Agroforestry Flashcards
Agroforestry
System which sustainably manages crops through a combination of annuals, perrenials, trees & livestock.
Agroforestry Ecological Benefits
- Improved Soil Health
- Reduced microclimate extremes
- Increased rates of biodiversity
Silvopasturoral
combines trees (timber production) with pastures + animals on same plot
3 Agroforest. Sub-systems
ASA:
Agrisilviculture
Silvopastoral
Agrosilvopastoral
Agrisilviculture
annual/perennial crops + woody perennials (trees, shrubs, vines)
Agrosilvopastoral
combines crops, pastures, animals and trees
Tropic Zone Systems
home gardens, silvopasture, living fences and shade trees, and shifting cultivation
Temperate Zone Systems
silvopasture, alley cropping, forest farming, windbreaks and riparian forest buffers
Silvopasture Benefits
- income spread
- weed control
- enhance tree growth
- shade
Silvopasture Agronomic Principles
fertilization
native pasture grasses
rotational grazing systems
Alley Cropping
rows of trees/shrubs create alley for perrenial/annual crops. (Crops =intercrops)
Alley Cropping Benefits
- tree canopies =protection from wind + pests
- improves soil health prone to erosion
- adds carbon
- enhances nutrient cycling
Forest Farming
cultivation of specialty crops (ie. mushrooms/maple syrup) under the canopy of trees that provide a specific shade level. Often involves thinning existing woodland to leave desired canopy trees.
Windbreaks/Shelterbreaks
linear clusters of trees/shrubs maintained to alter wind flow and regulate climate.
Windbreak &Soil Quality Benefits
Prevent erosion
Trap airborn pollutants
Increase pollination
Decrease soil evaporation rates
Riparian Buffers
- Natural/rehabilitated forests + native plant communities along waterways
- provide water quality protection (manure, pesticide + nutrient run-off)
Home Garden
Mini agrosilvopastoral.
=intensive use of trees, shrubs, crops and animals on the same plot of land. Upper, middle & understory. Multipurpose.
Living Fence
trees planted on agricultural land in order to provide protection from wind and intense sunlight while reducing erosion
Multipurpose trees
trees and shrubs that are deliberately kept and managed for more than one preferred use (eg. leguminous trees =fixing nitrogen in soil or plantings serves as support system for higher valued climbing plants)
Shifting Cultivation (Swidden Agriculture)
rotational farming. forested land is selectively cleared for cultivation.
