Introduction of Bambusa tulda Roxb. along with shifting cultivation as a sustainable bioresource in North East India

Abstract

Bambusa tulda Roxb. (synonym Dendrocalamus tulda), commonly known as Bengal bamboo or Indian timber bamboo, is a tropical species found in North East (NE) India of length up to 25 m (80 ft) having a thick hollow stem and clump. The length, strength, rapid growth and availability in huge clusters make the species an excellent choice for many domestic and commercial purposes. It has considerable usage in handicrafts and construction. The tender shoots are also being harvested by many tribals of NE India as a food delicacy. The present study focuses on introducing this bamboo along with shifting cultivation as a counter-measure to soil erosion. The bamboo species can be cultivated either along the edge of a field during crop cultivation or inside the field after crop harvest to avoid competition. Either way, the bamboo species can grow in abundance and prevent soil erosion, besides providing several bamboo products which can be a sustainable biore-source. Vegetative method of bamboo propagation involves cutting the premature side stem along with its fully functional roots to be planted apart from its parent cluster. The traditional practice also includes cutting down and burning the bamboo to enrich the soil with phosphate before chilli cultivation.