Adoption Of Agroforestry Systems Research Articles

Agroforestry rubber networks and farmers groups in Phatthalung area in Southern Thailand: A potential for an innovation platform?

The study took place in southern Thailand, in Phatthalung province, and is part of “Heveadapt,” a Franco-Thai research project. The aim of this project was to show how smallholder rubber plantations can adapt and remain sustainable in the face of variable climatic conditions and deep changes in socio-economic context. Among the various types of cropping systems, agroforestry practices were identified as promising. Rubber agroforestry systems (AFS) are economically more productive than rubber monocrop plantations and give more flexibility to smallholders, in particular when rubber prices are low, which has been the case since 2013. However, adoption of AFS during the mature period of the plantations is very low in Thailand. The policy to boost rubber agroforestry practices still needs to be developed with all local stakeholders. The objectives of the study were to identify the possibilities and capacities to use current AFS dynamic networks as a basis to set up a rubber agroforestry innovation platform. The research team studied: i) farmers’ collective organizations, groups or networks with rubber AFS partially or entirely and ii) the social dynamic enabling the sharing of knowledge and know-how. An individual producer’s grid, with original farmers or strong knowledge with ease of sharing, was also studied. The role of local institutions involved in the promotion of rubber AFS was also analyzed. This allowed us to design an innovation platform and to define activities that suit the socio-economic context of Phatthalung province. The main aims of the platform are to promote cooperation among innovative producers and the transmission between them of knowledge and know-how about rubber AFS. This could an efficient tool that Thai rubber institutions could set up to encourage the adoption of rubber AFS by farmers.

Short-term modifications of mycorrhizal fungi, glomalin and soil attributes in a tropical agroforestry

Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) community and the Glomalin-related soil protein (GRSP) they produce plays important roles in maintaining soil ecosystem functions, promoting ecological restoration, and are important for monitoring changes in soil health from land use change. This research addressed the subtle modifications of AMF and GRSP in different land use types and their association with soil properties. Our objectives were: 1) to assess land use effects on AMF spore density, diversity, and composition besides glomalin fractions (EEG, easily extracted GRSP; TG, total GRSP), and 2) to quantify the relationships between glomalin, AMF community metrics, soil organic carbon (SOC), and key soil quality parameters. Soils were collected in the dry and rainy seasons of 2018 under five land uses, including: three types of agroforestry systems (AS1, AS2 and AS3), an unmanaged pasture and a secondary forest in the state of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Linear mixed-effects model and multivariate analyses showed that land uses had influenced the AMF community, meanly at the family level. On the other hand, seasonality has not proved to be an essential factor that modulates the changes of the AMF community and glomalin production. The management practices had influenced AMF sporulation and the number of total species in agroforestry systems. Glomalin is a potential contributor for SOC, mainly in agroforestry systems and pasture plots. Moreover, we found a correlation between the AMF community and key soil parameters. For example, most of the AMF families and spore density were positively correlated with the stability of soil aggregates and SOC. Our findings shed light on that land-use change can shift the AMF community, glomalin and their relationship to key soil quality parameters. Moreover, the adoption of agroforestry systems indicates maintenance of biodiversity and other soil quality parameters with future implications for their use to recover degraded areas.

Allelopathic activity of Piptadenia moniliformis Benth. on the physiological potential of seeds of Amburana cearensis Allem.

The adoption of agroforestry systems or reforestation programs contributes to the economy of a region in a sustainable way, since the adopted species can be exploited by the cosmeceutical and pharmaceutical industries. For the establishment of plant species in a given area, studies are needed on the interaction that can develop between them, with emphasis on research on allelopathy. Given the above, the aim of this study was to evaluate the allelopathic effect of the aqueous extract of leaves of the native species Piptadenia moniliformis on the initial development of the forest species Amburana cearensis. The aqueous extract was used at different concentrations. (0 - water, 25, 50, 75 and 100%), adopting a completely randomized design. The following characteristics were evaluated: emergence percentage, emergence speed index, mean emergence time, shoot and root length and total shoot, root and total dry part of normal seedlings. The 100% concentration of the aqueous extract of P. moniliformis leaves reduced the emergence percentage of A. cearensis seedlings. A smaller number of normal seedlings was observed at concentrations of 75 and 100%. The initial development of seedlings was hampered by the increase in extract concentrations. The aqueous extract of fresh leaves of P. moniliformis provides a negative allelopathic effect for both emergence and early development of A. cearensis seedlings, therefore intercropped cultivation among the forest species is not recommended.

Evaluation of the Capacity of Agroforestry of Cocoa Trees in Atmospheric Carbon Dioxide Reduction


 
 
 The emission of greenhouse gases into the earth’s atmosphere has been credited as the major cause of climate change which is being experienced all over the world. Climate change mitigation is one of the strategies that have been suggested as a way of stabilising the concentration of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere. This study assessed the capacity of agroforestry of cocoa trees in reducing atmospheric carbon dioxide. The carbon content in the cocoa plant variables made up of bean, litter, leaf and podhusk were determined in the laboratory through standard procedure. The laboratory results were subjected to descriptive and inferential statistical techniques. The study showed the magnitude order of carbon storage in cocoa agroforestry as cocoa bean (2.86 kg) > pod husk (2.73 kg) > cocoa litter (2.65kg) > cocoa leaves (2.62 kg) > soil (1.14 kg)..The ability of cocoa and forest soils to retain nitrogen, leaf and litterfall to stock more carbon proved that cocoa agroforestry has a higher potential of mitigating climate change in the tropical region. The study recommended the adoption of agroforestry systems which are capable of sequestering carbon as a means of addressing the challenge of climate change.
 
 

Impact of drought associated with high temperatures on Coffea canephora plantations: a case study in Esp\xedrito Santo State, Brazil

Droughts are major natural disasters that affect many parts of the world all years and recently affected one of the major conilon coffee-producing regions of the world in state of Espírito Santo, which caused a huge crisis in the sector. Therefore, the objective of this study was to conduct an analysis with technical-scientific basis of the real impact of drought associated with high temperatures and irradiances on the conilon coffee (Coffea canephora Pierre ex Froehner) plantations located in the north, northwest, and northeast regions of the state of Espírito Santo, Brazil. Data from 2010 to 2016 of rainfall, air temperature, production, yield, planted area and surface remote sensing were obtained from different sources, statistically analyzed, and correlated. The 2015/2016 season was the most affected by the drought and high temperatures (mean annual above 26 °C) because, in addition to the adverse weather conditions, coffee plants were already damaged by the climatic conditions of the previous season. The increase in air temperature has higher impact (negative) on production than the decrease in annual precipitation. The average annual air temperatures in the two harvest seasons that stood out for the lowest yields (i.e. 2012/2013 and 2015/2016) were approximately 1 °C higher than in the previous seasons. In addition, in the 2015/2016 season, the average annual air temperature was the highest in the entire series. The spatial and temporal distribution of Enhanced Vegetation Index values enabled the detection and perception of droughts in the conilon coffee-producing regions of Espírito Santo. The rainfall volume accumulated in the periods from September to December and from April to August are the ones that most affect coffee yield. The conilon coffee plantations in these regions are susceptible to new climate extremes, as they continue to be managed under irrigation and full sun. The adoption of agroforestry systems and construction of small reservoirs can be useful to alleviate these climate effects, reducing the risk of coffee production losses and contributing to the sustainability of crops in Espírito Santo.

Agroforestry Benefits and Challenges for Adoption in Europe and Beyond

Soil degradation is a global concern, decreasing the soil’s ability to perform a multitude of functions. In Europe, one of the leading causes of soil degradation is unsustainable agricultural practices. Hence, there is a need to explore alternative production systems for enhanced agronomic productivity and environmental performance, such as agroforestry systems (AFS). Given this, the objective of the study is to enumerate the major benefits and challenges in the adoption of AFS. AFS can improve agronomic productivity, carbon sequestration, nutrient cycling, soil biodiversity, water retention, and pollination. Furthermore, they can reduce soil erosion and incidence of fire and provide recreational and cultural benefits. There are several challenges to the adoption and uptake of AFS in Europe, including high costs for implementation, lack of financial incentives, limited AFS product marketing, lack of education, awareness, and field demonstrations. Policies for financial incentives such as subsidies and payments for ecosystem services provided by AFS must be introduced or amended. Awareness of AFS products must be increased for consumers through appropriate marketing strategies, and landowners need more opportunities for education on how to successfully manage diverse, economically viable AFS. Finally, field-based evidence is required for informed decision-making by farmers, advisory services, and policy-making bodies.

Agroforestry systems can mitigate the impacts of climate change on coffee production: A spatially explicit assessment in Brazil

Climate change may impose severe challenges to farmers to maintain agricultural production levels in the future. In this study we analysed the effect of projected changes in climate on the area suitable for coffee production in 2050, and the potential of agroforestry systems to mitigate these effects in a major coffee production region in southeast Brazil. We conducted a spatially explicit analysis with the bioclimatic model MaxEnt to explore the area that is suitable for coffee production in 2050 when coffee is grown in unshaded plantations and in agroforestry systems. The projected climate in 2050 was assessed using 19 global circulation models, and we accounted for the altered microclimate in agroforestry systems by adjusting the maximum and minimum air temperature. The climate models indicated that the annual mean air temperature is expected to increase 1.7 °C ± 0.3 in the study region, which will lead to almost 60 % reduction in the area suitable for coffee production in unshaded plantations by 2050. However, the adoption of agroforestry systems with 50 % shade cover can reduce the mean temperatures and maintain 75 % of the area suitable for coffee production in 2050, especially between 600 and 800 m altitude. Our study indicates that major shifts in areas suitable for coffee production may take place within three decades, potentially leading to land conflicts for coffee production and nature conservation. Incentives that contribute to the development of coffee agroforestry systems at appropriate locations may be essential to safeguard coffee production in the southeast of Brazil.

Farmer’s Perception about Agroforestry Systems for Legal Reserves in the Region of São Mateus, Espírito Santo, Brazil

Abstract The aim of this study is to characterize the perceptions and interests of farmers related to the adoption of agroforestry systems (AFS) for restoration of Fibria Celulose S.A.’s Legal Reserves (LRs), with the production of food and non-timber forest products. Twenty farmers were interviewed in the community of Sao Geraldo (Sao Mateus, Espirito Santo, Brazil), who participated in the social projects led by the company in the community. With this, it was possible to trace the profile of farmers and farms, their knowledge of environmental suitability, and interest in the adoption of AFS. Most farmers did not have information about AFS and the possibility of its use in LR. After being educated on the opportunities established in the Brazilian Forestry Law, 12 of the interviewed farmers expressed interest in adopting AFS to restore LR, considering the potential benefits to the diversification of income, water, soil, and biodiversity conservation. Finally, it was also possible to identify species of interest by farmers for AFS composition in LRs.

Desenvolvimento inicial de espécies arbóreas em sistemas agroflorestais no Baixo Amazonas, Pará, Brasil

Estudos sobre o desenvolvimento inicial de espécies arbóreas em sistemas agroflorestais são importantes, pois fornecem subsídios para o manejo desses agroecossistemas. O objetivo dessa pesquisa foi avaliar a sobrevivência e o crescimento em altura de mudas de espécies arbóreas em sistemas agroflorestais amazônicos submetidos a diferentes formas de preparo da área e manejo. O experimento foi conduzido em dois sistemas agroflorestais (sucessional e consórcio agroflorestal) localizados no Baixo Amazonas, oeste do estado do Pará. No consórcio agroflorestal comercial, a taxa de sobrevivência das espécies não ultrapassou o valor de 70%. No sistema sucessional a taxa de sobrevivência das espécies arbóreas implantadas foi alta com a maioria variando entre 90 a 100%. O estresse hídrico nos períodos mais secos do ano é um fator limitante na adoção de sistemas agroflorestais na região causando mortalidade das mudas. Quanto ao crescimento em altura, as espécies avaliadas obtiveram desempenhos satisfatórios em ambos os sistemas.

Opportunities and challenges for sustainable production of A. aculeata through agroforestry systems

Macaw palm is regarded as one of the most promising alternative raw materials for the production of oil for biofuels and other uses. The potential yield up to 6000kg of oil per hectare, and the quality of the oil, makes it a suitable feedstock for biofuel production, whether for biodiesel or bio-kerosene. The diversification of oilseed crops consists in a goal not only for Brazil, but for many Latin American countries. While the palm oil is an important component of the food industry, it is not expected a significant destination of macaw palm oil for this purpose. Hence, its deployment for energy production would not compete directly with food production. Additionally, in comparison with oil palm, macaw palm has the advantage of a broader geographical distribution, being suitable for cultivation in different regions. However, in order to exploit this potential, a few short and long-term challenges must be overcome. In the short term, productivity gains are possible through improvements on fruit processing, which positively reflect on the quantity and quality of the oil extracted both from the pulp and the kernel. Moreover, properly characterization and study of all co-products in the chain is required, aiming at add value to the fractions and increase the efficiency of the process. Medium to long-term approaches include the development of new varieties of the palm need through a broad genomic selection for different regions, as a component of the domestication process. In a scenario of cultivation, the adoption of agroforestry systems should be studied and encouraged, though both food and energy can be produced at the same area, in a more sustainable way. Long term studies are also required to assess socio-economic and environmental impacts of different exploitation systems of macaw palm, whether through extractive activities or cultivation.

Influência das características socioeconômicas de agricultores familiares na adoção de sistemas agroflorestais

Agroforestry systems (AFSs) have emerged as an alternative to the slash and burn agriculture practiced in the Amazon region. This study therefore aims to analyze the influence of the socioeconomic characteristics of farmers on the adoption of agroforestry systems. The study was carried out in Braganca (01 o 03 '15''S and 46 o 46' 10 W), in the Brazilian State of Para. Data was collected by way of structured interviews and direct observation, both of which are Rapid Rural Evaluation tools. The data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and linear correlation. Fifty-three smallholders with AFSs were identified in 19 rural communities. The socioeconomic characteristics identified in this study, such as the origin of the farmers, social organization, age, level of education, land tenure, and lot- and AFS-size, as well as labor force and income generation, influenced the adoption of commercial agroforestry systems in Braganca. The family is the most common source of labor in family production units. The man carries out the main productive activities related to commercial AFSs, and is responsible for the adoption of these systems. The AFSs, in general, are important for the economy of small farmers in Braganca. However, public policies are needed for these systems to become socioeconomically sustainable, including: expanding the areas of commercial AFSs; ensuring efficient technical assistance is provided for farmers; adapting the products to the consumer market, enabling farmers to manage agroforestry systems, increasing the income generated by these systems; and finally empowering the farmers to establish funding projects.

Agroforestry adoption in the Calakmul Biosphere Reserve, Campeche, Mexico

Since farmers engage in a complex, dynamic process of learning-by-doing, evaluating economic incentives, and assessing risks in deciding whether to adopt agroforestry systems, a multi-pronged research approach is required for a complete analysis of adoption potential and to develop effective technological and institutional interventions. A case study is presented for using multiple approaches to analyse the potential for reforestation and improving livelihoods of small farmers through the adoption of agroforestry systems in the Calakmul Biosphere Reserve in Campeche, Mexico. Specifically, the results from a participatory research project are combined with revealed preference analysis of a household survey to analyse past adoption decisions and preferences, identify limitations, test and evaluate alternatives, and evaluate methods for risk reduction. The participatory research trials suggest that continuous intercropping and line cleaning are equally effective for tree growth, while continuous cropping during the first years offers the additional advantage of early returns to investments through crop production. Farmer participation in the research process, planning of production systems, and annual evaluations, assisted farmers and researchers in identifying limitations, testing and evaluating alternatives, and improving the viability and sustainability of systems. The revealed preference analysis provides insights as to which households are most likely to initially adopt agroforestry systems developed through the participatory research trials. In general, households that originated from the Yucatan Peninsula with more education, more experience both in age of the head of household and technical and project experience, higher incomes, and those that had cleared more forestland were more likely to have experimented with agroforestry systems in the past.

A Case Study Assessment of Agroforestry

Summary Finding sustainable land-use systems within the Panama Canal Watershed will be necessary for future management by the Panamanian government. Agroforestry is a land-use option for small-scale farmers living within the Watershed that can help achieve the goals of both conservation and productivity. This case study qualitatively evaluates current agroforestry projects in the Canal Watershed using an analytical framework based on other evaluations of agroforestry systems in Central America. Designated criteria for the analysis include: management objectives, project life span, incentives, technology, economic feasibility, community involvement, and extension. These factors can present obstacles to wide-scale adoption of agroforestry systems by small-scale farmers, thus preventing the realization of associated benefits of agroforestry. The analysis of the three field sites visited in March 1998 is followed by recommendations for expanding agroforestry practices among farmers in the Watershed.

Agroforestry in the Bolivian Altiplano: evaluation of tree species and greenhouse growth of wheat on soils treated with tree leaves

Severe environmental problems encountered in the highlands of Bolivia may be remedied through the adoption of agroforestry systems, never before studied adequately in this region. As a first step, seven tree species were tested for growth, survival and health at two elevations in the Bolivian altiplano. Species responded variably with Buddleja coriacea Remy., Pinus radiata D. Don. and Eucalyptus globulus Labill. (at the higher elevation) and E. globulus, Baccharis spp., Robinia pseudoacacia L. and B. coriacea (at the lower elevation), displaying high survival, growth and health. In a related greenhouse study, grain yields of wheat planted in soils amended with incorporated foliage of B. coriacea, P. radiata and E. globulus increased three-fold (0.3 g·plant−1 to >1.0 g·plant−1) over grain yields in unamended soils (B. coriacea > P. radiata = E. globulus). Grain nitrogen (mg·plant−1) increased equally in soils amended with P. radiata and B. coriacea foliage (18 mg N⋅plant−1 to 20 mg·plant−1) but decreased in soils amended with foliage of E. globulus (18 g·plant−1 to 9 g·plant−1).

Management of Agroforestry for the Conservation and Utilization of Land and Water Resources

Although the potential of agroforestry for conservation and utilization of soil and water resources is well recognized, experimental evidence on the extent of actual benefits is limited. However, the scope for adoption of agroforestry technologies is great because of the low requirement for investment and the potentially high economic benefits, as most of them combine protection with production. Technologies vary from those with conservation as the main purpose to those focused on production, where soil conservation is supplementary. The adoption of agroforestry systems will ultimately depend on increased crop yields and economic benefits to farmers. The realization of their potential benefits will in turn depend on the management, which includes carefully selecting trees and shrubs adapted to local conditions, using a combination of appropriate technologies, and following good silvicultural and crop husbandry practices. Availability of tree seedlings and labour, the need to protect trees during non-cropping periods, competition of trees with crops for growth resources, and lack of short-term economic benefits are some of the constraints to the adoption of agroforestry by farmers.

Landowner perceptions and the adoption of agroforestry practices in southern Ontario, Canada

A mail-out survey questionnaire was developed by the Agroforestry group at the University of Guelph to determine the level of awareness and interest in the adoption of agroforestry systems by landusers from four townships in Wellington County, Ontario. The questionnaire investigated: (1) the current level of knowledge regarding windbreaks, woodlots and plantations, intereropping, riparian plantations and silvipasture, (2) the present level of participation in each of these systems on-farm, (3) the perceived benefits and/or drawbacks of each of these initiatives with respect to total farm income, income diversity, land rehabilitation, land value/equity, soil/water conservation, labour intensity, overhead and return on the term of investment. The majority of respondents were familiar with conventional agroforestry systems such as windbreaks and woodlots/plantations (80%, 62% respectively), therefore the level of interest in the adoption of these practices was significant (74%, 66% respectively). Response rates were lower for silvipasture, riparian plantations and intercropping, most likely as result of the low level of familiarity with these practices (20%, 32%, 4% respectively). Respondents commented that agroforestry systems would have a neutral effect on farm income, and would increase land stewardship. In some cases, interested landusers indicated a willingness to participate in agroforestry systems even though they anticipated increases in overhead and labour intensity; however, this was only true if they held land stewardship as a priority. Landusers were more concerned with the economic aspects of agroforestry, as a determinant to the future adoptability of particular practices. Age, gender, farm operation and farm size were not correlated with the adoption of agroforestry systems. The success of agroforestry programs on farms in the study area is largely dependent on the attitudes and willingness of landusers to participate in non-traditional agricultural systems.