agroforestry
Definition
Agroforestry is a sustainable land management system that involves combining agricultural crops, trees, and sometimes livestock on the same plot of land in a way that creates beneficial interactions between these different elements. It is an ancient practice, revived for its many ecological, economic, and social benefits.
Basic principle
Unlike intensive farming, which separates crops and forests, agroforestry aims to integrate trees into agricultural systems.
Trees, crops, and animals coexist, interact, and complement each other:
Trees protect crops from wind and erosion.
Their roots improve soil structure and promote water retention.
Fallen leaves and plant debris enrich the soil with organic matter.
The moderate shade of trees regulates soil temperature and moisture.
The main types of agroforestry
Silvoarable agroforestry: combining trees and crops (e.g., wheat grown between rows of walnut trees).
Silvopastoral agroforestry: combining trees and livestock (animals graze under the trees).
Hedges and agroforestry strips: planting hedges at the edges of fields to protect crops and provide shelter for wildlife.
Tropical systems: food crops grown under forest cover (e.g., cacao or coffee cultivated in the shade of fruit trees).
🌍 Goals and Benefits
Agroforestry addresses several contemporary challenges: