Implementing Agency:
Department For International Development (DFIDI)

Managing Institute:
OFI (Oxford Forestry Institute)

Contractor:
Institute of Hydrology

Project Code: 149-502-009	Start Date: 01-Aug-86	End Date: 31/03/1997
Commitment: £2,410,860	Status: Completed	Type of Funding: Bilateral - TC

Project Background:
The major purpose of DFID's two forestry projects in Karnataka State, the Mysore Paper Mills Forestry Project & the Karnataka Social Forestry Project is to promote the planting of fast growing trees (including eucalyptus), to help meet the very serious deficit of wood for industrial use and for fuel. The future of these two projects, and the whole strategy of meeting urgent forestry needs in this way has been called into question by rising concern over the environmental effects of fast growing species. A more complete understanding of their hydrological influence is needed to disarm such criticism and to guide land-use policies. This is the second part of a two part project (the first part was a visit to assess the feasibility of and make preparationsfor the second part of the research). The project field work will be an extension of the monitoring work already being undertaken in connection with DFID's two forestry projects in Karnataka, and will involve many of the same staff. It is hoped that the three year research programme will permanently enhance the monitoring activities of these projects, and thereby increase their success in performing their original objectives.

Project Objectives:
The general objective is to determine the cost of production of wood and other forest products in terms of water use and nutrients in order to provide a basis for sound land use planning. The more specific objectives are determine growth rates of the principal tree species in relation to climate, soil and silviculture and to construct yield and management models. determine water use of the principle tree species and annual crops in relation to climate, soil and stand density and to construct a general water use model. quantify the interaction between selected tree species and agricultural crops under selected conditions. compare the influence of different tree species and annual crops on the physical and chemical properties of the soil. integrate the results of the research with a review of published information and concurrent research elsewhere to provide the basis for correct land-use planning. provide data on the influence of trees (especially eucalyptus spp) in farming systems

Intended Outputs:
The intended outputs of the project are annual reports to DFID (December each year), report at the end of the project with conclusions about effective land use policies deduced as a result of evidence collected during the project.