标题：Infestation of Imperata Cylindrica L. and its Impacts on Local Communities in Secondary Forests of Sitakunda Botanical Garden and Eco-Park, Chittagong, Bangladesh
期刊名称：International Journal of Conservation Science
印刷版ISSN：2067-533X
电子版ISSN：2067-8223
出版年度：2016
卷号：7
期号：1
页码：167-180
出版社：Alexandru Ioan Cuza University of Iasi
摘要：Sungrass (Imperata cylindrica) infestation is reported to be detrimental to the biodiversity conservation in forest ecosystems, though it has some socio-economic importance. The present study investigated the infestation of Sungrass in Sitakunda Botanical Garden and Eco-park, Bangladesh as well as its contribution to local peoples’ socio-economic condition. The study was conducted by reconnaissance survey, random quadrate survey, analyzing soil samples and social survey. Sungrass infested areas were categorized into ten landuse areas in the Eco-park. Soil pH was maximum (5.7) in exposed Sungrass fields, whereas minimum was found in eroded soil areas (4.2). The soil of Sungrass fields with horticultural plantation sites was represented by maximum organic matter (7.23%) whereas organic matter was minimum (3.02%) in the soil of Sungrass infested cactus plantation. Local people cultivate and harvest Sungrass for their livelihood, roofing, fodder and cultural needs. Seasonal variation exists in harvesting the Sungrass with a maximum (62%) in winter season (November to February). Farmers generate an average income of 4,800 BDT by selling Sungrass in the winter season. People opined that within the Sitakunda Botanical Garden and Eco-park area, Sungrass fields are increasing every year. This also leads to an increase of fire incidences in the forests of eco-park. Though the plant has some contribution to socio-economic conditions of local people, its infestation seems to be detrimental to the Sitakunda Botanical Garden and Eco-park of Bangladesh.
