Definition. Agroforestry is a collective name for land-use systems and technologies where woody perennials (trees, shrubs, palms, bamboos, etc.) are deliberately used on the same land-management units as agricultural crops and/or animals, in some form of spatial arrangement or temporal sequence.
Agroforestry practices normally help conserve, and even improve, the soil. Agroforestry includes a recognition of the interactions of crops, both favorable and unfavorable. The most common interaction is competition, which may be for light, water, or soil nutrients.
Afforestation helps to address all the issues of soil erosion and barren land at the same time. Trees act as wind barriers thereby weakening the speed of the wind and reducing its impact and ability to carry big soil particles.
The advantages of the taungya system is that the forester may be able to raise a tree crop at a lower cost, and at the same time increase food production. The farmer always has the advantage of being able to use land which has been kept fertile under a forest cover.
Advantages and Disadvantages of Agroforestry Systems and Practices
- Soil fertility and closed nutrient cycles.
- Soil salinity control.
- Prevention of runoff and better water management.
- Stabilization of soils and microclimate.
- Low input of agrochemicals.
- Improvement of wildlife and pollinator habitat.
There is also closer relation between the local farmers and the tree farmers who "grow their crops together". One final advantage of the system is that it puts land to good use, providing not only a means of reforestation, but also helping to raise local incomes and to increase food production.
Explanation: As the world population increases, the need for more efficient and sustainable land use is becoming more intense. Because of the multi-functional properties, agroforestry is part of the solution to tackle these problems, be they environmental, social pr economic.
Social forestry is the management and protection of forests and afforestation of barren and deforested lands with the purpose of helping environmental, social and rural development.
Commercial forestry is a term generally used to describe modern forestry; and usually refers to large-scale coniferous forestation. Aforested areas were traditionally large-scale upland sheep farms in the 1940s, and planted after the Second World War to provide the UK with its own timber reserves.
10 Ways Farmers Can Fight Climate Change
- Efficient Irrigation Management. Conserving water use is vital to any farm, particularly in times of drought.
- Renewable Energy.
- Organic Practices.
- Increasing Soil Health.
- Keeping Agriculture Green.
- Reducing Livestock Methane Emissions.
- Pasture-Based Livestock Management.
- Protecting Farmland.
As well as directly providing edible products, agroforestry trees support food production by a range of other means, including by providing shade and support for crops that need it, supporting animal production and improving soil fertility.
Regenerative agroforestry is an agricultural method that mimics natural ecosystems. Through holistic management and smart design, various components like crops, trees, plants and livestock combine to form a diverse, self-sustaining production system.
Today this movement for sustainable agriculture is garnering increasing support and acceptance within our food production systems. Sustainable agriculture integrates three main goals – environmental health, economic profitability, and social equity (Figure 1).
Agroforestry – a land management system combining crops, trees and sometimes livestock – is an integrated approach that can contribute to smallholder's food security and capacity to adapt to climate change, while at the same time increasing biodiversity in agricultural landscapes and contributing to climate mitigation.
Agroforestry involves raising trees in combination with other agricultural enterprises, including livestock. In addition to providing fodder, fuel, wood, and other products, trees in agroforestry systems promote soil and water conservation, enhance soil fertility, and act as windbreaks for nearby crops.
