S. M. Kamran Ashraf

Black gram ( Vigna mungo L.) productivity in the acidic soils of northeastern Bangladesh is constrained by micronutrient deficiency and poor nutrient availability. However, evidence on the combined foliar use of boron and humic acid under such conditions remains limited. A field experiment was conducted at Moulvibazar using a split‐plot with four levels of boron and humic acid (0–2.0 g·L ⁻¹ ). Growth, phenological, yield, and biomass traits of black gram (BARI Mash‐3) were analyzed using linear mixed‐effects models, and correlation analyses. The results showed that boron and humic acid significantly improved growth and yield attributes, with strong interaction effects. Boron at 1.0 g·L ⁻¹ produced the highest 1000‐seed weight (55.76 g) and grain yield (1.48 t·ha ⁻¹ ), representing a yield increase of about 22% over the control. Humic acid at 1.0 g·L ⁻¹ enhanced plant height (36.0 cm), seed weight (53.43 g), and yield (1.35 t·ha ⁻¹ ). The combined treatment B ₃ × H ₃ resulted in superior performance, recording the maximum grain yield (up to 1.63 t·ha ⁻¹ in the first cycle) and biomass yield (2.45 t·ha ⁻¹ ), driven by higher pod number, shoot dry weight, and root length. Yield showed strong positive correlations with root length ( r = 0.78) and 1000‐seed weight ( r = 0.77). The results indicate that combined boron and humic acid application effectively improves black gram productivity and nutrient‐use efficiency in the acidic soils of Bangladesh.

Agroforestry offers opportunities to combine nature conservation and agricultural economic yield. In the tropics, agroforestry is often implemented in lands derived from the conversion of forest or the utilization of barren land. We assessed the influence of previous land-use practices on stand structures and income generated from different agroforests in Bangladesh’s Sal (Shorea robusta) forest region. The ecological data were collected from the selected plots with various measuring instruments (measuring tape, relascopes, etc.), and the economic data were generated from surveys among the farmers, group discussions, and previous research works in the study area. The tree basal area was high in forest (32.1 m²/ha) and in forest-derived agroforestry plots (25.7 m²/ha). In fallow land, basal area was 7.2 m²/ha and in fallow-derived agroforestry 17 m²/ha. Thus, in tree basal area and other stand structural variables such as canopy cover, a clear pattern with previous land-use was revealed. According to interviews with the farmers, the economic outcome obtained by cultivating pineapple, ginger, and other crops was around 3000 €/ha/year with no statistically significant difference between forest-derived and fallow-derived agroforestry. Our data suggest that tree canopy cover is income-neutral in these agroforestry systems. The findings suggest options for income generation in forests, which in terms of nature conservation would stand for degradation. It underscores the opportunities for agroforestry on former fallow land, which offers win–win solutions for improving human livelihoods and ecosystem restoration.

This paper explores the role of agroforestry in sequestering atmospheric carbon in the tropics and subtropics, specifically in the Madhupur Sal forest of Bangladesh. Agroforestry, combining trees with crops on agricultural lands, is recognized for its potential to act as a carbon sink and enhance productivity. The study assesses various agroforestry practices, including acacia–pineapple–turmeric–papaya, acacia–pineapple–ginger–banana, and sal–pineapple–aroid combinations. This study innovatively assessed both the carbon sequestration and economic viability of agroforestry in the Madhupur Sal forest, presenting a sustainable land-use model that balances environmental benefits and farm profitability. The research reveals improved farm productivity in these agroforestry systems, with different tree species sequestering varying amounts of carbon. Acacia species, ranging from 12 to 25 ft in height, sequestered an average of 23.35 lbs/year, while sal species (Shorea robusta), with trees 45 to 61 ft tall, sequestered 49.80 lbs/year on average. Factors such as tree height, diameter at breast height (DBH), number of leaves, and branches influence carbon sequestration. The paper suggests that the carbon sequestration (CS) potential of agroforestry results in greenhouse gas emission reduction in Bangladesh. By emphasizing the profitability of these practices alongside carbon sequestration, the study encourages the adoption of agroforestry as a sustainable and economically viable strategy.

Agroforestry holds significant promise for offering substantial benefits to the Garo ethnic community, who are recognized as one of the primary indigenous groups in the Madhupur region with distinct cultural identities. Given the integral role of community involvement in agroforestry management, particularly in relation to gender dynamics, this study sought to analyze the gender role of Garo men and women in adopting and managing agroforestry practices. Data were gathered from 70 Garo tribal farmers (37 male and 33 female) across six villages practicing various agroforestry techniques in the Madhupur Sal forest area. Using a mixed-methods approach that incorporated semi-structured questionnaires, focus group discussions, key informant interviews, and direct observations, the study identified prevalent agroforestry practices featuring various tree-crop combinations. These included Akashmoni (Acacia auriculiformis) paired with Pineapple (Ananas comosus) and Ginger (Zingiber officinale), as well as other combinations such as Akashmoni-Pineapple-Turmeric, Akashmoni-Pineapple-Papaya, and Akashmoni-Pineapple-Aroid. Both men and women exhibited a moderate to high level of involvement in agroforestry programs, with decision-making processes shared between genders. However, challenges were encountered, particularly by women from ethnic minority backgrounds, including limited technical knowledge, financial resources, and labor availability. Despite these obstacles, both Garo men and women expressed a keen interest in agroforestry practices as a means to enhance their income and livelihoods, forming gender-based partnerships to address associated challenges in a changing socioeconomic landscape.

Agroforestry enhances livelihoods, conserves biodiversity, and mitigates climate change but faces adoption challenges. This study uniquely addresses a gap in existing research by specifically analyzing the socioeconomic determinants of agroforestry adoption among pineapple farmers in Bangladesh's Moulvibazar and Tangail districts—a context where such crop‐focused adoption studies are scarce. A survey of 300 respondents was conducted, and data were collected through structured questionnaires and interviews, capturing demographic, economic, and institutional variables. Principal component analysis (PCA), decision tree analysis, and structural equation modeling (SEM) were employed due to their ability to reduce data dimensionality, identify interaction patterns, and test complex relationships among latent variables, respectively—analytical strengths that conventional regression lacks in capturing multidimensional adoption drivers. The results revealed significant regional differences: Tangail exhibited higher land ownership (9.36 ha on average), annual income (6001.89 USD), and institutional support, while Moulvibazar showed greater awareness (97.22%) and training participation (89.18%). Land size, education, and extension services were identified as significant factors influencing adoption rates, with smallholders in Tangail achieving 90% adoption when supported by training and institutional services. The PCA identified total land and training as primary contributors, while SEM highlighted education (−0.46), total land (0.55), and training (0.25) as key determinants. Despite higher incomes, Tangail's greater income inequality (Gini 0.5974 vs. 0.2926) highlights the need for inclusive benefit‐sharing mechanisms. Barriers such as lack of capital, limited market access, and inadequate institutional support were prevalent in both regions. Policy recommendations should prioritize financial incentives, accessible credit schemes, strengthened market linkages, and farmer‐centered training to enhance equitable and sustainable agroforestry adoption.