Agroforestry Systems最新文献

Understanding the carbon footprint of Canadian agriculture is imperative for the developing carbon market. Agroforestry systems are seen as nature-based carbon sequestration solutions to achieve net-zero agriculture, yet very little research has been done into native woody vegetation. Native woody vegetation, often growing in and around trembling aspen (Populus tremuloides) copses, are diverse vegetative communities of tree, shrub, grass, and forb species. This study aims to be the first to quantify the carbon density under native copses of the Canadian Prairies. The decomposing litter layer and the top 60 cm of mineral soil were collected in 72 different sampling locations across six Black soil zone copses of Saskatchewan. Samples were collected along the grassy edges and under living aspen and shrubs within the copses. Soil samples were divided by visible horizon, and total, organic, and inorganic carbon were quantified from each layer. There was no significant difference in carbon density within the copses, and as such, carbon budgeting can assume a carbon density value of 29.90 kg TC m⁻². This carbon density allows an estimated total of 396 Tg TC to be calculated as stored under native copses in the Black soil zone of Saskatchewan (13,233 km²). The carbon at the edge of the copses was significantly less dense, at 21.56 kg TC m⁻², but merits inclusion in carbon budgets as levels are significantly higher than surrounding agricultural fields. This study highlights the importance of including native copses in Canada’s carbon budget.

Hydrophysical soil properties are critical determinants of agricultural sustainability and ecosystem resilience. These properties influence soil–water dynamics, nutrient cycling, and overall soil health. Although the potential of agroforestry to mitigate soil degradation is well-established, a comprehensive synthesis of its effects on hydrophysical properties in European contexts has been lacking. This review systematically analyzes 40 studies examining the effects of woody vegetation in European Agroforestry Systems (EAFS). Findings reveal that woody components generally enhance hydrophysical soil properties across diverse EAFS. A consistent decrease in bulk density and increase in porosity were reported, leading to improved water infiltration, retention, and storage capacities. Hedgerows and shelterbelts were particularly effective in increasing hydraulic conductivity and mitigating surface runoff and erosion, with positive effects localized near woody vegetation. Silvopastoral systems demonstrated significant improvements in soil water content and infiltration rates, particularly in Mediterranean regions. However, variability was evident, influenced by tree age, species composition, spatial configurations, and management practices. Critical research gaps were identified, including limited data on subsoil dynamics, geographic biases favouring Mediterranean systems, and methodological inconsistencies across studies. Addressing these gaps through standardized protocols and multidisciplinary approaches is essential to fully realise the potential of EAFS in enhancing soil functions and adapting agro-ecosystems to climate challenges. Implementing tailored management practices that consider local climatic and edaphic conditions is essential for maximizing the hydrological and ecological benefits of EAFS.

Graphical abstract

Shade trees are important in cocoa agroforestry systems. However, the decline in shade tree cover on cocoa farms, alongside diminishing forest cover due to deforestation and overexploitation, raises concerns about agroecosystem function and long-term sustainability in Ghana. Enhancing multifunctionality in shaded cocoa systems requires understanding the ecological attributes that drive biodiversity and productivity. This study examined how location and corresponding soil association influence the composition, abundance and diversity of shade trees in cocoa agroecosystems. A complete tree census was conducted across 40 stratified-randomly selected mature cocoa farms in four locations (L), namely Pankese (L1), Pramang (L2), Abirem-Afosu (L3) and Akoase (L4), each representing a distinct soil association. A total of 1185 trees representing 78 species were recorded within 40 (100 m × 100 m) plots. The results indicated that the most abundant species were Spathodea campanulata (6.7%), Alstonia boonei (5.5%), and Milicia excelsa (5.2%). Rényi diversity profiles revealed variation in species richness and evenness across locations, with L2 having the highest richness (α₀ = 3.97) and L3 the lowest (α₀ = 3.52). L3 had the most uneven distribution, while L1 had the highest evenness. Bray–Curtis distances and Distance-based Redundancy Analysis (db-RDA) showed that locations had some shade tree species in common. However, ecological distances were relatively high, indicating dissimilarity in species composition between locations. These findings showed that location and soil association influence shade tree diversity in cocoa agroecosystems and highlight the potential of cocoa agroforests for ex-situ conservation of native tree species.

Despite the ecological and socio-economic importance of native trees to rural livelihoods in West Africa, indigenous knowledge and scientific validation of their propagation remains poorly documented, especially in northern Ghana. In this study, we assessed local knowledge on the propagation of four key multipurpose native tree species, Adansonia digitata, Parkia biglobosa, Lannea microcarpa, and Bombax costatum, in the Guinean savanna agro-ecological zone of Ghana to inform domestication strategies. From September to October 2022, we conducted fieldwork across 13 communities in the Kassena Nankana municipality, Kumbungu district, and Nandom municipality. We used semi-structured questionnaires to interview 260 respondents (138 males and 122 females) selected through purposive sampling with local leaders. Our results revealed significant variations in propagation knowledge, fruiting perceptions, and perceived tree population trends across locations and age groups. Most respondents relied on seed-based propagation, while few had knowledge of vegetative techniques. Older participants, especially those aged 50–69, demonstrated greater propagation knowledge, particularly for P. biglobosa. Communities reported that fruit maturation varied seasonally and by location. Livestock herbivory emerged as the main constraint to seedling survival, alongside cultural taboos and ecological barriers such as seed dormancy. These findings highlight the importance of integrating indigenous knowledge into tree domestication and conservation strategies. By embedding this knowledge into policy and reforestation initiatives, we can promote more culturally relevant, ecologically sound, and socially inclusive approaches to landscape restoration and rural development.

Scaling up agroforestry programs globally has faced significant challenges, despite agroforestry's promise as a nature-based solution for climate change mitigation, biodiversity conservation, and poverty reduction. Programs worldwide have consistently experienced barriers including insufficient funding, mismatched incentive structures, and the challenges of tailoring programs to diverse landscapes. All of this is compounded by a lack of research going beyond parcel-level analysis. These challenges contribute to the fragmented adoption of agroforestry and hinder the realization of its full potential in mitigating pressing social and environmental challenges worldwide. We examine Sembrando Vida, Mexico’s flagship agroforestry program, estimated to cost $13 billion USD, which aimed to restore one million hectares of degraded lands. In this perspectives article, we reflect on our experience researching the Sembrando Vida program complemented with a document analysis of scientific publications, official data and communications, and grey literature. We identify six innovations that advanced agroforestry scaling, including significant financial investment, streamlined governance, technical support, distribution mechanisms, a focus on community cohesion, and gender equity. However, we also highlight three critical shortcomings: limited external evaluation due to government resistance to outside scrutiny, prioritization of social objectives over environmental outcomes, and insufficient measures for climate resilience and market access. These gaps pose risks to the program’s effectiveness and sustainability and undermine opportunities for stakeholders to learn from Sembrando Vida. We argue that large-scale agroforestry initiatives require procedural and administrative transparency, robust monitoring, and balanced socio-environmental strategies that enhance long-term adoption and impact. Nonetheless, Sembrando Vida serves as both a milestone in agroforestry policy and sheds light on the complexities of scaling nature-based solutions in diverse socio-ecological contexts.

Graphical abstract

Scaling out ecosystem restoration programs in sub-Saharan Africa will require supply of the right quality and quantity of planting stock. Yet, the supply of quality agroforestry germplasm is not widespread. We apply contingent valuation method (CVM) to elicit potential demand for quality-enhanced germplasm for three multipurpose agroforestry tree species in Malawi. Following a split-sample CVM design, we employed a Multivariate probit regression model to test the effects of product-quality validation— through audio-visual information aids —on willingness to pay (WTP) bids. Hypothetical bias was mitigated using cheap/pep talk (consequentialism) and follow-up certainty questions (calibration). The results reveal that landholders who viewed seedling quality-attributes through video-based information platform reported 28–40% higher WTP bids for quality-enhanced seedlings compared to their counterparts who received verbal information. Mean WTP for improved grafted Mangifera indica, Acacia polyacantha and Faidherbia albida were estimated at MWK1329 (US$1.28), MWK547 (US$.52), and MWK539 (US$0.52), respectively, for landholders in the treatment (video) group. Further, multivariate probit regression results show that product-quality validation (through audio-visual aids), gender, distance to seedling suppliers, and credibility of suppliers significantly influenced WTP offers. The findings highlight that there is potential demand for improved agroforestry seedlings and, hence, the need for seed supply chains to embrace or invest in seedling quality enhancement technologies (SETs) and quality control mechanisms.

Agroforestry (AF) is an integrated farming system that offers both tangible and intangible benefits. In many developing countries like South Sudan, where resources for agricultural development are limited, farmers still tend to increase their motivation to incorporate woody perennials into agroforestry practices. However, several studies have shown that socioeconomic and institutional factors play crucial roles in farmers' decision-making processes regarding agroforestry adoption. Therefore, this study aimed to identify the key factors influencing farmers' adoption decisions in Rajaf Payam, Juba County, South Sudan, by applying probit and multivariate probit regression analyses. Since different agroforestry practices may have varying impacts on farmers’ adoption decisions, a multivariate probit approach ensures that these practices are analyzed simultaneously, compared to using a simple probit model applied to a binary dummy variable of each agroforestry practice separately. The data were collected from 348 randomly selected households using structured questionnaires administered to household heads. Key informant interviews (KIIs) and focus group discussions (FGDs) were also conducted. The main findings revealed that gender, access to credit, access to quality and improved seeds, household size, distance to market, mode of farmland acquisition, extension contact, livestock ownership, and parcel size significantly affected agroforestry adoption. The study also found that common agroforestry practices included scattered trees on croplands (44.60%), homegardens (22.44%), and boundary planting (16.34%). These practices mainly involved fruit tree species such as Mangifera indica (26.9%), Citrus sinensis (15.8%), Carica papaya (10.1%), and Azadirachta indica (9.2%), which were primarily used for food provision (24.4%), shade (7.2%), and protective/windbreak purposes (6.6%). Moreover, the results indicated that the major constraints hindering adoption were a lack of low-cost, quality inputs (ranked 1st), high rates of insecurity (ranked 2nd), a lack of capital (ranked 3rd), and insufficient labour (ranked 4th). Overall, to scale up and sustainably increase adoption rates, targeted efforts to promote agroforestry interventions should be prioritized, including mobilizing and allocating more resources to these practices.

Silvopastoral systems (SPS) represent a promising approach to sustainable land use by integrating trees with livestock production. In SPS, the spatial arrangement of trees plays a significant role in crown development. Edge trees, located at the plantation perimeter, are particularly important in alley arranged SPS, as they are the most prevalent and exhibit distinct structural characteristics. The study evaluates the effects of tree position on crown asymmetry, Crown Area (CA), and height (Ht) in a triple-row silvopastoral system using Drone Laser Scanning (DLS) data. The research was conducted on two Eucalyptus grandis stands, 3 and 10 years old. Inverted watershed segmentation method was used to estimate dendrometric variables such as CA and Ht, and trees were classified based on their position within the triple-row arrangement into three categories: external east (EE), external west (EW), and middle (M). Crown asymmetry was analyzed using six indices (CAI4, CAI5, CAI10, CAI13, DistTC, Dist/CA). Results demonstrated significantly larger CA in external trees (EE and EW) compared to middle trees, reaching differences of up to 39% in the 10-year-old stand. In contrast, tree height showed minimal positional differences (1–3%). Crown asymmetry indices (CAIs) were strongly correlated (Spearman’s ρ = 0.83–0.99), with CAI13, CAI10, and CAI4 showing particularly high consistency. This research highlights the importance of tree position in determining crown structure and demonstrates the effectiveness of remote sensing technologies for precise dendrometric assessments, informing better management and design of sustainable silvopastoral systems.

Traditional agroforestry systems (TAFs) in Europe represent an interface between agriculture and biodiversity conservation, being able to offer sustainable production while supporting diverse ecosystems often with unique species assemblages. This systematic review synthesises research on TAFs conducted between 1992 and 2024 using the PRISMA methodology. We analysed 232 studies to assess TAFs types, their distribution, biodiversity significance, and ecosystem services’ contributions across Europe. The findings highlight regional variations, with dehesa/montado systems dominating Southern Europe and traditional orchards and wood pastures being prevalent in Central and Eastern Europe. Our review gives evidence that TAFs provide multifaceted ecosystem services, such as carbon sequestration, soil fertility enhancement, water regulation, and cultural heritage preservation. Additionally, TAFs harbour a rich biodiversity, particularly among vascular plants, birds, and insects, whose ecological roles are pivotal to the ecological functioning of these systems. Despite their significance, studies indicate that a decline in economic viability and changing land-use patterns have threatened the future of TAFs. This review emphasises the need for innovative management practices that integrate traditional knowledge, alongside political and public support, to ensure the long-term conservation and restoration of TAFs in Europe.

Cacao agroforestry systems (AFS) represent a more sustainable alternative to monocultures by providing significant benefits in terms of carbon stocks and biodiversity conservation. For their adoption, farmers must make key decisions regarding the tree species to integrate and the type of spatial arrangement to implement. This study aimed to evaluate how tree diversity in AFS influences the provision of ecosystem services (ES), as well as the potential synergies and trade-offs among them, in the southern Colombian Amazon region. We analyzed three AFS arrangements, scattered trees, live fences, and alley cropping, and four ES (aboveground carbon stocks, and provision of cacao, timber and fruit). Thirty farms were sampled using variable-area transects to record tree composition and density. Carbon stocks were estimated using an allometric equation, cacao yields were reported by farmers, and timber and fruit provision were indirectly quantified through the basal area of fruit and timber trees. A total of 121 tree species were identified, mostly native species. Although tree diversity and density did not vary significantly among AFS arrangements, composition differed. Significant synergies were detected between regulating ES (aboveground carbon stocks) and provisioning ES (timber provision), both of which were associated with tree species richness and density. In contrast, no statistically significant trade-offs were found between cacao yields and other ES. In conclusion, diverse AFS can sustain multiple ES, but require careful planning and incentives that recognize their value in terms of ecosystem service delivery and biodiversity conservation.