Agroforestry Systems最新文献

This study analyzed cocoa farmers’ income risks and evaluated the potential of Ecological Cocoa Agro-Tourism (ECAT) as a risk management strategy in East Kolaka District, Southeast Sulawesi, Indonesia. The study used primary (survey and interviews) and secondary (official and institutional report). Income risk was calculated using the Coefficient of Variation (CV), while ECAT potential was evaluated through descriptive statistics and thematic analysis. Results show that farmer experience high income risk (CV = 0.69) driven by inefficient input use, especially costly seedling and underused fertilizer and fungicides. Other factors include old trees, pest attacks, and climate change. ECAT offers an integrated solution across eight tourism zones combining natural beauty and polyculture, potentially increasing income by 194% while supporting ecological sustainability. Successful ECAT implementation, however, requires multi-stakeholder collaboration and innovative digital marketing strategies, capacity building, and policy support. This study contributes to developing agritourism-based risk management strategies in cocoa-producing region worldwide.

Smallholder farming systems in the Sahel face severe vegetation loss and declining soil fertility, which threatens food security and livelihoods. While native shrubs and trees have traditionally been used as mulch, some exotic species have recently gained attention due to their faster decomposition rates and potential to increase crop productivity. Therefore, identifying optimal combinations of mulch species and fertilizer inputs is essential for developing low-cost, sustainable soil fertility strategies suited to Sahelian conditions. A two-year field study (2023–2025) at the Farako Agricultural Research Station in Mali compared the decomposition rates and effects on maize productivity of two exotic species (Gliricidia sepium, Leucaena leucocephala) and three local species (Parkia biglobosa, Vitellaria paradoxa, Guiera senegalensis). Decomposition was modeled using an exponential regression to estimate 50% and 100% decomposition. Maize grain yield and dry matter responses were assessed under pruning applications with or without mineral fertilizer. The results showed that Leucaena leucocephala and Gliricidia sepium significantly improved maize productivity, achieving yields comparable to or greater than those with full mineral fertilization applied alone or with half the recommended fertilizer rate. In contrast, Parkia biglobosa and Vitellaria paradoxa reduced maize yields compared to the control. These findings demonstrate the strong potential of Leucaena leucocephala and Gliricidia sepium to enhance productivity while reducing fertilizer dependence. Future research should investigate the long-term impacts of these species on soil restoration and evaluate the potential of slower-decomposing local species such as Guiera senegalensis and Piliostigma reticulatum across diverse agroecological zones in partnership with smallholder farmers.

Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) have been scarcely documented in relation to semiarid agroforestry systems. The “milpa-chichipera” ethno-agroforestry system (EAFS) in the semiarid Tehuacán-Cuicatlán Valley, Mexico, results from the conversion of xeric scrub dominated by Polaskia chichipe (Cactaceae). This EAFS promotes conservation of native plants linked to crops as an alternative to monocropping agriculture. We assessed how this EAFS impacts AMF communities, compared to preserved scrub and agricultural fields, considering soil features and rainfall seasonality. Soil samples were collected in the dry and rainy seasons at a depth of 15 cm within five plots per land-use type: i) preserved scrub, ii) vegetation patches and open areas within the EAFS, and iii) agricultural fields with monocropping. A total of 58 AMF species were recovered belonging to 17 genera and 10 families. AMF spore abundance, species richness, and diversity (alpha and beta) were enhanced by the preserved scrub and vegetation patches within the EAFS as compared to open areas and agricultural fields. Intensive agriculture modified the assembly of AMF communities at the genera and species levels, substantially depleting the spore abundance, species richness, and diversity of these fungi. In addition, all land-use types exhibited a particular AMF composition varying seasonally according to their native host plants and edaphic features. Our findings indicate that the “milpa-chichipera” EAFS, similarly to the preserved scrub, represents a mycorrhizal hotspot that may be buffering the impacts of land-use change to intensive agriculture in AMF communities.

Agroforestry systems (AFS) integrating guava trees with fodder crops offer a promising approach to address the challenges of poverty, land degradation and climate change in the Vindhyan region. However, comprehensive evaluations of yield performance and system interactions remain limited. This study evaluates the trade-offs between yield and forage quality in a guava-based AFS with fodder pearl millet in India’s Vindhyan region, while optimizing nitrogen (N) management strategies using conventional and nano-urea (NU). A split-plot design assessed two land-use systems viz., sole pearl millet and AFS, across eight N management treatments. Results showed that AFS reduced green and dry fodder yield by 19.8% and 21.9%, respectively, compared to sole cropping. However, it significantly improved fodder quality, with 18.0% increase in crude protein, 5.2% reduction in neutral detergent fibre, 3.6% reduction in acid detergent fibre, and enhanced digestibility indices. Optimal N strategy (75% RDN + 4 ml l^− 1 NU; T₆) increased green fodder yield by 48.6% under the AFS and by 46.3% under sole cropping compared to the control. Compared to sole fodder pearl millet, AFS significantly improved soil bulk density, organic carbon and available nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, and carbon storage capacity. Economic analysis over a single season (2022) highlighted AFS’s superiority, with high net returns of ₹127,897.77 ha^− 1 (1565.26 USD ha^− 1) and B:C ratio (2.13), while T₆ under AFS delivered the highest net returns of ₹142,426.79 ha^− 1 (1743.08 USD ha^− 1). Overall, guava-based AFS with precision N management balances fodder yield, quality, and soil health, offering a sustainable pathway for livestock feed security in India’s semi-arid tropics.

Understanding the interactions between ecological and social systems is central to socio-ecological resilience and sustainable land use. Integrating trees within rice agroforestry systems represents a climate-smart strategy that enhances food production, sustains ecosystem services, and buffers against climatic variability. This study assessed the composition, structure, and utilization of tree communities in two rice-based agroforestry systems in northern Benin under partially controlled (AMPE) and fully controlled (AMTE) irrigation schemes. We established 154 one-hectare plots (100 × 100 m), including 100 plots in AMPE and 54 plots in AMTE. For all trees with DBH ≥ 10 cm, we measured diameter at breast height, height, crown diameter, and recorded utilization practices. Shannon diversity indices did not differ significantly between irrigation systems (2.85 in AMPE vs. 2.61 in AMTE, p ≥ 0.05), but species richness (Chao1) was higher in AMPE (18 species ha⁻¹) compared to AMTE (12 species ha⁻¹). Tree density was greater in AMPE, with Acacia nilotica and Borassus aethiopum reaching 10 individuals ha⁻¹, whereas AMTE was dominated by Piliostigma reticulatum. DBH distributions in AMPE were strongly right-skewed, indicating anthropogenic disturbances, while AMTE displayed inverted-J patterns typical of regenerating stands. Tree height and crown diameter did not differ significantly (p = 0.529). Utilization pressures were dominated by bark harvesting (74%), branch lopping (18%), leaf collection (6%), and fruit gathering (2%). These results highlight that partially irrigated systems (AMPE) retain higher tree diversity and structural complexity, providing important ecosystem services and buffering rural households against climate and market shocks. Strengthening management strategies that integrate tree conservation with rice cultivation is critical for sustaining agroecosystem productivity, food security, and climate resilience.

This study evaluated the contribution of agroecological management of Amazonian Indigenous homegardens to climate change mitigation, through assessment of carbon stocks and soil fertility. Twelve homegardens in the Andirá-Marau Indigenous Land, from young (> 10 years) to intermediate (10–30 y) and old (> 30 y) were studied. Semi-structured interviews with residents were used to construct a refined management index with a cumulative factor, quantifying the use of agroecological practices. Soil fertility was assessed via analysis of carbon, phosphorus, calcium, potassium, magnesium, and micronutrient contents. Biomass was estimated using forest inventories and allometric equations. Total carbon stocks (Mg ha⁻¹) in soil and biomass were compared with those of adjacent primary forest areas. There was no significant difference between the total carbon stock of old homegardens and forests, but there was between younger homegardens (115.7 t ha-1) and forests (281.00 t ha-1). Average soil carbon content (17.88 g kg⁻¹), available phosphorus (25.99 mg kg⁻¹) and sum of bases in homegardens did not differ significantly from those in forest soils. Unusual high values of phosphorus in older homegardens soil, up to 180 mg kg⁻¹, and near-forest carbon levels at very small household scale are evidence of Indigenous management efficacy. A management index refined with a cumulative weighting factor, combined with estimates of concurrent soil and vegetation carbon, can be a robust tool for assessing land use management in different settings and contexts. The findings recognise Indigenous stewardship and highlight their lands as vital reserves that integrate livelihoods with conservation, while advancing climate justice beyond the UN REDD⁺ framework.

Wood Specific Gravity (WSG) and carbon content (CC) holds great significance in the C-storage estimation. However, relying on generic numbers for WSG and CC (50%) in biomass assessments can result in significant over- or underestimation of carbon stocks. Thus, there is a critical need for data on WSG and CC to better understand their contribution to carbon cycling however, data on WSG and CC for tree and shrub species in Indian cold arid remains limited, often causing the use of global dataset or generic number for estimation. Hence, this study was carried out to assess WSG and CC variation in various 30 forestry and agroforestry trees species of Indian cold desert. WSG (branch and stem) was estimated by water displacement method while CC (wood and bark) was measured by combustion method in muffle furnace. The results showed substantial variation in Stem WSG (SWSG) across species, with values ranging from 0.40 to 0.80. Out of 30 species examined, four were categorized as light wood (WSG < 0.5), 18 as moderately heavy wood (0.5–0.7), and eight as heavy wood (> 0.7). Wood CC ranged from 42.15 (Populus balsemifera) to 46.10 (Betula utilis) and all the species have shown a CC less than 50%. SWSG and bark WSG were strongly corelated. These findings fill a significant gap in knowledge, as no earlier examinations have considered estimating the specific gravity of trees in Indian cold arid regions.

Graphical Abstract

Woody species in cocoa-based agroforestry systems, survivors of deforestation and the degradation of natural ecosystems, are suffering the negative impacts of climate change. This study aims to define conservation priorities for these species, which are essential to the well-being of local populations for the sustainability of cocoa farming in Côte d’Ivoire. Ethnobotanical surveys were conducted among 50 farmers selected across five villages in the Bonon region, the second largest cocoa-producing area in Côte d’Ivoire. The species used by the communities were sourced from a literature review, while floristic inventories in cocoa agroecosystems was used to assess their availability. This methodological approach revealed the diversity of species providing provisioning services to populations, while analyzing their socioeconomic value and availability according to prioritization criteria. These criteria, integrated into a data matrix and processed by a Principal Component Analysis (PCA), facilitated the prioritization of woody species to be conserved. In total, 53 woody species are used by local people to meet their daily needs. However, the species with the highest socioeconomic values are also the least available. Among them, ten have been identified as priorities for conservation namely: Nesogordonia papaverifera, Ricinodendron heudelotii, Milicia excelsa, Sterculia tragacantha, Holarrhena floribunda, Alstonia boonei, Antiaris toxicaria, Celtis zenkeri, Cordia platythyrsa and Vitellaria paradoxa. These species require special attention to ensure the resilience and sustainability of cocoa agroforestry systems in Côte d’Ivoire.

An experiment was conducted in order to evaluate the effects of microclimate and thermoregulatory responses of locally adapted ewes under monoculture or silvopastoral systems in the Brazilian semi-arid region. Eighteen sheep were distributed according to monoculture and silvopastoral systems in a randomized block design with three replications. Eighteen evaluations were carried out every two hours during the animals’ stay in the pasture (6–18 h). The microclimatic characteristics measured were: ambient temperature (°C), black globe temperature (°C), wet bulb temperature (°C), and wind speed (m.s⁻¹). Those variables were used to calculate relative humidity (RH, %), black globe humidity index (BGHI), and radiant heat load (RHL, w.m²). In order to evaluate thermoregulatory responses, heart rate (HR, beats.min⁻¹), respiratory rate (RR, breaths.min⁻¹), rectal temperature (RT, °C), and coat surface temperature (CST, °C) were assessed. There was a significant effect of interaction on BGHI, which was lower in the silvopastoral system during the interval 10–12 h, with a mean value of 93.1. Ambient temperature was lower in the silvopastoral system when compared to the monoculture (32.5 and 33.3 °C, respectively). In both systems, the highest RHL values were recorded during the intervals 10–12 h (659 w.m²) and 12–14 h (665 w.m²), while there was a pronounced increase in BGHI from 12 to 14 h with a mean value of 96. Regarding thermoregulatory responses, an interaction effect (treatment x period) was observed on RR, which was higher in animals in the monoculture system from 12 to 14 h, showing 91.8 breaths.min⁻¹, while in the silvopastoral system, animals showed approximately 78.9 breaths.min⁻¹. The silvopastoral system provided better average environmental temperature, with positive effects on BGHI and RR at times considered more stressful to the animals.

The use of herbicides in agroforestry systems does not consider the light intensity in the understory of trees. Interactions between plants, herbicides, and the environment can influence the response of Urochloa spp. to glyphosate. The objective was to evaluate the effect of glyphosate on Urochloa decumbens and U. brizantha and straw decomposition in a Silvopastoral System with different levels of shading. Two experiments were conducted with U. decumbens and U. brizantha in a completely randomized design with split plots and four replications. In the plots, four crop strips were allocated at 1–4, 4–7, and 7–10 m from the eucalyptus row, and a monoculture of grasses in full sun. In the subplots, rates of 1,440, 1,080, 720, 360, and 0.0 g a.e. ha⁻¹ were applied to U. decumbens, and 2,160, 1,680, 1,200, 720, and 0.0 g a.e. ha⁻¹ to U. brizantha. All rates controlled U. decumbens in shaded areas, and control was achieved from 1080 g a.e. ha⁻¹ in full sun. For U. brizantha, all rates above 1200 g a.e. ha⁻¹ resulted in 100% control. At 720 g a.e. ha⁻¹, control of U. brizantha was greater than 80% in full sun and less than 100% in the center of the tree rows. In a no-till system with 20 m row spacing, U. decumbens and U. brizantha were controlled with 360 and 720 g a.e. ha⁻¹, respectively, regardless of tree spacing. In the Silvopastoral System, the savings with the use of glyphosate at lower rates were 67% for U. decumbens and 40% for U. brizantha, compared to grass monoculture.