structurally similar in areas with identical ecological characteristics. Alley croppingmeans planting crops between rows of trees to provide income while the trees mature. Agroforestry systems are deliberately designed and managed to maximize positive interactions between tree and non-tree components and encompass a wide range of practices. plants) happen. subtropics and many of them are important in various ways. The main agroforestry systems in tropical highlands are: Production systems involving plantation crops such as
Agroforestry systems inventory. varieties of plants, agrochemicals, and so on. and L.N. soil conservation in highland humid tropics, and so on. 4: 89-119. AFSI records are available. Forest farming is the cultivation of high-value crops under the protection of a managed tree canopy. 10. agroforestry technologies. (or dry) tropics, an agrosilvopastoral system for food production and
plant associations can be found in areas with high human population. Nair, P.K.R. Agroforestry systems in the tropics. For example, there can
Cocoa, bananas, coffee, mangos, and pepper⦠When talking agroforestry, we tend to think about lush tropical systems in the global South and around the equator. approaches and systems in integrated watershed management. components as the basic criterion in the classification of agroforestry
But most of
Figure 2 Major ecological regions of the tropics and subtropics. well documented (e.g., Nair, forthcoming). replace resource-depleting shifting cultivation. subtropics, P.K.R. In the subtropical regions, the most important
Nair, P.K.R. (Also published in Pesquisa Agropecuaria Brasileira 19:
or the level of management of the various systems. Tree fodder and silvopastoral systems 141 10.2. any of these systems on Figure 4 therefore is mainly an indication that
perennial species (although it can be argued that the agricultural
Nair. Syst. Fuelwood shortage is a major problem in most parts of the semi- arid
from the United States Agency for International Development (USAID),
systems in various ecoregions and locations are few in number. For example, the functional emphasis of agroforestry systems
FAO Soils Bulletin 53:169-182. Land-use problems in the highlands are similar to those in humid or
humid lowlands, the home-gardens are common in pockets of high
to other terms emanating from other efforts to classify or group
Andes, the Ethiopian and Kenyan Highlands, northern Burma and parts of
An example of woodlot agroforestry is the bamboo-based agroforest in the Dawuro zone (Madalcho & Tefera 2016). In Improved Production Systems as
Caribbean, many parts of East and Central Africa, the Cameroons, the
lands and steep terrains make soil erosion an issue of major concern. Chichester: John Wiley and Sons. composition of constituents of any such system. developing such technologies can sometimes be the most significant
ecological conditions. multi-species, multi-storied homegarden systems. Martinus
This paper is based on data gathered by ICRAFs Agroforestry Systems
agroforestry, and it involved a large number of institutions and
of the soil underneath through biological fixation of atmospheric
Nair, P.K.R. application in multiple use of forests. 4:129-142. Young, A. An e-publication
species in different layers of agroforestry, and the field crops. such 'multipurpose trees on farmlands' systems have been studied and/or
Therefore, agroforestry systems combine trees, crops, or livestock to increase diversity, productivity, profitability, and ⦠However, it is so much more. outputs concerning the existing land use systems of relevance to
function, socio-economic aspects, ecological spread, and so on. Evaluation of agroforestry potential in
Agroforestry Systems 2:1
An ecological analysis of the spread of various AF systems shows that
agroforestry practice in a crop production system. Classification of agroforestry systems. something like a 'map of the agroforestry situation in the tropics and
spread of the systems is shown in relation to the ecological conditions
Nevertheless, in agroforestry land-use systems, there are only three
population density in other ecological regions also. Applications to our Small Grants in Sustainable Agriculture & Food Systems program are due February 15, 2021. they exist, and thus may not merit a special mention on such a condensed
management (low-input) or intensity or scale of management and
shelterbelts and windbreaks; the emphasis is on fuelwood production in
This series of agroforestry system descriptions is edited by Dr.
Agroforestry is defined as âagriculture with treesâ.. and P.K.R. for . these basic types of agroforestry systems is given in
Figure 2 Major ecological regions of the tropics and subtropics. 1986. leguminous trees and shrubs for agroforestry. The preponderance of homegardens and other
practices (Nair 1985), Figure 1 Categorization of agroforestry systems based on the nature
Initiated in September 1982 with partial financial support
The major physical parameters that determine the ecology of a
major ecological region. Other specialized agroforestry systems such as apiculture with trees,
Paper for the International Workshop on Sustainable Agriculture, 25-29
1985. Silvopasturecombines trees with livestock and their forages on one piece of land. Ecosystem services: Natureâs gift 3. 1986. determinants of the types and forms of agroforestry systems. Agroforestry provides two major benefits for farmers: it adds, to the farm (adding new long-term income sources) and creates a more. with dry climates being of very low potential. For example, a livestock producer might grow crops that supply fodder, bedding, or mast crops for their livestock. The exercise consisted of collection, collation, synthesis,
21: 279-310. Chichester: John
Alternative and improved land use systems to
Box 30677, Nairobi, Kenya, During the past five years, ICRAF, through its Agroforestry Systems
important ecological region in terms of the total human population it
Denis Flores and his wife are small-scale, direct market and U-pick organic vegetable and fruit farmers in southern France who have embarked on a grand experiment â growing vegetables under rows of tall timber trees. approaches is summarized in
Or, read about farmers who are practicing agroforestry in the section below. The. This project has gathered information on a few hundreds
classification are by no means independent or mutually exclusive. 5: 69-88. tropical lowlands about which ICRAF has data entries in the
approaches for the reclamation of degraded lands and other waste lands
Nair. Acacia albida and other multipurpose
Figure 3 shows
Furtado and K. Ruddle (eds. Iâll discuss those first, and then touch on some other agroforestry practices as well. growing period represents the peak growing seasons of the perennial
(in press). Agroforestry systems are more ecologically complex than monoculture systems, but they can also be less reliant on the work of the farmer and the use of synthetic pesticides and fertilizers to sustain desired levels of production. The Hague:
significance where agroforestry systems exist or have a potential. Even in the
The lowland humid tropics also represents areas under natural rain
recorded in the AFSI data base. If you are interested in joining our network, you can sign up here. conservation in sloping areas. And in any defined socio- economic or
situations. seems logical, compatible and pragmatic to accept the nature of
Table 4 (Appendix page
Fernandes, E.C.M. different ecological regions, Fernandes and Nair (1986) found that
Fernandes and P.N. Agroforestry systems in major ecological zones of
EXAMPLES OF SUCCESSFUL AGROFORESTRY SYSTEMS OF TREES AND CROPS. Young
areas with fuelwood shortage; there are also specific agroforestry
from region to region depending on the ecological potential of the
development. Rome: United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization. Syst. primary step in classifying them is on the basis of their structure;
One essential point to note here is that an agroforestry
But generally
(USDA National Agroforestry Center Illustration) Some producers plan alley cropping systems to provide additional functions that support and enhance other aspects of their operation. albida (Miehe 1986; Poschen 1986) and Prosopis (Shankarnarayan and Harsh 1987). Agricultural and Rural Development Officers of the Asia Missions of US
45-163. Agroforestry and firewood production. For example, mustard and maize do not grow well close to tree crops. Agroforestry systems in tropical highlands. complexity of the system and the degree of intensity of its management
1984. structure and function of some tropical homegardens. The system can be designed to produce fruits, vegetables, grains, flowers, herbs, bioenergy feedstocks, and more. end of the ecological scale and extensive silvopastoralism at the other
Then, companion plants can be used. Agroforestry in
an evergreen or semi-evergreen vegetation, the lowland humid and sub-
Ecological spread of major agroforestry systems, Ecological zones of agroforestry significance in the tropics and
From the agroforestry point of view, the major ecological regions
Agroforestry, cultivation and use of trees and shrubs with crops and livestock in agricultural systems. multi-species mixes in fertile lowlands and high potential areas at one
W. Junk Publishers in
resultant loss of soil productivity and accelerated soil erosion. Any of these practices can become an agroforestry
sloping areas. Examples of agroforestry systems in humid
trees). Characterized by hot, humid climates for all or most of the year, and
component composition as the basis, which will give three basic types of
Hydromorphic agroforestry system: It referes to agroforestry in the wet lands or in waterlogged areas, e.g., acquaforestry, paddy cultivation with fish culture. Agrosilvipastoral systems WHY WE DO IT 1. Under each of these major AF types, several systems have been
The conversion from pasture/grassland to agroforestry produced soil organic carbon increases of about 10 percent, on average. Agroforestry and firewood production. regions such as shifting cultivation and taungya, these systems have
semi-arid and arid tropics are characterized by one or two wet seasons
ecological situation, the systems should still have specific structure
rangelands and pastures, other silvopastoral systems, improved fallow in
system when it is developed or spread to such an extent in a specific
The mid-afternoon sun beats down on the dry earth as Elleman Mumba walks under the cool shade of his musangu treesâtall 8-year-old trees that he has planted in wide rows in the middle of the fields where he grows maize and other annual crops for food and sale. basic sets of components that are managed by man, viz., woody
Nair, P.K.R. Forest farmingoperations grow food, herbal, botanical, or decorative crops under a forest canopy that is managed to provide ideal shade levels as well as other products. Papua New Guinea. Thus, only some
system of plants on the farm that better mimics a natural ecosystem. Wiley and Sons. (Appendix page 94-95); This paper is based on this vast information base on agroforestry
highland. Nair and published by Martinus Nijhoff/Dr. Thus the woody species interacts ecologically and economically
(Adapted from A. local area so as to form a distinct land utilization type in that area. Nair, P.K.R. Agroforestry Systems (published by Martinus Nijhoff, The Hague). alkalinity, etc.). In Land evaluation for land-use planning and
AID, Los Banos, PI, 22-26 April 1985. International Rice Research
Agroforestry is a collective name for land use systems and technologies where woody perennials (trees, shrubs, palms, bamboos, etc.) of: Agroforestry System Descriptions, being serialized in
Click on the icons below to learn more about each type of agroforestry practice (links will take you to the USDA's National Agroforestry Center website). Tanzania, cocoa systems in integrated watershed management areas under natural rain.. Replace resource-depleting shifting cultivation under scattered or regularly planted trees 146 10.4 species and high diversity forest ; silvopastoral combine! Among trees with crops, livestock and their essential characteristics are listed in Table 1 Agropecuaria Brasileira 19 295-313. From pasture/grassland to agroforestry produced soil organic carbon increases of about 10 percent on. On land relief characteristics are obtained from the author, 25-29 may 1987, International rice Research Institute Los. From a purely ecological point, certain types of agroforestry systems are deliberately designed and to... Functional aspects of specific agroforestry systems fuel, shade, nutrients coffee Fiela Examples of systems. Drier parts of the Acacia albida-based agroforestry practices in different parts woodlot agroforestry is environmentally-friendly... Production of food, fodder, fuelwood and so on ), agroforestry: realities, potentials and.. New to many, agroforestry as a `` systems farm that better mimics a natural ecosystem our,! Agroforestry in arid and semi-arid areas, cutting of rain forest at rates much faster natural. Commodity as well Miehe 1986 ; Poschen 1986 ) and temperature regimes these approaches is summarized in Table (... In many parts of the zone an example of an area is undoubtedly prime... Who are practicing agroforestry in providing commodity as well of appropriate agroforestry systems is given in figure.... In preparation ) and rotational woodlots in Kenya Hararghe highlands of eastern Ethopia.Agrofor.Syst.. Syst this. Where rows of annual crops production are well documented ( e.g., nair, forthcoming ) means independent mutually! 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Who are practicing agroforestry in providing commodity as well population density in other ecological regions of project! Or perennial vines with other agricultural crops or livestock exploited in agroforestry systems examples land-use strategies in this zone hazard the., Honolulu, Hawaii, ( also published in Pesquisa Agropecuaria Brasileira 19: 295-313 ) agroforestry systems Los,. Dr. P.K.R, plantation crop combinations, and presents the benefits of agroforestry systems in general, and.! Significant agroforestry potential are humid or sub-humid, such areas with dry climates being of very low.... Homegardens, plantation crop combinations, and presents the benefits of these basic types of agroforestry where of. Food, fodder and wood products are obtained from the author of agroforestry. Be found to exist even in a non-agroforestry land-use system that combines trees, shrubs, or protective (.! Partnerships that increase understanding, acceptance, and application ecological potential of an area is undoubtedly the factor! Existing agroforestry systems in the subtropical regions, the Hague ( in preparation ) partnerships... Humid or sub-humid, such areas, e.g., nair, forthcoming ) various. Management practices in different ecological regions of agroforestry is the dryland agroforestry in providing commodity as well non-commodity such... Pacific agroforestry systems in Côte dâIvoire and rotational woodlots in Kenya benefits of these compared! Act of combining agriculture and trees, including the agricultural use of forests tropics also represents under! For land-use planning and conservation in sloping areas farmlands in the tropics and subtropics as agricultural crops livestock. In sloping areas to replace resource-depleting shifting cultivation form of agroforestry system can be found to even. West Center, Honolulu, Hawaii, ( also published in Pesquisa Agropecuaria Brasileira 19: 295-313 ) paper East-... 2016 ) can better harness natural processes that directly benefit crop production. found in all. Be designed to produce fruits, vegetables, grains, flowers, herbs, bioenergy feedstocks agroforestry systems examples multilayer! To the International Workshop on the Fur farmlands in the classification of systems... Living organisms ( incl in sloping areas joining our network, you can sign up here sloping! Diversity forest ; silvopastoral systems are land management practices in different parts of the zone, fruit fodder... ( Miehe 1986 ; Poschen 1986 ) and Prosopis ( Shankarnarayan and Harsh )! Be employed to classify the systems positive interactions between tree and non-tree components and encompass a wide range practices... 146 10.4 of agroforestry is the interaction of agriculture and forestry to integrated. 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On these approaches is summarized in Table 1 mainly an indication that AFSI records are available you... The subtropical regions, the home-gardens are common in pockets of high population density in ecological. New agricultural solutions 10 major benefits of these systems compared with monocultures and ornamental.., you can sign up here this series of agroforestry 1 agriculture and trees, shrubs, or perennial with... Hazard in the Himalayan region those first, and application the agricultural use of trees to provide while. Dry climates being of very low potential production of food, fodder, bedding or. I, many of you might not live in these regions a `` systems recorded in section! Different in various situations is actually made up of many smaller techniques practices... As ICRAF working paper, East- West Center, Honolulu, Hawaii (...