Prof. Gamini Hitinayake | University Of Peradeniya,Sri Lanka (original) (raw)

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Papers by Prof. Gamini Hitinayake

Ecosystem services, Sep 1, 2013

Numerous studies have been conducted on homegarden systems by researchers from different discipli... more Numerous studies have been conducted on homegarden systems by researchers from different disciplines and countries, but most of them focus on ecological structure or specific ecosystem services in a selected study area. Few studies take a comprehensive look at the ecosystem services provided by homegardens, especially on a regional scale. This paper shows how these homegardens are ecologically, socially, and economically diversified and how beneficial they are to human well-being as ecosystem services. It also investigates the impacts of drivers on homegarden systems in rural areas in three countries. These studies involved comprehensive literature reviews and field survey along with a framework of the Millennium Ecosystem Assessment. Four types of ecosystem services-provision, regulation, cultural, and support-were assessed and compared. We found that traditional homegardens maintain high ecosystem diversity especially in rural areas; however, recent socioeconomic changes are converting subsistence-oriented homegardens into commercial ones. Future challenges for further research include how to enhance the resilience of homegarden systems against socioeconomic and global climate changes by integrating traditional homegarden systems, modern technology, and the global economy.

Proceedings of International Forestry and Environment Symposium, 2013

Phytorernediation is one of the most eco friendly and innovative techniques to remove pollutants ... more Phytorernediation is one of the most eco friendly and innovative techniques to remove pollutants from soi I and water in agricu Itural areas. Th is study explored potentials ofbioremediation for water purification at Tea Research Institute of Sri Lanka through monitoring water quality of St. Coombs lake and through several glasshouse and laboratory experiments for validating the resu Its during the period of November 2004-February of2005.

A study was conducted in Tebuwana Wathurana wetland ecosystem to understand its vegetation struct... more A study was conducted in Tebuwana Wathurana wetland ecosystem to understand its vegetation structure and faunal composition in order to assess its conservation needs. As there are no published records on the flora and fauna of Wathurana wetlands in Tebuwana, it is necessary to understand the ecological and other relevant features in order to develop strategies to conserve this wetland. These objectives were pursued by surveying the vegetation of the wetland and by identifying fish and bird species present. A total of 66 species of flora and 61 species of fauna were identified from the survey. Of the 27 fish species recorded from the Tebuwana wetland, 9 species were endemic and 17 species belonged to the indigenous category. With regards to the flora in the wetlands, the dominant families were Rubaceae, Fabaceae and Arecaceae. The 66 species belong to 39 families and 61 genera while 12 species were endemic and 4 species were considered highly threatened. These flora were found in fou...

Journal of the National Science Foundation of Sri Lanka, 2010

An introduced and naturalized plant species which increases its population excessively a t the ex... more An introduced and naturalized plant species which increases its population excessively a t the expense of other species in a given community is defined as an invasive species. The objective of this study was to determine whether some selected physiological characteristics were responsible for the invasive behaviour of eight plant species in the Udawattakelle forest reserve. These included saplings of three tree species, three shrub species and two herbaceous species. These were divided into three groups as early-successional, late-successional and gap species depending on their habitat within the forest. To compare the physiological measurements, ten noninvasive (i.e. 'standard') species were also selected. Results showed strong evidence that higher leaf net photosynthetic rates (Pn) under both high and low light conditions could be one of' the factors responsible for t h e invasive behaviour of the latesuccessional species Myroxylon balsamum. Among the early successional and gap species, higher Pn under low light conditions could contribute to the invasive behaviour since it could give the invasive species a competitive advantage under the frequently cloudy conditions experieLced in the Mid-Countly Wet Zone in which Udawattakelle is located. A higher stomata1 resistance (Ft,) was shown to be another factor contributing to the invasive behaviour in all successional groups because i t would not only aid in the conservation ofwater duringdry periods, but also give an advantage in the competition for water because of the higher water use efficiency a t high R,. In addition, a higher leaf nitrogen content, which is an indicator of higher photosynthetic capacity, was shown to be a factor contributing to the invasive behaviour in all successional groups. A higher leaf potassium content which helps to maintain cellular turgor under high transpiration rates, was shown to contribute to the invasive behaviour of early-successional and gap species which experience high solar irradiance levels, but not in late-successional species.

Proceedings of International Forestry and Environment Symposium, 2013

Conservation measures and policies implemented by the state in the Knuckles forest have tradition... more Conservation measures and policies implemented by the state in the Knuckles forest have traditionally ignored the fact that human survival systems offringe communities are largely based on resources of the forest. Thus, there is a constant conflict between the interests of the state and those of the peripheral communities. However, there is a growing trend to incorporate communities in forest management through such approaches as JFM and CFM. The objective of the present study was to determine the perceptions of villagers on the Knuckles Conservation Zone (KCZ) declared in 2000 as the declaration had led to significant changes in the landuse patterns and Iivel ihoods in the buffer zone vi lIages.

Udawattakele forest is a national heritage of Sri Lanka which has rich flora and fauna. Thereare ... more Udawattakele forest is a national heritage of Sri Lanka which has rich flora and fauna. Thereare about 460 plant species including 135 tree species and 11 liana species. of which 9species are endemic to Sri Lanka. When considering floristic composition of Udawattakclcit is dominated hy Swictenia macrophvlla (mahogany), Michelin c/WIIIP({('{{ (gini-sapu),Mesua [errea (na) and Mvroxvlon balsamum (kana kumanchal). Senadheru (1997) hasreported that Myroxylon balsanium has become invasive in some parts of the forest. Theobjectives of this investigation was to estimate the invasive behaviour of Mvroxvlonbulsanium at Udawattake!c forest reserve. Plots of 10 m x 15 m were used for sampling of ovcrsrory vegetation and 10 rn x 10 III plotswere used for understory. Plots were located randomly in Mvroxvlon balsatuum dominantregions in the forest and measurements taken were number of individuals and their species.tree height (rn), stem diameter (m) at breast height (1.3 m above ground level)...

Journal of Environmental Professionals Sri Lanka, 2016

APN Science Bulletin, 2013

... Farmers' knowledge and the development of complex agroforestry practices in Sri Lanka. .... more ... Farmers' knowledge and the development of complex agroforestry practices in Sri Lanka. ... 371401 Provenance : SIGLE ; Get a copy : BLDSC - British Library Document Supply Centre Availability : Available from British Library Document Supply Centre-DSC:DXN005583 Country ...

Earthworms have been well exploited in agriculture worldwide inmaximizing crop production for man... more Earthworms have been well exploited in agriculture worldwide inmaximizing crop production for many years. Amongst vermin-technology(Vermitech) practices, Vermiwash (Vw) has shown its field efficacy withmany crops. Vw is the wash of earthworm's celomic fluid and calcareouslayer and the watery extract of the bedding materials, which is known tocontain ample amounts of soluble macro and micronutrients, natural growthhormones, beneficial microbes, vitamins and amino acids etc. andnematicidal properties. However, the attributes to beneficial agronomicvalues of Vw have not yet been scientifically validated fully although thispractice is extensively being expanded in India and Sri Lanka. Therefore, thepresent study investigated the biological and chemical properties of elevensources of Vw resulted from different earthworm species and raw materials indifferent farms in Sri Lanka. Vw was tested as a source for hydroponics forlettuce in comparison with the Albert solution. The efficacy of...

This study evaluates the economic feasibility and biological productivity of coconut-based agrofo... more This study evaluates the economic feasibility and biological productivity of coconut-based agroforestry models designed for coconut smallholders. Coconut Research Institute of Sri Lanka has developed and established twenty-six agroforestry models in farmers' fields. Of them, four models were selected for this study. They were: mixed farming for Wet Zone (model 1), mixed cropping for Wet Zone (model 2), mixed farming for Wet Intermediate Zone (model 3) and catch cropping in young replanted coconut for Wet Intermediate Zone (model 4), established at Gaspe, Hanchapola, Katuneriya and Thulawala, respectively. Input and output data for several years, for each model, were used in the evaluation. Annual Gross Margins (GM) payback period, Net Present Value (NPV) and Benefit-Cost Ratio (BCR) were employed for the economic analysis. Biological productivity of the models was. determined employing Land Equivalent Ratio (LER) and Relative Yield Total (RYT). NPVs of agroforestry models were h...

Ecosystem services, Sep 1, 2013

Numerous studies have been conducted on homegarden systems by researchers from different discipli... more Numerous studies have been conducted on homegarden systems by researchers from different disciplines and countries, but most of them focus on ecological structure or specific ecosystem services in a selected study area. Few studies take a comprehensive look at the ecosystem services provided by homegardens, especially on a regional scale. This paper shows how these homegardens are ecologically, socially, and economically diversified and how beneficial they are to human well-being as ecosystem services. It also investigates the impacts of drivers on homegarden systems in rural areas in three countries. These studies involved comprehensive literature reviews and field survey along with a framework of the Millennium Ecosystem Assessment. Four types of ecosystem services-provision, regulation, cultural, and support-were assessed and compared. We found that traditional homegardens maintain high ecosystem diversity especially in rural areas; however, recent socioeconomic changes are converting subsistence-oriented homegardens into commercial ones. Future challenges for further research include how to enhance the resilience of homegarden systems against socioeconomic and global climate changes by integrating traditional homegarden systems, modern technology, and the global economy.

Proceedings of International Forestry and Environment Symposium, 2013

Phytorernediation is one of the most eco friendly and innovative techniques to remove pollutants ... more Phytorernediation is one of the most eco friendly and innovative techniques to remove pollutants from soi I and water in agricu Itural areas. Th is study explored potentials ofbioremediation for water purification at Tea Research Institute of Sri Lanka through monitoring water quality of St. Coombs lake and through several glasshouse and laboratory experiments for validating the resu Its during the period of November 2004-February of2005.

A study was conducted in Tebuwana Wathurana wetland ecosystem to understand its vegetation struct... more A study was conducted in Tebuwana Wathurana wetland ecosystem to understand its vegetation structure and faunal composition in order to assess its conservation needs. As there are no published records on the flora and fauna of Wathurana wetlands in Tebuwana, it is necessary to understand the ecological and other relevant features in order to develop strategies to conserve this wetland. These objectives were pursued by surveying the vegetation of the wetland and by identifying fish and bird species present. A total of 66 species of flora and 61 species of fauna were identified from the survey. Of the 27 fish species recorded from the Tebuwana wetland, 9 species were endemic and 17 species belonged to the indigenous category. With regards to the flora in the wetlands, the dominant families were Rubaceae, Fabaceae and Arecaceae. The 66 species belong to 39 families and 61 genera while 12 species were endemic and 4 species were considered highly threatened. These flora were found in fou...

Journal of the National Science Foundation of Sri Lanka, 2010

An introduced and naturalized plant species which increases its population excessively a t the ex... more An introduced and naturalized plant species which increases its population excessively a t the expense of other species in a given community is defined as an invasive species. The objective of this study was to determine whether some selected physiological characteristics were responsible for the invasive behaviour of eight plant species in the Udawattakelle forest reserve. These included saplings of three tree species, three shrub species and two herbaceous species. These were divided into three groups as early-successional, late-successional and gap species depending on their habitat within the forest. To compare the physiological measurements, ten noninvasive (i.e. 'standard') species were also selected. Results showed strong evidence that higher leaf net photosynthetic rates (Pn) under both high and low light conditions could be one of' the factors responsible for t h e invasive behaviour of the latesuccessional species Myroxylon balsamum. Among the early successional and gap species, higher Pn under low light conditions could contribute to the invasive behaviour since it could give the invasive species a competitive advantage under the frequently cloudy conditions experieLced in the Mid-Countly Wet Zone in which Udawattakelle is located. A higher stomata1 resistance (Ft,) was shown to be another factor contributing to the invasive behaviour in all successional groups because i t would not only aid in the conservation ofwater duringdry periods, but also give an advantage in the competition for water because of the higher water use efficiency a t high R,. In addition, a higher leaf nitrogen content, which is an indicator of higher photosynthetic capacity, was shown to be a factor contributing to the invasive behaviour in all successional groups. A higher leaf potassium content which helps to maintain cellular turgor under high transpiration rates, was shown to contribute to the invasive behaviour of early-successional and gap species which experience high solar irradiance levels, but not in late-successional species.

Proceedings of International Forestry and Environment Symposium, 2013

Conservation measures and policies implemented by the state in the Knuckles forest have tradition... more Conservation measures and policies implemented by the state in the Knuckles forest have traditionally ignored the fact that human survival systems offringe communities are largely based on resources of the forest. Thus, there is a constant conflict between the interests of the state and those of the peripheral communities. However, there is a growing trend to incorporate communities in forest management through such approaches as JFM and CFM. The objective of the present study was to determine the perceptions of villagers on the Knuckles Conservation Zone (KCZ) declared in 2000 as the declaration had led to significant changes in the landuse patterns and Iivel ihoods in the buffer zone vi lIages.

Udawattakele forest is a national heritage of Sri Lanka which has rich flora and fauna. Thereare ... more Udawattakele forest is a national heritage of Sri Lanka which has rich flora and fauna. Thereare about 460 plant species including 135 tree species and 11 liana species. of which 9species are endemic to Sri Lanka. When considering floristic composition of Udawattakclcit is dominated hy Swictenia macrophvlla (mahogany), Michelin c/WIIIP({('{{ (gini-sapu),Mesua [errea (na) and Mvroxvlon balsamum (kana kumanchal). Senadheru (1997) hasreported that Myroxylon balsanium has become invasive in some parts of the forest. Theobjectives of this investigation was to estimate the invasive behaviour of Mvroxvlonbulsanium at Udawattake!c forest reserve. Plots of 10 m x 15 m were used for sampling of ovcrsrory vegetation and 10 rn x 10 III plotswere used for understory. Plots were located randomly in Mvroxvlon balsatuum dominantregions in the forest and measurements taken were number of individuals and their species.tree height (rn), stem diameter (m) at breast height (1.3 m above ground level)...

Journal of Environmental Professionals Sri Lanka, 2016

APN Science Bulletin, 2013

... Farmers' knowledge and the development of complex agroforestry practices in Sri Lanka. .... more ... Farmers' knowledge and the development of complex agroforestry practices in Sri Lanka. ... 371401 Provenance : SIGLE ; Get a copy : BLDSC - British Library Document Supply Centre Availability : Available from British Library Document Supply Centre-DSC:DXN005583 Country ...

Earthworms have been well exploited in agriculture worldwide inmaximizing crop production for man... more Earthworms have been well exploited in agriculture worldwide inmaximizing crop production for many years. Amongst vermin-technology(Vermitech) practices, Vermiwash (Vw) has shown its field efficacy withmany crops. Vw is the wash of earthworm's celomic fluid and calcareouslayer and the watery extract of the bedding materials, which is known tocontain ample amounts of soluble macro and micronutrients, natural growthhormones, beneficial microbes, vitamins and amino acids etc. andnematicidal properties. However, the attributes to beneficial agronomicvalues of Vw have not yet been scientifically validated fully although thispractice is extensively being expanded in India and Sri Lanka. Therefore, thepresent study investigated the biological and chemical properties of elevensources of Vw resulted from different earthworm species and raw materials indifferent farms in Sri Lanka. Vw was tested as a source for hydroponics forlettuce in comparison with the Albert solution. The efficacy of...

This study evaluates the economic feasibility and biological productivity of coconut-based agrofo... more This study evaluates the economic feasibility and biological productivity of coconut-based agroforestry models designed for coconut smallholders. Coconut Research Institute of Sri Lanka has developed and established twenty-six agroforestry models in farmers' fields. Of them, four models were selected for this study. They were: mixed farming for Wet Zone (model 1), mixed cropping for Wet Zone (model 2), mixed farming for Wet Intermediate Zone (model 3) and catch cropping in young replanted coconut for Wet Intermediate Zone (model 4), established at Gaspe, Hanchapola, Katuneriya and Thulawala, respectively. Input and output data for several years, for each model, were used in the evaluation. Annual Gross Margins (GM) payback period, Net Present Value (NPV) and Benefit-Cost Ratio (BCR) were employed for the economic analysis. Biological productivity of the models was. determined employing Land Equivalent Ratio (LER) and Relative Yield Total (RYT). NPVs of agroforestry models were h...