.5% HHs in Mustang and 60% in
Kaski) because of change in lifestyle and decrease in dependency on agriculture and livestock. Detailed
study regarding effects of removal of leaf litter/grass on the functional aspect of forest ecosystem in the
Nepalese context is recommended.

Attachment	Size
Articles forest and nutrients transfer.pdf	200.12 KB