Our presentation on

AgroForestry

Done by:Domonique Francis

Jadae Nicholas
Kaycia Dias
WhaT is Agroforestry?
Agroforestry is the interaction of agriculture and trees, including the agricultural use of trees. This comprises
trees on farms and in agricultural landscapes, farming in forests and along forest margins and tree-crop
production, including cocoa, coffee, rubber and oil palm. Interactions between trees and other components of
agriculture may be important at a range of scales: in fields (where trees and crops are grown together), on farms
(where trees may provide fodder for livestock, fuel, food, shelter or income from products including timber) and
landscapes (where agricultural and forest land uses combine in determining the provision of ecosystem services).
How does Agroforestry work?
Agroforestry mixes trees with other agricultural land-use, such as fields crops and livestock. Besides
providing numerous benefits to farmers and their communities, agroforestry can remove carbon
dioxide (CO2) from the atmosphere as trees capture and store carbon themselves and increase soil
carbon around them.
Advantages of Agroforestry
1. It can effectively leverage short-term cash-flow over time.
In economic terms, this approach has an advantage over conventional methods of horticulture and forestry and horticulture, as it combines long-term yields with
short-term returns from crops, livestock and other forest products. In this aspect, agroforestry is able to leverage short-term cash flow over time more effectively,
making the entire operation more profitable than when the agro and the forestry components are separated.

2. It can increase crop yields.

Research shows crop yields in fields that are adjacent to shelterbelts have increased. This due to the better snow and moisture retention techniques and improved
microclimates used, which can control or reduce climatic effects that lessen damage to crops.

3. It helps with energy savings.

Heat loss through infiltration and conduction is a common problem faced by farmers every winter. But thanks to shelterbelts in agroforestry, the amount of energy
needed to heat confinement buildings will be reduced.

4. It can help sustain or even increase biodiversity.

Aside from conserving energy, soil and water, landowners plant trees around in their farms to try and conserve wildlife through diversity. Lands that were
converted for settlements, which dramatically reduced wildlife habitat, can be reverted to make up for the loss by planting trees. After all, this action is not only
good for the landowners and the wildlife, but also for the environment as a whole.
Disadvantages of agroforestry
1. Initial Costs

One of the biggest problems with agroforestry is that it costs a lot to set up at first. In terms of time, labor, and money, agroforestry requires more investment than traditional farming.
The cost of purchasing and planting trees, installing irrigation systems, fencing, and other equipment can be significant.
Additionally, it may take several years for the trees to mature and produce a yield, which means that farmers may have to wait before they can generate income from the system.

2. Lack of Technical Knowledge

Farmers may also have trouble with agroforestry if they don’t know enough about how to do it. Farmers may not have easy access to the skills and knowledge they need to do agroforestry.
Farmers need to know how to plant and care for trees, save soil, manage water, and deal with pests in an integrated way.
Farmers might not be able to use agroforestry practices well if they don’t have the right knowledge and training, which could lead to lower yields and less money.

3. Limited Crop Variety

Agroforestry systems typically involve a limited number of crop varieties. This is because the trees used in agroforestry often dominate the landscape, shading out other crops.
This can limit the variety of crops that can be grown on the land and reduce the diversity of the farm’s output. Also, the crops that can be grown in agroforestry systems may not be as profitable as those grown
in traditional agriculture. This can limit the financial benefits of the system.

4. Incompatible Crops

Another disadvantage of agroforestry is the potential for incompatible crops. Trees and crops may compete for resources such as water, nutrients, and sunlight, which can reduce yields and profitability.
Is this practice environmentally stable?
Agroforestry is considered to be environmentally stable for several reasons. Firstly, it
promotes biodiversity by combining trees and crops, providing habitat for various
organisms. This helps in maintaining a balanced ecosystem. Additionally,
agroforestry reduces soil erosion as trees act as windbreaks and can absorb excess
water. The presence of trees also enhances nutrient cycling and improves soil fertility.
Agroforestry systems often involve the use of nitrogen-fixing tree species, which
naturally enrich the soil. Furthermore, trees in agroforestry systems sequester carbon
dioxide, mitigating climate change. Overall, agroforestry practices are beneficial for
the environment and contribute positively to sustainable land management.
AN explained video of agroforestry
https://youtu.be/jLZ0KtNx354?si=HXZzXg92FJnX7zPT