Spatial Distribution of Agro Ecological Diversity in Pathadumbara DS Division,Kandy, Sri Lanka

抄録

Agroecology, which can be defined as a farming that “centers on food production that makes the best use of nature’s goods and services while not damaging these resources.” It is also defined by FAO as science of applying ecological concepts and principles to manage interactions between plants, animals, humans and the environment for food security and nutrition. Agro ecology is one of the key important aspect in agricultural based economy. Hence, study on agro ecological diversity plays important role in development of a country that is having agriculture-based economy. Further, assessments on agro ecological diversity will assist in, improving soil and plant quality through available biomass and biodiversity, than battling nature with chemical inputs. In addition, it will improve crop production and helps to maintain ecological balance while resulting profitable farming.

Sri Lanka is a country having tropical climate and agricultural based economy. However, current farming practices facing challenges such as less crop production from farming lands, unexpected environmental conditions and posed to crop production by plant pests and diseases...etc. In this background, exploring the spatial distribution of agro ecological diversity, become a necessity, which will assist, to identify most preferable land use pattern for the area.

The study area of this research, the Pathadumbara Divisional Secretariat division (DSD), which is situated in the central highlands of Sri Lanka and it is the country's middle plateau. The altitude range from 300m - 1400m above sea level with subtropical highland climate. The region is considered as highly vulnerable for global climate change because of its uniqueness in global positioning and elevation. Furthermore, the region is considered as one of the most important water catchment areas in the country. In addition, the region is considered as a global super biodiversity hotspot and provides a habitat for an exceptional number of endemic species of flora and fauna. Historically, majority of central highland was covered by forest and was protected as a water catchment. Unfortunately, during British invasion of Sri Lanka, they started human settlements in the area and cleared the majority of natural vegetation for plantation and crops. With the expansion of agriculture and livestock industry, extensive tracts of natural forests were cleared, which resulted over 90% loss of original forest cover in the region. All these practices and changes in global climate resulted in loss of biodiversity and agricultural lands, changes in water quality and quantity, accelerate the risk of natural disasters and increased poverty in the region. No systematic data available on current changes and future recommendations for agro ecological diversity in the area. This study is carried out to fulfill these gaps using GIS and remote sensing techniques.

(View PDF for the rest of the abstract.)