Agroforestry Systems最新文献

Buchanania cochinchinensis Lour. M.R.Almeida (Chironji) is a high-value wild fruit tree species increasingly threatened by unsustainable harvesting and poor seed germination. This is attributed to its hard seed coat leading to its ecological degradation. This study assessed the impact of various pre-sowing treatments on seed germination and early seedling growth, followed by evaluation under different agroforestry systems. The experiment was conducted from 2022 to 2025 at the ICFRE-Tropical Forest Research Institute, Jabalpur. During the nursery phase of the experiment, six pre-sowing treatments: T₁ (Control), T₂ (Cow dung), T₃ (Cow urine), T₄ (H₂SO₄ 5%), T₅ (GA₃ 250 ppm) and T₆ (Mechanical scarification) were laid out in a CRD with three replications. Germination traits and post-emergence growth parameters were recorded. Furthermore, the seedlings from the best-performing treatment (T₆: Mechanical scarification) were transplanted into eight agroforestry models. The models were established using a Randomized Block Design with varying spacing and intercrops (Maize, Cowpea, Kalmegh). Among agroforestry systems, wider spacing (AF₈: Sole Chironji at 8 × 8 m) showed superior growth performance, followed by AF₇ and AF₆. The findings highlight mechanical scarification as an effective low-cost technique to improve Chironji propagation and suggest that wider spacing in agroforestry enhances long-term growth and establishment.

Agroforestry systems contribute to climate change mitigation through carbon (C) sequestration, but the design and management affect their capacity for above- and below-ground biomass and soil C accumulation. The milpa intercropped with fruit trees (MIFT) is an alley cropping agroforestry system that combines fruit trees in rows and annual crops (corn and beans) in alleys, where trees are inclined to alternate sides to harness more photosynthetically active radiation. However, the effect of tree inclination and distance from the tree row on the distribution of fine root biomass and soil organic carbon (SOC) is not clear in the MIFT agroforestry systems. We evaluated the SOC and fine root distribution (≤ 2 mm) towards and against tree inclination at different distances from the tree row to 50 cm soil depth, at an interval of 10 cm, in a MIFT agroforestry system in southern Mexico. The average SOC content was higher under the tree crown (2.6 kg m⁻²) compared to farther distances (1.9–1.6 kg m⁻²). Tree inclination did not influence SOC content, but a higher fine root biomass (253 g m⁻³) was found on the opposite side of the tree inclination than towards it (189 g m⁻³). Crop fine root biomass was distributed more to the shallow soils, whereas tree roots were distributed more in the deeper soil profiles. The results regarding the complementarity or niche segregation between tree and crop fine root distribution have important implications in designing agroforestry systems to optimize belowground resources and mitigate atmospheric CO₂ through C sequestration in soils.

Integration systems offer benefits to agricultural production through product diversification, particularly when annual forage species with high yield potential are intercropped with perennial tree species. The objective of this study was to evaluate the growth performance, forage yield and chemical composition different grass–tree forage consortia. Six consortia were evaluated in a randomized block design with four replications: Gliricidia + Corn, Gliricidia + Sorghum, Pornunça + Sorghum, Pornunça + Corn, Sabiá + Sorghum, Sabiá + Corn. Consortia containing Gliricidia exhibited significantly higher (p < 0.01) leaf percentages and leaf-to-stem ratios, he Pornunça + Corn consortium had the largest stem diameter as well as the highest green and dry forage mass (p < 0.01). The Sabiá + Corn consortium showed the greatest dry matter content and ether extract percentage (p < 0.01), while the Sabiá + Sorghum consortium had the highest levels of acid detergent fiber and neutral detergent fiber (p < 0.01). Moreover, the Sabiá + Sorghum consortium also demonstrated the tallest plant height and the highest forage biomass production (p < 0.01). These results suggest that specific combinations of forage grasses with tree species can enhance biomass production and improve chemical quality, offering promising strategies for sustainable forage systems. The consortia Pornunça + Corn and Sabiá + Sorghum demonstrated the highest forage production, highlighting their potential for improving biomass yield in integrated forage systems.

The cultural landscape in Central Europe has been greatly influenced by long-term human activity. Expansive, intensively farmed agricultural areas generate numerous adverse environmental impacts and do not adequately reflect the challenges of climate change and biodiversity loss. Agroforestry represents a renewed, or perhaps more accurately, a rediscovered approach to help mitigate negative anthropogenic pressure and impact on the environment and landscape. Historically a common feature, its tradition was eroded during the twentieth century, necessitating policy-driven efforts for its revival. The establishment of agroforestry systems (AFS) in the landscape of the Czech Republic was made possible relatively recently with the support of the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP). New legislation and government regulations have been adopted for implementation, which are being changed and amended over time. This article examines the evolution and current state of the legal and regulatory framework governing agroforestry in the Czech Republic. It investigates the principal legislative acts, the influence of the CAP, requirements for establishing and maintaining AFS, and their interplay with nature protection laws. The article describes the potential benefits of agroforestry systems in the landscape in the context of establishing green infrastructure and also describes the shortcomings and requirements (establishment and maintenance AFS) of the current legislative framework in the Czech Republic. This insight can be also useful for lawmakers and experts when introducing new legislation in individual EU Member States or in countries outside Europe. Agroforestry, as part of the green infrastructure in the landscape, has a significant opportunity to restore natural functions and stability in human-fragmented and modified landscapes. Each tree planted contributes a host of positive ecological, economic, and social benefits, the effects of which extend far beyond immediate human timescales.

Current policy guidelines recommend 16 to 18 trees/ha to achieve an optimal canopy cover in cocoa agroforestry systems, without considering species-specific differences in canopy architecture, thus limiting the ability to optimise shade management and undermining efforts to scale sustainable cocoa agroforestry. This study aims to develop an optimisation model that determines the number of emergent tree species needed to achieve optimum canopy cover. The study was conducted in the Juaboso District, Ghana. First, 30 × 30 m plots were established across different cocoa shade systems. Shade trees in the plot were identified to the species level, and their projected crown diameters (CD) were measured. The mean crown area (MCA) was estimated for each species, along with their percentage contribution to canopy cover per hectare. Next, an integer linear programming model was developed to predict the number of shade trees based on farmer preferences and land size. Finally, a One-at-a-Time sensitivity analysis was used to assess the robustness of the model given a ± 10% bias in measured MCA. Results show that P. angolensis contributes 1.57% to canopy cover and requires 19–25 trees to achieve optimum cover. Ceiba pentandra contributes 1.35% and requires only 22–30 trees to achieve optimum canopy cover. Terminalia superba, the most dominant shade tree species, will need 51–68 trees per hectare to achieve optimum canopy cover. Simulations with seven cocoa farmers demonstrated the model’s ability to tailor shade tree recommendations, often deviating significantly from the generic guideline. The sensitivity analysis reveals that a 10% error in field estimates of MCA does not affect the practicality of the model’s recommendation, with a proportional difference of 11.1% over-recommendation and 9.1% under-recommendation across all species, regardless of their crown size. This study provides additional evidence for the need to revise blanket recommendations to a more nuanced approach that considers the species-specific contributions to shade and farmer preferences.

The parkland agroforestry practice, a crucial ecological and socioeconomic practices in Northwestern Ethiopia, is facing a decline due to land fragmentation. This condition requires diagnosis and design to enhance its resiliency. This study aims to investigate the role of parkland agroforestry species in the Gungua district of northwest Ethiopia, addressing the existing gap in research on this issue. Soil samples for the analysis of selected physico-chemical properties were collected from various distances beneath the canopy of Albizia gummifera and Cordia africana at different soil depths in the farmer's open field. Additionally, semi-structured surveys were conducted to facilitate species management and utilization. ANOVA, multiple regression, and Chi-square analysis were performed using SAS version 9.4 and SPSS version 25. The study revealed a significant difference (p = 0.0228) in the physico-chemical properties of the soil, among tree species, distance from the canopy, and soil depth. A. gummifera exhibits higher concentrations of TN and OC. The levels of pH, TN, and OC in the soil were higher beneath tree canopies. This indicates an increase in values from open fields to tree trunk. The questionnaire survey revealed that 75% of respondents agreed that these parkland tree species function as household consumption and soil and water conservation. Nevertheless, there has been a lack of focus on planting, resulting in inadequate regeneration of these species. Therefore, collaboration among landowners, development agents, researchers, and organizations are essential for the design and implementation of effective management strategies that enhance sustainable agricultural production and ecosystem resilience.

The introduction of herbaceous or woody nitrogen-fixing species into mixed systems generally enhances the aboveground productivity of non-fixing species through facilitation processes, while reducing the need for external inputs. Tree aboveground growth is closely linked to root development, with coarse roots playing a key role in anchoring the tree to the soil and fine roots being essential for water and nutrient absorption. This study examined total root biomass, its allocation among root diameter classes, their respective nitrogen concentrations and the partitioning between below- and aboveground biomass, in agroforestry and forest mixture systems incorporating either woody (alder) or herbaceous (alfalfa) nitrogen-fixing species in association with grass or poplar. The study was carried out at a 10-year trial site in northeastern France including two agroforestry systems (poplar/alfalfa; alder/grasses), the poplar-alder association and their respective monocultures. Trees were excavated and roots were classified into three diameter categories: fine, medium and coarse. No significant differences in root biomass were observed between the mixed systems and the monocultures. However, a nitrogen enrichment of the poplar roots was detected in the agroforestry system, without any increase in root biomass. This was likely due to a reallocation of resources toward aboveground growth. In the alder-based agroforestry system, a trend toward a higher root-to-shoot ratio suggested increased competition with grasses. Finally, no root-level facilitation was detected in the alder–poplar mixture, likely due to the non-limiting soil conditions which could have promoted positive interspecific interactions.

Silvopastoral systems in Mediterranean olive groves offer a promising strategy to enhance environmental and economic sustainability. Among livestock species suitable for silvopastoral systems, poultry husbandry is gaining interest among olive growers due to its adaptability and potential to complement olive cultivation. Rotational grazing offers a sustainable alternative to continuous grazing by moving animals between pastures, reducing pressure and allowing vegetation to recover. However, its effects in poultry-based systems remain underexplored. This study evaluates the impact of rotationally grazed laying hens on vegetation and forage quality within an organic olive grove. We compare vegetation across three spatial contexts—open grassland (FrGr), shaded areas beneath the olive canopy (OlGr), and ungrazed control plots (NoGr)—assessing biomass production, botanical composition, and forage quality using NIRS. Egg production was monitored in relation to the grazing context. The trial was conducted over two years (2023–2024) at the Triboli Farm in central Italy. A clear year-to-year variation in biomass was observed. In 2023, OlGr showed lower biomass, while in 2024 biomass increased across all treatments. Poaceae dominated, while Fabaceae declined across years and treatments. NIRS analysis showed limited nutritional differences; only ash content was significantly higher in OlGr. Egg production followed a seasonal pattern, with no significant effect of year or biomass on egg output. Rotational poultry grazing can be successfully integrated into Mediterranean olive systems, promoting pasture recovery and system multifunctionality. However, outcomes differ across microhabitats, highlighting the need to maintain plant diversity and apply targeted management strategies to sustain both biomass and ecological balance.

Vangueria infausta Burch, commonly known as wild medlar, is an indigenous fruit tree species with significant potential to improve the livelihoods of smallholder farmers in Sub-Saharan Africa. Widely distributed across southern, central, and eastern Africa, this multipurpose species plays a vital role in rural livelihoods through its nutritional, medicinal, and economic benefits. However, the resource base is limited to sourcing from the forest. There is a need to bring the species into cultivation through domestication, breeding, and selection. Domestication and selection of this species faces challenges due to a limited understanding of the genetic and environmental factors that affect its growth and productive traits. Despite its potential value, there is little information available regarding key traits such as fruit yield, pulp content, and morphological attributes. This study evaluated fruit yield traits (fruit yield, fruit count, seed count, and pulp content) and vegetative growth traits (tree height, leaf size, primary branches, and stem number) of 4-year-old half-sib families of V. infausta at one site near Lilongwe, Malawi. Significant differences (P < 0.05) were found among families for several traits. Mean tree height ranged from 123 to 175 cm and leaf size from 75 to 150 cm². The mean pulp weight ranged from 2.1 g to 3.5 g, and differences among families were significant (P > 0.05). These findings although based on a small number of families from one locality, the observed variability among V. infausta families demonstrate the potential for domestication of the species by selection and breeding.

Purulia district in West Bengal is among the most drought-prone and economically marginal regions of India, where limited irrigation, poor soil fertility and fragmented landholdings hinder agricultural development. Consequently, forest-fringe tribal households rely heavily on non-timber forest products (NTFPs) for subsistence and income. This micro-level study examines the role of NTFPs in the livelihoods of 70 tribal households (35 Santhal and 35 Bhumij) in Kantagora village, utilising household surveys, interviews, market assessments, and field observations conducted between 2020 and 2021, supplemented by secondary sources. Quantitative analysis focuses on the types of NTFPs collected, seasonal availability, harvested quantities and income contributions, alongside demographic characteristics of collectors. Results show that firewood, sal leaves and sabai grass constitute the most important NTFPs, together contributing a substantial share of household subsistence needs and an average of 47% of annual household income. Garrett’s ranking method reveals key constraints, including low market prices, dependence on middlemen, limited value-added skills, poor transportation infrastructure, and negligible institutional support. The study highlights the need for targeted policy interventions, including strengthening SHG/FPO networks, establishing local value-added centres, enhancing market linkages, and promoting sustainable harvesting practices. Such measures are essential for enhancing livelihood resilience and ensuring ecological sustainability in Purulia’s forest-fringe tribal communities.