Wild herbaceous vegetation in agroforestry systems: an asset that should not be overlooked

Abstract

Thanks to agroforestry, trees and hedgerows are back in numbers in agricultural landscapes, where they provide many services. Agroforestry also gives pride of place to wild herbaceous vegetation, often perceived as a constraint or neglected by humans. Omnipresent when the soil is not tilled, herbaceous vegetation grows spontaneously at the foot of trees. From alley-cropping agroforestry to bocage landscapes, these 'little' plants are proving to be a major asset for the agroecological transition. Through the presentation of key results, this article explains how to take advantage of the wild herbaceous vegetation in agroforestry systems, in order to conserve biodiversity and promote sustainable agricultural production