Agroforestry

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Silvopastoral systems in local livestock landscapes in Hopelchén, Southern Mexico
(Springer Nature, 2023-08-25) Špirić, Jovanka; Ramírez, M. Isabel
Deforestation for livestock remains one of Mexico’s key socio-environmental problems. The municipality of Hopelchén is a deforestation hotspot despite being part of the Calakmul Biosphere Reserve, the largest forestland on the Yucatan Peninsula. Livestock are part of the local culture and economy, and there is potential for the development of traditional and improved silvopastoral (SP) systems. It is therefore important to identify SP elements in the local livestock landscape and explore the reasons or limitations for their adoption. The quality and quantity of SP elements in a landscape depend on practices carried out by each rancher throughout the livestock production cycle. We aimed to identify local livestock practices that result in SP landscape elements and explain their impact on forest cover in Hopelchén. We identified seven SP elements, six traditional and one improved, being forest strips combined with live or dead fences the most common. Stand-alone live fences are the least common, due to negative local perceptions about their construction and maintenance. Scattered trees are present at very low densities to prevent shading of grass, while forest fragments are maintained as a source of timber. The full potential of traditional SP elements is not being reached as they are mainly used for protection and construction, without exploiting their use as fodder and live fences. Only four producers have alley grazing, the only improved SP element found. To prevent further forest degradation and deforestation, more integrated management and use of forest and tree cover in the livestock landscape should be encouraged.
Agroforestry improves soil fauna abundance and composition in the Atlantic Forest of Paraguay
(Springer Nature, 2023-07-19) Insfrán Ortiz, Amado; Rey Benayas, José María; Cayuela Delgado, Luís
Edaphic fauna is a major determinant of agricultural soil quality, but few studies have investigated soil fauna in different agroforestry systems. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of agroforestry plantations of Ilex paraguariensis on the abundance and composition of ants, earthworms, and nematodes in two agronomic systems, conventional and agroecological, and three plantation types (pathsides, agricultural field edges, and islets) in the Atlantic Forest in Paraguay. The study was conducted on 26 plots distributed in the different agronomic systems and plantation types (three plots per combination of agronomic system and plantation type, with a total of 18 plots, plus eight control plots). We compared agroforestry plots with non-agroforestry plots and with natural forests. Eighteen individuals of different native species (Cordia americana, Cedrela fissilis, Handroanthus impetiginosus, Handroanthus albus, Peltophorum dubium, and Cordia trichotoma) were planted in each plot, together with five individuals of I. paraguariensis (total of 2300 individuals ha−1). The agroforestry scheme increased the abundance and improved the composition of beneficial soil fauna in the two agricultural systems. The agroecological system showed 238% higher abundance of ants and 90% higher abundance of earthworms than the conventional one. In both systems, the agroforestry scheme led to lower abundance of deleterious Atta sexden and Acromyrmex spp. leafcutter ants and higher abundance of beneficial species. The three plantation types increased the abundance of beneficial species. Agroforestry plots, particularly those in an agroecological system, were more similar to reference forest than to non-agroforestry plots. Our results suggest that the composition of soil fauna at the study site was significantly affected by the agroforestry scheme and, agronomic system, but not by plantation type. These results support the advantages of agroforestry and agroecological systems for favoring the diversity of soil fauna and related ecosystem services, which may help guide the design of successful agroforestry interventions.
Growth and carbon sequestration in biomass of Cordia alliodora in Andean agroforestry systems with coffee
(Springer Nature, 2023-07-19) Andrade, Hernán J.; Segura, Milena A.; Suárez, Juan Carlos
Timber production and carbon sequestration in trees in agroforestry systems (AFS) are key to productivity and climate change mitigation. There are no studies about dynamics of growth and carbon sequestration of Cordia alliodora during all plantation cycle. The objective of this study was to develop models for diametric growth and carbon sequestration in aboveground biomass of C. alliodora in AFS with coffee in Líbano, Tolima, Colombia. Nonlinear models of growth and carbon sequestration in aboveground biomass of C. alliodora in AFS with coffee were developed. A total of 90 trees, ranging in age from 1 to 19 years, were randomly selected in farms and measured (diameter at breast height -dbh- and total height -h) in AFS with a basal area of C. alliodora between 0.22 and 17.8 m2/ha. Timber volume and aboveground biomass were estimated with allometric models, while carbon was estimated by multiplying aboveground biomass by 0.47. The best-fit models were selected according to the coefficient of determination (R2), Akaike's information criterion (AIC), predicted residual error sum of squares (PRESS), biological logic and a residual analysis. The highest growth rate of this species was reached at 4–6 years for dbh and h (3.6 cm/year and 2.9 m/year, respectively) and at 20 years for timber and carbon (0.60 m3/tree/year and 88.9 kg C/tree/year, respectively). In 20 years, a C. alliodora tree would store 1.1 Mg C and a AFS with 60 trees/ha would sequester between 260 Mg CO2/ha in aboveground biomass. The results show that C. alliodora trees could be maintained in the field for more than 20 years, thus increasing the volume per individual and carbon sequestration for a longer time. This demonstrates the importance of this species mainly when timber production and carbon sequestration are priorities for its profitability.
Planting trees in livestock landscapes to protect soil and water also delivers carbon sequestration
(Springer Nature, 2023-05-24) Iñamagua‑Uyaguari, Juan Pablo; Fitton, Nuala; Smith, Pete
Ecuador has committed to climate change mitigation by reducing greenhouse gas emissions from anthropogenic activities, including livestock production. This sector can also contribute to mitigation by increasing carbon sequestration and storage capacity through increasing tree coverage. Although feasible, tree cover expansion would require agricultural land, creating a conflict with food production, thus appropriate areas need to be selected, and the impacts on livestock production quantified. Following water protection legislation and soil protection guidelines, we use a combination of measurements on 100 farms with land cover datasets to identify suitable areas for increasing tree coverage in livestock landscapes. Land cover classification was performed in 2 km areas around 100 livestock farms in the coastal and Amazon regions in Ecuador. Riparian zones were identified following legislation and steepland pastures identified from a slope map. Pasture in riparian areas or steeplands (slope > 15%) were considered suitable for increasing tree coverage by restoration or silvopastoral systems (SPS). The impact of forest/silvopastoral on biomass production was quantified. Overall, 855 km of rivers were studied, between 1–18% of riparian areas were classified as pastures, whilst from the 85992 ha included in the land cover classification, 41668 ha were identified as steepland, 1–28% of steepland was covered by pastures. We estimate that steepland pasture conversion into forest could offset 1.8–10% of Ecuador’s annual GHG emissions from the agricultural sector, but its impacts could represent a decrease > 50% of pasture biomass production at landscape level. Transformation of riparian and steepland pastures into SPS, could deliver important carbon sequestration, with a reduction in pasture biomass production of less than 20%.
Outcomes of a comparison between pastoral and silvopastoral management on beef cattle productivity, animal welfare and pasture depletion in a Mediterranean extensive farm
(Springer Nature, 2023-05-09) Ripamonti, Alice; Mantino, Alberto; Annecchini, Francesco; Cappucci, Alice; Casarosa, Laura; Turini, Luca; Foggi, Guilia; Mele, Marcello
In spring 2021, 50 growing steers and heifers of the Maremmana breed (average age 321 d and weight 287 kg) were rotationally stocked under two different treatments (silvopastoral and pastoral). The aim was to evaluate the influence of grazing system on cattle growth and welfare, and pasture depletion. The experiment was carried out on a real Mediterranean agrosilvopastoral farm, located in central Italy. To implement rotational grazing, 3.69 ha of temporary grassland were split into six paddocks, three for each treatment. Cattle grazed for one week in one paddock and then were moved to the next one for a total of six weeks corresponding to six grazing periods. The group maintained on the silvopastoral system were allowed to access 3.31 ha of a Turkey oak (Quercus cerris L.) forest. Regarding the average daily gain, a significant interaction was found between the treatment and time. The average daily gain of the animals grazing in the open pasture was 1.20 kg d−1, while that of the cattle grazing in the silvopastoral system was 1.02 kg d−1. Despite the rate of growth being within the expected range for the Maremmana breed, the average daily gain of cattle in the silvopastoral system was significantly lower. One of the possible causes of this difference could be the higher energy requirements of the animals due to the different activity levels. The different management did not affect animal welfare indicators. Indeed, the serum cortisol concentration did not vary between treatments and among sampling times, while the hair cortisol concentration decreased significantly during the experiment for both groups. Regarding pasture health, allowing cattle to graze in the forest reduced pasture depletion because of the lower stocking rate and grazing pressure. Further studies are necessary to increase the knowledge of the role of forests and grazing management in other seasons than spring in extensive agrosilvopastoral systems.
Multifunctionality of temperate alley-cropping agroforestry outperforms open cropland and grassland
(2023-01-24) Veldkamp, Edzo; Schmidt, Marcus; Markwitz, Christian; Beule, Lukas; Beushel, René; Biertümpfel, Andrea; Bischel, Xenia; Duan, Xiaohong; Gerjets, Rowena; Göbel, Leonie; Graß, Rüdiger; Guerra, Victor; Heinlein, Florian; Komainda, Martin; Langhof, Maren; Luo, Jie; Potthoff, Martin; van Ramshorst, Justus G. V.; Rudolf, Carolin; Seserman, Diana-Maria; Shao, Guodong; Siebieke, Lukas; Svoboda, Nikolai; Swieter, Anita; Carminati, Andrea; Freese, Dirk; Graf, Torsten; Greef, Jörg M.; Isselstein, Johannes; Jansen, Martin; Karlovsky, Petr; Knohl, Alexander; Lamersdorf, Norbert; Priesack, Eckart; Wachendorf, Christine; Wachendorf, Michael; Corre, Marife D.
Intensively managed open croplands are highly productive but often have deleterious environmental impacts. Temperate agroforestry potentially improves ecosystem functions, although comprehensive analysis is lacking. Here, we measured primary data on 47 indicators of seven ecosystem functions in croplands and 16 indicators of four ecosystem functions in grasslands to assess how alley-cropping agroforestry performs compared to open cropland and grassland. Carbon sequestration, habitat for soil biological activity, and wind erosion resistance improved for cropland agroforestry (P ≤ 0.03) whereas only carbon sequestration improved for grassland agroforestry (P < 0.01). In cropland agroforestry, soil nutrient cycling, soil greenhouse gas abatement, and water regulation did not improve, due to customary high fertilization rates. Alley-cropping agroforestry increased multifunctionality, compared to open croplands. To ameliorate the environmental benefits of agroforestry, more efficient use of nutrients is required. Financial incentives should focus on conversion of open croplands to alley-cropping agroforestry and incorporate fertilizer management.
Farmer managed natural regeneration in Niger: the state of knowledge
(Tropenbos International, 2023) Abasse, Tougiani; Massaoudou, Moussa; Ribiou, Habou; Idrissa, Soumana; Iro, Dan Guimbo
Summary: Faced with environmental degradation and strong land pressure, farmers in densely populated areas and especially in south-central Niger, have intensified their agricultural production systems. They have done so by increasing the number of trees and shrubs on their fields, and thus have created new agroforestry parklands whose scale in – the regions of Zinder, Maradi and Tahoua is about 5 million hectares (Cotillon et al., 2021). This scale of regreening is not based on tree planting. Rather, since the mid-1980s farmers have protected and managed the natural regeneration of trees and shrubs on their croplands. Many studies show that farmer managed natural regeneration (FMNR), has increased crop yields from 31 to 350 kg/ha in some studies and provided family food security, even in drought years. But cereal yields still remain low and will not be sufficient to feed a rapidly growing population. Studies also show that through the sale of fuelwood and service wood, FMNR increases the income of all social categories, even the vulnerable and very vulnerable (men, women and youth). The pruning of trees in the fields has also reduced the distances travelled by women to collect fuelwood. FMNR has also increased the availability of browse fodder to farmers and agropastoralists, with households practising FMNR harvesting 30-45 kg of browse per day. Economists have not yet been able to express the multiple impacts in monetary terms, but studies on the costs and benefits of FMNR all indicate that it is economically rational to invest resources in this practise (4.6). The costs are modest (no equipment and little labour), and the benefits are substantial. As a consequence, tree cover has been sustained without external incentives (e.g. food or cash-for-work), an outcome that distinguishes FMNR from large-scale tree planting projects where farmers’ stewardship ended when the external incentives ended. Agroforestry landscapes are being created at scale due to decisions made by a few hundred thousand individual farmers. A study comparing tree densities in the south-central regions found that on 2% of the area there was a slight decrease in densities between 2005 and 2014, but on 23% there was a significant increase during the same period (Cotillon et al., 2021). Increasing the number of trees and shrubs per hectare has increased litter production. This improves the soil structure and allows greater quantities of water to be stored. However, the addition of litter also contributes to improving soil fertility. Several studies have shown that trees can significantly improve the chemical fertility of soils as well as set the stage for greater intensification through judicious use of mineral fertilizer. Certain species, which often dominate regeneration such as Piliostigma reticulatum, Guiera senegalensis and Combretum glutinosum have a positive impact on the content of chemical elements (carbon, nitrogen and available phosphorus). There is not yet sufficient data on the amount of carbon sequestered by agroforestry parklands in Niger, but it is certainly at least 30 million tonnes – (5 million hectares multiplied by an average of 6 tonnes per hectare). There are data on carbon stocks in the above-ground part of trees for some species (table 8) but not on the amount of carbon in root systems, which in semi-arid areas – can be as substantial as the above-ground stock. FMNR has enabled village communities to better adapt to climate change and build resilience. For example, even if crops fail, farmers can cut some trees and sell them at the market as fuelwood or service wood, which provides revenue to buy grain. FMNR also has a positive impact on crop yields, even in years of poor rainfall. A study showed that in 2011 (a drought year), the department of Kantché (Zinder Region) produced a cereal surplus of almost 13,000 tonnes. This department is characterised by a high population density (over 100 people per hectare), but also by high tree densities. Since the late 1980s, farmers began to perceive that they had a right to the trees on their own farms. This perception led to increased participation of local communities in the management of their natural resources, which was reinforced by the state’s decentralisation policy. Thus forestry policy has evolved from the exclusive management of trees by the state (1960-1980) to a presidential decree issued on 30 July, 2020, which recognises that planted or regenerated trees belong to the producer. This will help encourage farmers to invest more voluntarily in trees on their fields, and will improve the future prospects of young people.
Agronomic performance of soybean and sorghum in a short rotation poplar coppice alley-cropping system under Mediterranean conditions
(Springer Nature, 2023-04-07) Mantino, Alberto; Pecchioni, Giovanni; Tozzini, Cristiano; Mele, Marcello; Ragaglini, Giorgio
The transition from conventional arable towards silvoarable systems can increase the delivery of ecosystem services. Nevertheless, the assessment of crop yield under agroforestry condition is crucial to evaluate of the reliability of these systems and to increase the knowledge base needed to support their design. Although the feasibility of poplar short rotation coppice (SRC) silvoarable alley-cropping systems has been widely investigated, few studies have addressed the agronomic response of crops intercropped with poplar SRC in narrow alleys, especially in Mediterranean environments. Thus, this paper treats the effects of SRC poplar rows on soybean and sorghum productivity in a 2-year rotation implemented in an alley-cropping system. A field experiment was carried out in 2018 and 2019 with the objective of measuring and evaluating effects of light availability variation, as affected by the growing rate of 2-year coppice cycle poplar SRC rows, and the soil characteristics on soybean-sorghum and sorghum–soybean rotations. Above-ground biomass, grain yield and crops residue showed a significant reduction in the tree–crop interface up to 74% and sorghum proved to be less tolerant to light reduction compared to soybean. Our results demonstrated that light is the most important factor for sorghum cultivation, despite grain yield was also influenced by the soil characteristics such as pH, while soybean is affected also by soil moisture and water retention capacity. The design of crop rotation in an SRC-based agroforestry system needs to consider the different agronomic performance of different crops and the harvest cycle of tree rows.
In a nutshell: exploring single tree parameters and above-ground carbon sequestration potential of common walnut (Juglans regia L.) in agroforestry systems
(Springer Nature, 2023-04-08) Schindler, Zoe; Morhart, Christopher; Sheppard, Jonathan P.; Frey, Julian; Seifert, Thomas
Although agroforestry systems (AFS) provide numerous ecosystem services and are a recognized strategy for climate change mitigation and adaptation, knowledge on the woody component is lacking. Single tree data could improve planning, management and optimization of AFS. One tree species which is of great interest due to its valuable timber and non-timber products is walnut (Juglans regia L.). We used terrestrial laser scanning data to fit quantitative structure models (QSMs) for 65 walnut trees in AFS with diameter at breast height (DBH) ranging from 1 to 77 cm. Based on the QSMs, volumetric information as well as height and crown parameters were derived. By combining the volumetric data with bark and wood density followed by carbon and nutrient concentration, whole tree biomass, nutrient and carbon content were derived. To enable the application of our results, we modeled allometric relationships based on the DBH. The maximum crown projection area of a tree was more than 340 m2, the maximum leafless above-ground dry biomass was 7.4 t and the maximum amount of stored carbon was 3.6 t (in metric tons). A modelled AFS comprising 15 trees per hectare with a target DBH of 60 cm projects at the end of its 60-year rotation period an above-ground tree volume of more than 100 m3, about 60 t of dry biomass and roughly 30 t of sequestered carbon. By producing allometric functions, we provide much needed information for small-scale modelling of AFS.
Orchard meadows: consumer perception and communication of a traditional agroforestry system in Germany
(Springer Nature, 2023-03-23) Philipp, Sophia M.; Zander, Katrin
Europe has a large variety of historic cultural agroforestry systems which provide numerous ecosystem services. Traditional agroforestry landscapes are characterized by a high level of biodiversity, but they lack an economic basis due to considerable time and financial effort required for cultivation, maintenance, and harvesting. Orchard meadows (OM) are a typical example for agroforestry systems. They combine large fruit trees with undercropping or livestock raising. This study investigates consumer knowledge and preferences for OM products and the possibilities of improved communication to increase consumer demand. Focus groups were conducted with German consumers. The results demonstrate that consumers have a very positive perception of OM juice in terms of taste, local production, health, and environmental benefits. In order to increase the demand for OM juice, communication with consumers needs to be improved by highlighting these positive attributes.
Can carbon payments improve profitability of traditional conventional and organic cocoa agroforests? A case study in the Eastern Region of Ghana
(Springer Nature, 2023-03-16) Agbotui, Deogratias Kofi; Ingold, Mariko; Wiehle, Martin; Buerkert, Andreas
This study investigates the carbon (C) sequestration of traditional cocoa agroforestry systems in the Eastern Region of Ghana and the theoretical impact of CO2 emission rights trading on their profitability. The study was conducted in four villages of Suhum Municipality, two each with either conventional or organic cocoa cultivation systems. Profitability was calculated using net present value of net cashflow (NPV), benefit cost ratio (BCR), and modified internal rate of return (MIRR). Carbon revenues were calculated using CO2 emission trading rights prices ranging from 7.5 € tCO2eq.−1 (average EU trading price) to 42 € tCO2eq.−1(estimated social cost of CO2 release). We tested the sensitivity of profitability indicators with three scenarios: 300% increase in interest rates, 20% yield reduction, and 10% increase in cost. NPV without CO2 payment for conventional agroforest was 20% higher than that of organic agroforest. Contrarily, BCR for the organic system was 30% larger than for the conventional counterpart. Profitability indicators for both systems were most sensitive to the 300% interest rate. The average C sequestered was 153 ± 13 t ha−1 whereby soil contributed the largest fraction with an average of 88 ± 11 t ha−1. Total C sequestered in the organic system was 30% higher than in the conventional system. In conclusion, CO2 payments can improve the attractiveness of organic cocoa cultivation for farmers, although the paid price must be oriented to the estimated social costs caused by CO2 release rather than the currently used trading price in the EU.
Subsoiling for planting trees in dehesa system: long-term effects on soil organic carbon
(Springer Nature, 2023-02-25) Navarro-Rosales, Francisco; Fernández-Habas, Jesús; Reyna-Bowen, Lizardo; Gómez, José A.; Fernández-Rebollo, Pilar
Incorporating trees into agricultural systems, including grasslands, increases the soil organic carbon sequestration and contributes to climate change mitigation. Site preparation for tree establishment is a common practice that can involve a variety of techniques and agricultural implements such as subsoiling. This study aimed to evaluate the long-term effects of subsoiling on soil organic carbon (SOC) concentrations and stocks in a Mediterranean grassland afforested with holm oaks 22 years ago and now converted into a Dehesa agroforestry system. The study was conducted in a dehesa farm in Southwest Spain. Soil samples were taken at six depths under 10 tree canopies within and outside the original subsoiling line. Subsoiling significantly decreased SOC concentration. Mean SOC concentration in the first 20 cm was 30% lower at the subsoiling line. SOC stocks for the first 60 cm were 2660 g m−2 within the subsoiling line and 4320 g m−2 outside the line. There was a clear reduction in SOC concentration and stock with increasing depth. Root abundance and deeper rooting increased with subsoiling but did not translate into sufficient carbon accumulation in the soil, which is moderate even after 22 years. This study reveals that, in the long term, there is a trade-off in CO2 sequestration between tree planting and soil subsoiling, highlighting the need for further research into the potential benefits and detriments of subsoiling.
Economic outcomes of rubber-based agroforestry systems: a systematic review and narrative synthesis
(Springer Nature, 2022-03-09) Huang, Iona Y.; James, Katy; Thamthanakoon, Nithicha; Pinijitsamut, Pim; Rattanamanee, Nararat; Pinitjitsamut, Montchai; Yamklin, Sophon; Lowenberg-DeBoer, James
A systematic review was conducted to examine expected economic outcomes of rubber-based agroforestry systems during mature rubber stage in comparison with monoculture rubber farming. Twelve studies were identified for a narrative synthesis of economic outcomes of the mature rubber production systems. The review found that whilst monoculture rubber production may produce higher income in some cases, particularly when rubber prices are high, profitable diversified rubber agroforestry systems were reported in all but one study. Rubber agroforestry has the potential to reduce the vulnerability of smallholders to volatile markets for rubber, particularly if the share of income from secondary species is substantial. Shade-tolerant crops with small canopies (e.g. coffee, bamboo and tea) are reported as ideal intercrops for rubber. Economically advantageous systems reported appeared to be rubber combined with species which provide additional income in the medium to long term (e.g. sheep and high value timber) and/or enhance ongoing cash flow with a lengthy productive lifespan and regular harvests (e.g. durian and gnetum). However, these systems are subject to many constraints such as labour availability, investment and management capacity and market conditions for secondary products. The review showed an absence of farm portfolio studies aimed at finding risk reducing enterprise combinations. Future research on economic outcomes of rubber agroforestry systems should firstly distinguish traditional jungle rubber from rubber agroforestry systems which use clonal rubber similar to those used in monoculture rubber, and secondly consider the full value of secondary products even if they are grown for own consumption.
Evidence for the impacts of agroforestry on agricultural productivity, ecosystem services, and human well-being in high-income countries: a systematic map protocol
(Springer Nature, 2018-10-29) Brown, Sarah E.; Miller, Daniel C.; Ordonez, Pablo J.; Baylis, Kathy
Background Agroforestry bridges the gap that often separates agriculture and forestry by building integrated systems that address both environmental and socio-economic objectives. Agroforestry can improve the resiliency of agricultural systems and mitigate the impacts of climate change. Existing research suggests that integrating trees on farms can prevent environmental degradation, improve agricultural productivity, increase carbon sequestration, generate cleaner water, and support healthy soil and healthy ecosystems while providing stable incomes and other benefits to human welfare. Although these claims are becoming more widely accepted as the body of agroforestry research increases, systematic understanding of the evidence supporting them remains lacking for high-income countries. This systematic map will address this research need by providing a tool for identifying and visualizing the existing evidence demonstrating the impacts of agroforestry practices and interventions on agricultural productivity, ecosystem services, and human well-being. The results will be useful for informing policy decisions and future research by making the evidence easily accessible and highlighting the gaps in knowledge as well as areas with enough evidence to conduct systematic reviews. Methods This systematic map will identify, collect, display, and describe available evidence on the impacts of agroforestry on agricultural productivity, ecosystem services, and human well-being in high-income countries. The search strategy will cover 5 primary databases and 24 organizational websites using a pre-defined search string designed to capture studies relating agroforestry practices and interventions to outcomes in high-income countries. The searches will all be conducted in English. We will screen the identified studies for inclusion or exclusion in stages, first on title and abstract and then on full-text. We will collect data from studies included at the full-text stage to form the map and associated database. For inclusion, the study in question must assess the impacts of the deliberate promotion and/or actual integration of woody perennials (trees, shrubs, palms, bamboos, etc.) on the same land management unit as agricultural crops and/or animals.
Agroforestry delivers a win-win solution for ecosystem services in sub-Saharan Africa. A meta-analysis
(Springer Nature, 2019-09-09) Kuyah, Shem; Whitney, Cory W.; Jonsson, Mattias; Sileshi, Gudeta W.; Öborn, Ingrid; Muthuri, Catherine W.; Luedeling, Eike
Agricultural landscapes are increasingly being managed with the aim of enhancing the provisioning of multiple ecosystem services and sustainability of production systems. However, agricultural management that maximizes provisioning ecosystem services can often reduce both regulating and maintenance services. We hypothesized that agroforestry reduces trade-offs between provisioning and regulating/maintenance services. We conducted a quantitative synthesis of studies carried out in sub-Saharan Africa focusing on crop yield (as an indicator of provisioning services), soil fertility, erosion control, and water regulation (as indicators of regulating/maintenance services). A total of 1106 observations were extracted from 126 peer-reviewed publications that fulfilled the selection criteria for meta-analysis of studies comparing agroforestry and non-agroforestry practices (hereafter control) in sub-Saharan Africa. Across ecological conditions, agroforestry significantly increased crop yield, total soil nitrogen, soil organic carbon, and available phosphorus compared to the control. Agroforestry practices also reduced runoff and soil loss and improved infiltration rates and soil moisture content. No significant differences were detected between the different ecological conditions, management regimes, and types of woody perennials for any of the ecosystem services. Main trade-offs included low available phosphorus and low soil moisture against higher crop yield. This is the first meta-analysis that shows that, on average, agroforestry systems in sub-Saharan Africa increase crop yield while maintaining delivery of regulating/maintenance ecosystem services. We also demonstrate how woody perennials have been managed in agricultural landscapes to provide multiple ecosystem services without sacrificing crop productivity. This is important in rural livelihoods where the range of ecosystem services conveys benefits in terms of food security and resilience to environmental shocks.
Pigeon pea (Cajanus cajan) fodder cutting management in the Guinea Savanna Agro-Ecological Zone of Ghana
(Springer Nature, 2022-01) Tenakwa, E. A.; Imoro, A. Z.; Ansah, T.; Kizito, F.
This study evaluated the effect of cutting regime on biomass yield and nutrient composition of pigeon pea (Cajanus cajan (L) Millsp.) fodder in the Guinea Savanna Agro-Ecological Zone of Ghana. Three cutting regimes (12, 16 and 20 Week After Planting [WAP]) in RCBD were imposed on Cajanus cajan at both initial establishment and regrowth. At each harvest, biomass yield was estimated after which samples of the fodder were separated into leaf and stem botanical fractions for chemical composition and in vitro digestibility. Cutting regime significantly affected plant height, number of branches and stem diameter in both the initial establishment and regrowth. Biomass yield was significantly affected by cutting regime in the initial establishment but not the regrowth. The biomass yield was highest in the harvest at 20WAP (6515kgDM/ha) while 12WAP (3175 kg/ha) recorded the lowest biomass yield in the initial establishment. All chemical composition parameters were significantly affected by cutting regime and botanical fractions except hemicellulose in the initial establishment. Cutting regime also significantly affected DM, CP and ash concentrations in the regrowth with botanical fraction significantly (P < 0.05) influencing CP, NDF, ADF and ash. The highest CP was obtained in the leaf fraction harvested at 12 WAP and 20 WAP in the initial establishment and regrowth respectively. Cutting regime, botanical fraction and their interaction were significant in gas produced at 24 h, SCFA and ME in both the initial establishment and regrowth stages. In conclusion, harvest at 20WAP produced the highest biomass yield but lower CP in the initial establishment whiles in the regrowth, harvest at 20WAP produced higher biomass yield, CP and ME.
Agroforestry: A primer
(CIFOR-ICRAF - The Center for International Forestry Research (CIFOR) and World Agroforestry (ICRAF), 2022) Gassner, Anja; Dobie, Philip
The effect of agroforestry farming on wood quality and timber industry and its supportation by Horizon 2020
(Springer Nature, 2023) Báder, Mátyás; Németh, Róbert; Vörös, Ágnes; Tóth, Zsolt; Novotini, Adrienn
One of the goals of the European Union’s agroforestry plans is to alleviate the shortage of timber in Europe caused by the growing demand for hardwoods and the declining import of tropical timber. The study shows which tree species can be considered in agroforestry systems in Europe, and which of them can be used as raw material for the wood industry and what quality of wood can be produced in agroforestry systems. Since 2005, the European Union has been officially encouraging farmers to plant the crops in an agroforestry system and parallel try to produce trunks for high quality timber. By analysing the current economic developments of the European Union, especially Horizon 2020, our study provides an overview of what can be expected by the participants of the agroforestry sector and the related primary wood industry in the European Union now and in the future. In addition to the distribution analysis, indices describing projects have also been created. Rank correlation was used to examine the relationship between them. Possible decision mechanisms were also outlined using a custom-built expert software system.
Unravelling sustainable intensifcation in oil‑palm agroforestry on the Adja plateau, Benin
(Springer Nature, 2023) Yemadje, Rolland H.; Koussihouèdé, Hermione; Rafflegeau, Sylvain
Pathways for mediating the competing land-use claims of landowners and tenants in oil palm agroforestry systems in Benin’s Adja plateau do not consider the diversity of land-management practices. Therefore, we analysed how soil properties and maize yields in those systems are affected by two contrasting categories of land-management practices and fertilisation options. We used a synchronic approach to split these practices and options into two successive steps. In Step 1, referred to as cropped fields, tenants continuously intercrop maize among scattered oil palms. In Step 2, referred to as fallows, the land is densely planted with oil palm, without intercropping. Twelve farmers’ fields were selected for this study. Eight represent cropping fields, and four are 15-year-old oil-palm fallows. Cropped field fertilisation treatments consisted of farmyard manure (at 15 and 30 t ha−1) and mineral fertiliser (150 kg ha−1 of N14P18K18S6B1 + 50 kg ha−1 of urea). We found no significant differences between the N contents and C:N ratios of the two types of fields. However, the numbers and masses of earthworm casts were higher in cropped fields treated with farmyard manure than with mineral fertiliser. Farmyard manure (15 and 30 t ha−1 rates) also produced significantly higher maize yields (respectively, 2.5 and 3.2 t ha−1) than the mineral fertiliser alone (1.9 t of maize per ha). We conclude by discussing N, K and P storage in soil, and recommended use of farmyard manure as an agroforestry practice that will benefit landowners and tenants alike on the Adja plateau.
The role of shade tree pruning in cocoa agroforestry systems: agronomic and economic benefts
(Springer Nature, 2023) Esche, Laura; Schneider, Monika; Milz, Joachim; Armengot, Laura
Cocoa-based agroforests are promoted to replace monocultures for the provision of ecosystem services. However, shade tree pruning, an important tool to sustain cocoa yields, is not commonly implemented. This study investigates the effect of pruning on both agronomic and economic performance. In Bolivia, four famers’ sites were divided in half, and shade trees pruned in one of the two plots. Pruning resulted in a significant increase in cocoa yield, from an average of 430 to 710 kg ha−1 by boosting flowering and pod production, but not reducing the proportion of damaged pods, and of those lost to cherelle wilt. Additionally, scenario calculations using international and organic premium cocoa prices were conducted to evaluate the economic feasibility of pruning. The minimum, mean and maximum yield of 22 local cocoa-based agroforestry farms were used as reference for 25, 50 and 75% yield increase scenarios. Offsetting the pruning costs highly depended on the initial yield levels. Using the minimum yield, all scenarios led to a lower net income compared with no pruning. For the mean yield level, the net income was equal to that obtained without pruning when the yield increase was above 51%. At the maximum yield level, all increase scenarios resulted in a higher net income. Our results prove the importance of pruning agroforestry trees to increase cocoa yields. However, with current farm-gate prices for cocoa, farmers alone cannot cover the extra management costs. The cocoa sector should discuss different strategies to support pruning for a broader adoption of agroforests.

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