Agroforestry Systems最新文献

This study evaluated the effects of supplements containing varying levels of physically effective fiber (peNDF) on the performance, carcass traits, tissue composition of commercial cuts, and physicochemical characteristics of meat from goats finished on tropical agroforestry enriched with Cenchrus ciliaris. Twenty-four F1 crossbred goats (Boer × Creole) with average initial weight: 19.5 ± 1.6 kg were assigned to a completely randomized design with four peNDF levels (19.9%, 23.2%, 26.7%, and 30% of dry matter) and six replicates. The supplement consisted of soybean meal, corn meal, wheat bran, mineral premix, and Sida cordifolia hay. Increasing peNDF levels led to a linear reduction (p < 0.05) in total dry matter intake (DMI), and body weight, without affecting supplement DMI. Conversely, neutral and acid detergent fiber intake increased linearly (p < 0.05) with higher peNDF levels. Crude protein intake and DM digestibility remained unaffected. Total gain and average daily gain declined linearly with increasing peNDF, although final body weight and feed efficiency were not influenced. Carcass weight variables showed no significant differences; however, hot and cold carcass yields decreased linearly (p < 0.01) as peNDF increased. Only rumen yield was affected among visceral organs, increasing linearly (p = 0.012). Of the commercial cuts, only the loin showed reduced weight with higher peNDF (p = 0.018). Shoulder and leg yields (%carcass) increased linearly, while fat deposition in the shoulder, ribs, and loin declined. In conclusion, the optimal use of physically effective fiber (peNDF) from tropical forages enhances the utilization of Caatinga resources and can reduce the need for concentrated feeds. Moderate inclusion levels (≤ 23%) may support rumen development and maintain animal performance, whereas higher levels might impair finishing efficiency due to reduced energy availability and fat deposition.

Agroforestry offers a climate-resilient strategy for fragile ecosystems such as the char lands of Bangladesh, yet its benefits remain under-documented in these regions. From 2019 to 2023, a field experiment was conducted using a randomized complete block design (RCBD) with three replications across four unions in the Tista River floodplain (Rangpur and Nilphamari districts). Four fruit tree species (mango, guava, malta and litchi) were intercropped with vegetables (cauliflower, taro, kangkong) and compared with sole cropping. Results revealed that agroforestry significantly increased productivity, with tree yields rising by 15–24% and crop yields by up to 46% over monocultures (p < 0.05). Economic analysis showed a benefit–cost ratio (BCR) ranging from 1.91 to 5.37, while land equivalent ratio (LER) values exceeded 2.0, confirming superior profitability and land-use efficiency. Soil quality improved markedly after three cropping cycles, with organic matter increasing by 40–50%, total nitrogen nearly doubling (0.08–0.14% under litchi), and available phosphorus rising by more than 50%. Microbial populations also surged, with total bacteria increasing more than sevenfold and fungal abundance by 30–50%. These findings demonstrate that agroforestry simultaneously enhances crop productivity, farmer income and soil ecosystem health, underscoring its role as a viable land-use strategy for vulnerable char regions. Field-based evidence from this study highlights the need for policy support and scaling up of agroforestry to promote climate-resilient agriculture in South Asia and beyond.

As a protein-bank shrub for cut-and-carry use within silvopastoral agroforestry, Tithonia diversifolia can stabilize on-farm protein supply, yet links between its phenology, forage quality, and yield remain scarce. This study evaluated morphological (plant height, stem length and diameter, number of leaves and stems, leaf-to-stem ratio), chemical (DM, CP, aNDFn, ADFn, ADL, EE, NSCn, OM, NE_L), and yield (biomass and nutrient yields per cut and per year) responses of T. diversifolia across five harvest intervals (20, 30, 40, 50, and 60 days) under mid-altitude tropical conditions to identify phenological indicators of optimal harvest time. Twelve 36 m² plots were arranged in a randomized block design (three slope positions) and monitored using repeated measures. Growth stage significantly affected nutrient concentrations (P < 0.05), nutrient yields, and morphological traits (P < 0.0001). Crude protein declined from 268 to 134 g·kg^–1 DM, while aNDFn, ADFn, and lignin increased; NE_L followed a cubic pattern, and NSCn peaked at 20 and 50 days. Biomass and nutrient yields per cut increased with age, but annual yields of DM, CP, NSCn, OM, and lignin peaked at 40 days, as longer regrowth intervals reduced harvest frequency. Plant height, stem length, and diameter correlated negatively with CP and NE_L but positively with nutrient yields (|r| ≥ 0.80; P < 0.01). The optimal harvest stage was 40 days, when plant height was 122 cm, stem length 73 cm, and stem diameter 8.2 mm, balancing forage quality and productivity. These indicators offer low-cost tools to optimize cutting schedules and enhance silvopastoral sustainability.

African locust bean (Parkia biglobosa) is an agroforestry tree species of major socio-economic importance in West Africa. Although several studies have reported strong morphological variability along environmental gradients, the influence of size class on the assessment of this variability remains insufficiently documented in the different agroforestry systems. This study analyzed intra- and inter-population morphological variation in P. biglobosa while explicitly integrating size class as a structuring factor. A total of 350 trees from three geographically distinct populations were sampled and categorized into to three size classes corresponding to ontogenetic stages (young, adult, and old). Thirteen dendrometric and foliar descriptors were recorded for each individual. Variability patterns were assessed using dispersion metrics, comparative statistics and multivariate analyses to characterize intra-population variation, inter-population differences, and the structuring of morphological diversity at each size class. Dendrometric traits exhibited high intra-population variability, whereas foliar traits were comparatively more conserved. Within-population variability was strongly influenced by size class. At each size class, population differences were explained by distinct combinations of dendrometric and foliar traits, with the identity of discriminant traits varying with size class. Morphological classification revealed structuring patterns that were independent of geographical provenance and showed a progressive increase in the number of discriminant variables with tree age. Overall, the findings demonstrate that morphological comparisons among P. biglobosa populations are strongly dependent on the size class of the individuals analyzed. They underscore the need to incorporate ontogenetic control in studies of morphological diversity and provide valuable guidance for conservation planning, phenotypic selection and the sustainable management of agroforestry stands.

Agroforestry systems (AFSs) are often considered a means to reconcile agricultural production with biodiversity conservation, yet the alignment between scientific research and practice remains poorly understood. In Brazil, a country with widespread AFS adoption, we conducted a systematic review of 631 publications (1982–2019) and integrated them with national Agricultural Census data to map the landscape of AFS research and implementation. Our analysis shows that while scientific output has accelerated, research efforts are geographically concentrated in the Atlantic Forest and Amazon biomes, leaving other major ecosystems like the Cerrado and Caatinga under-represented. A marked discrepancy was observed in the Northeast region, which hosts two-thirds of Brazil's AFS establishments but receives disproportionately low research attention. While simple, production-oriented AFSs were more frequently studied, biodiverse systems, particularly those with very high species richness, showed a clear association with family farming and traditional knowledge. Furthermore, regression models indicated that AFS prevalence is negatively associated with market-oriented production (commercialization), a finding consistent with their role in food sovereignty. These results point to persistent regional imbalances in the research agenda and suggest the need to strengthen knowledge production in underrepresented areas to better reflect the range of AFS practices in the country.

Silvipastoral systems offer a climate-smart pathway for improving productivity and carbon sequestration in tropical smallholder landscapes. This study evaluated biomass accumulation, carbon stock, and economic returns in an Acacia auriculiformis-based silvipastoral system in Odisha, India, using a split-plot design with three perennial grasses (Guinea, Nandi, Thin Napier) and four fertilizer regimes (N1-N4). The system was evaluated through the lens of Climate-Smart Agriculture (CSA) pillars: productivity, adaptation, and mitigation. At 90 months after planting (MAP), the A. auriculiformis + Guinea grass combination achieved the highest tree biomass (55.97 t ha⁻¹), tree carbon stock (27.99 Mg C ha⁻¹), and CO₂ assimilation (102.74 Mg CO₂ ha⁻¹). Total system carbon was also greatest under Guinea grass (14.88 Mg ha⁻¹). Balanced nutrient supplementation through the N1 regime (100:50:50 NPK kg ha⁻¹) further enhanced system performance, producing the highest subplot-level tree carbon (20.31 Mg C ha⁻¹), improved soil fertility, and increased fodder yield. Guinea grass recorded the maximum intercrop biomass (20.55 t ha⁻¹), net return (Rs. 26,904.73 ha⁻¹), and the strongest economic viability (BCR 1.86). A 10-year Net Present Value (NPV) of Rs. 151,110 ha⁻¹ for the A. auriculiformis + Guinea + N1 combination indicates long-term profitability. The seven-year interval between tree establishment and grass introduction contributed to improved microclimatic stability and soil nutrient status. This Guinea × N1 configuration aligns with India’s National Agroforestry Policy and Net Zero targets, serving as a scalable model for rehabilitating degraded lateritic soils while enhancing carbon storage and rural livelihoods.

This study examined the effect of structured agroforestry training on smallholder farmers’ adoption behavior, farm productivity, and perceived ecological outcomes in forest-adjacent communities. Data were collected from 100 respondents using structured questionnaires, field observations, and key informant interviews. Descriptive statistics and a log-linear regression model were employed to assess the relationships between training participation, socioeconomic factors, and agroforestry output. The regression model explained a substantial proportion of variability in agroforestry output (Adjusted R² = 0.839), indicating that training and socioeconomic variables jointly account for observed differences. Regular participation in the ‘5–4–4–1’ training model was associated with higher adoption of agroforestry practices, increased farm productivity, and improvements in soil moisture, erosion control, and biodiversity. The study highlights both adaptive learning, through practice adoption, and transformative learning, reflected in long-term shifts in land-use decision-making toward sustainable ecological management. The cross-sectional design limits causal inference, but the results underscore the value of structured, repeated training interventions for promoting both livelihood improvement and ecological sustainability. These findings have implications for scaling agroforestry education programs within extension systems to achieve integrated development and environmental goals.

Stakeholders from six European pilot sites engaged in participatory mapping and land suitability assessments to co-design climate-smart strategies for sustainable land management. The mixed methodology applied combined GIS based landscape vulnerability analysis, stakeholder knowledge, and assessments of ecosystem services. Key phases included preliminary assessment of environmental pressures, participatory SWOT analysis, and collaborative mapping exercises to identify suitable mixed farming (MF) and agroforestry (AF) practices. This approach empowered local communities, enhanced knowledge exchange, and integrated socio-ecological dimensions into land-use planning. Participatory mapping proved effective in capturing spatial perceptions, guiding context-specific transitions, and building consensus on landscape-scale interventions. Based on environmental pressure indicators, the scaling-up analysis showed that, depending on local conditions, the proportion of areas suitable for MF and AF ranged from 2 to 61% of the total area analysed across the six pilot sites. All the stakeholders agreed on the introduction of MF and AF and expressed differing views on their potential to reduce the environmental pressures of agricultural practices and enhance ecosystem services. Practitioners, such as farmers and advisors, emphasised the need for greater knowledge and stronger policy support to implement the transition toward more agroecological farming systems. While results highlight the large potential for MF and AF (up to 61% of the land use, in certain cases), it also showed the importance of participatory tools in bridging scientific research and practice, reinforcing the role of stakeholder engagement in designing resilient and multifunctional agricultural systems. While this might help to bridge the gap between planning and the implementation of agroecological practices across diverse European contexts, further research on the implementations and the socio-economic assessment of MF and AF at landscape scale is needed.

Graphical abstract

The Vitellaria paradoxa) is a key woody species in sub-Saharan Africa, supporting the livelihood of over 18.4 million people—particularly women. However, its survival and productivity are increasingly threatened by climate change, characterized by raising temperatures and reduced water availability. The species’ future resilience will depend on its physiological adaptability to shifting climatic conditions. To assess this adaptability, we studied photosynthetic performance of 24 shea trees in situ from April to December 2023 the most active period of leaf phenology across two contrasting climatic zones in Burkina Faso. We evaluated how photosynthetic efficiency responded to climatic variability over this nine-month period. Unregulated energy dissipation (φNO) and regulated energy dissipation in the form of heat (φNPQ) were significantly different (P < 0.001) between phytogeographic zones during monitoring period. The chlorophyll content was significantly higher (P < 0.001) in leaves from humid southern Sudanian phytogeographic zone (42.9 ± 0.4 SPAD) than in drier northern Sudanian zone (40.8 ± 0.37 SPAD). Linear regression showed a significant increase in protective energy dissipation (NPQt) in response to instantaneous photosynthetically active radiation in shea leaves from dryer northern site (R² = 0.4). Additionally, leaf temperature was strongly correlated with ambient temperature, explaining 78–84% of variations (P < 0.001). Overall, V paradoxa from the more humid southern site zone exhibited better photosynthetic performance. These findings highlight spatial differences in photosynthetic responses and provide valuable insights about which photosynthetic parameters are affected by climate change. This can pave the way for management options to cope with climate change effects.

Agroforestry systems integrating medicinal plants beneath tree canopies offer a sustainable land-use strategy for subtropical regions. However, the optimal canopy density required to balance light availability and nutrient dynamics remains poorly understood. This study examined the effects of canopy densities (0.2, 0.4, and 0.7) in Dalbergia odorifera plantations on the ecophysiological performance of understory-cultivated Alpinia galanga in Guangxi, China. We evaluated plant growth, leaf functional traits, nutrient dynamics, and soil properties to elucidate the underlying mechanisms driving system productivity. The results showed that moderate shading (0.4 canopy density) significantly promoted plant height, sprout formation, and the accumulation of leaf nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P). In contrast, high canopy density (0.7) suppressed both leaf expansion and nutrient uptake. While low density (0.2) enhanced specific leaf area, it resulted in reduced potassium (K) accumulation due to high light exposure. Furthermore, soil analyses revealed improved moisture retention, aeration, and nutrient availability under the 0.4 canopy density, thereby facilitating robust root development and efficient nutrient acquisition. Principal component analysis (PCA) revealed an ecological trade-off between leaf morphological adaptation and nutrient utilization efficiency across the light gradient. These findings demonstrate that intermediate canopy cover (0.4 density) optimized the balance between light availability and microhabitat conditions, thereby enhancing both the productivity and ecological sustainability of A. galanga within D. odorifera agroforestry systems. Consequently, we recommend maintaining a canopy density of 0.4 for the Dalbergia odorifera-Alpinia galanga agroforestry system with targeted N addition. As canopy density increases, management practices should prioritize the monitoring of K levels.