Agroforestry Plantations Research Articles

PENGELOLAAN HUTAN PULAU SEHO SEBAGAI MODEL KONSERVASI PULAU KECIL DI KABUPATEN PULAU TALIABU

Forest area of Seho island was damaged. Mostly caused by the activities of people who live in and around the area. The activities were logging, wild animal hunting, as well as shifting cultivation. This activity is also supported by the community easy access into the forest. Community activities are threats to the existence of flora and fauna in the region. Agroforestry is a land use system by combining a variety of agricultural crops and forestry. The purpose of this study is to examine management of Seho Island with zoning approach and conduct management of multi-party collaboration. This study included a qualitative study, using the case study methodology. Selection of the sample (key informants) done intentionally (purposive sampling), by taking a sample of respondents by purposive sampling as many as 30 families. The results showed that managed Seho Island neighborhood zoning approach, namely 1. The core areas Seho Island nature reserve, 2. Buffer areas which is the area surrounding the core region (region Nature Reserve), which is generally found agroforestry plantation society, especially Plant cloves and Other forest plants, 3. Transition areas / Sustainable Development is an area outside the buffer zone on the public lands, beaches and coast, where the activity is intended for community economic development and regional economic development. In addition, the activities of multi-party collaboration is a necessity in the management of conservation areas Seho Island.

Agroforestry Natural and Benefits Stimuli for Improvement of Kerinci Community at Kerinci Seblat National Park (KSNP)

Stimulus is a stimulation that causes reaction or response. Stimuli are factors that affect someone or something to be have. The concept of tri-stimulus amar states that the tri stimulus amar conservation is important in conservation action and consists of natural stimulus, benefit, and religious (willingness).This study aimed to determine whether the species composition of Kerinci communities agroforestry plants in hilly land was a natural stimuli, and to determine whether the income level of the farming community from agroforestry activities was already a benefit to the community. The research was conducted using participatory observation method. The data were analyzed descriptively by making tabulation matrix then rated quantitatively to determine the Cultural Significance Index (CSI) and Index of Importance Value (IIV). Furthermore, natural and benefit stimuli of agroforestry activities for the Kerinci community were described. The results showed there were 27 agroforestry plants with Pelak system and cinnamon plant (Cinnamomun burmannii) which belonged to the Lauraceous family was a plant with the highest ICS (67) and IIV (43). These results indicated that cinnamon plant played an important role in the Kerinci community culture and ecosystems because it was quite abundant in nature. The farmers knew cinnamon bio ecology which means that the natural stimuli of cinnamon were the basis in the selection of the plant. While products from agroforestry crops could improve the welfare of farmers thus became the benefit stimuli for the community in conducting Pelak agroforestry farming systems. Natural and benefit stimuli were the factors that caused the farmers to conduct agroforestry activities with cinnamon as the dominant plant species.

Análisis dasométrico de plantaciones de siricote (Cordia dodecandra A. DC.) bajo tres tipos de manejo en Xmatkuil, Yucatán

Se realizó un análisis dasométrico a tres plantaciones de Cordia dodecandra A. DC. en Xmatkuil, Yucatán, que cuentan con nueve años de edad y reciben tres diferentes tipos de manejo. Se midió altura, fuste, DAP, cobertura y calidad del tronco de cada uno de los individuos de las plantaciones. La calidad del tronco se evaluó comparando la imagen digital del fuste con la de la escala de calificación de 1-6, según la rectitud del tronco. Con los datos se llevó a cabo un análisis de covarianza multivariado (MANCOVA) a fin de verificar la presencia de diferencias significativas en las variables de altura, fuste y diámetro a la altura del pecho (DAP) en las plantaciones. La cobertura se consideró como variable explicativa auxiliar. Para la variable calidad del tronco se realizó la prueba no paramétrica de Kruskall-Wallis. El MANCOVA mostró diferencias significativas en altura, fuste y DAP en las tres plantaciones; los análisis estadísticos indicaron que la cobertura influye en las variables altura y DAP; asimismo, la prueba de Kruskal-Wallis con p-valor ≤ 0,05 señaló diferencias significativas. Por lo tanto, el manejo que reciben las plantaciones influye en el crecimiento de C. dodecandra. Estos resultados proporcionan información necesaria para el futuro establecimiento de plantaciones agroforestales, así como para tomar las medidas adecuadas en el manejo sustentable de la especie.

ASSESSMENT OF STATUS AND GROWTH OF AGROFORESTRY PLANTINGS OF BETULA PENDULA AND LARIX SIBIRICA IN FOREST-STEPPE SUBZONE OF NORTHERN KAZAKHSTAN

Objects of studies were agroforestry plantings that are located on farms in forest-steppe subzone of Northern Kazakhstan. We studied the safety, growth and condition ordinary and bias-group of protective plantings, served as control of agricultural landscapes with open fields. When comparing the safety, condition and growth of trees in agroforestry plantings revealed that for conditions of Northern Kazakhstan the best way to create of protective plantings is bias-group method. When creating agroforestry plantings ordinary preference should be given to agroforestry plantings of the 4-row stripes of (Betula pendula Roth) and 3-row – from (Larix sibirica Lebed.) with location 1.0 × 3.0 m.

Análise espacial da mosca-negra em sistema agroflorestal de citros

The aim of this study was to characterize the spatial distribution of citrus black fly (Aleurocanthus woglumi) in citrus orchard in agroforestry plantation in Pará State, Brazil. The experimental area is located in Capitão Poço, Northeastern Pará. Twelve samples were taken monthly where the presence or absence of the pest in the experimental area were evaluated. From each sampling point (plant) we obtained the value of the variable and the coordinates (latitude and longitude). By the parameters of semivariogram models the surveys were interpolated by kriging method which provided us spatial distribution maps of the areas of higher and lower infestation of the black fly. The results showed that the spatial distribution of black fly takes place predominantly in clusters with spatial dependence described by the spherical model, forming clusters from 15.5 to 34 m (range of the model).

О средствах для посева сыпучих семян хвойных пород

Article is devoted to the cultivation of planting material in nurseries to further its use in agroforestry plantations. The submission noted that profitability of growing seedlings in the nur-series of such soil conditions need to be considered and should be used special technologies and technical means. The range of such technologies may include tools for: tillage and fertilizing, seeding, cultural care, pest control and disease. This is one of the most important places in the cultivation technology of planting material is given sowing seeds.

Conversion of lowland tropical forests to tree cash crop plantations loses up to one-half of stored soil organic carbon.

Tropical deforestation for the establishment of tree cash crop plantations causes significant alterations to soil organic carbon (SOC) dynamics. Despite this recognition, the current Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) tier 1 method has a SOC change factor of 1 (no SOC loss) for conversion of forests to perennial tree crops, because of scarcity of SOC data. In this pantropic study, conducted in active deforestation regions of Indonesia, Cameroon, and Peru, we quantified the impact of forest conversion to oil palm (Elaeis guineensis), rubber (Hevea brasiliensis), and cacao (Theobroma cacao) agroforestry plantations on SOC stocks within 3-m depth in deeply weathered mineral soils. We also investigated the underlying biophysical controls regulating SOC stock changes. Using a space-for-time substitution approach, we compared SOC stocks from paired forests (n = 32) and adjacent plantations (n = 54). Our study showed that deforestation for tree plantations decreased SOC stocks by up to 50%. The key variable that predicted SOC changes across plantations was the amount of SOC present in the forest before conversion--the higher the initial SOC, the higher the loss. Decreases in SOC stocks were most pronounced in the topsoil, although older plantations showed considerable SOC losses below 1-m depth. Our results suggest that (i) the IPCC tier 1 method should be revised from its current SOC change factor of 1 to 0.6 ± 0.1 for oil palm and cacao agroforestry plantations and 0.8 ± 0.3 for rubber plantations in the humid tropics; and (ii) land use management policies should protect natural forests on carbon-rich mineral soils to minimize SOC losses.

Determination of Soil Quality Index Based on Soil Chemical Properties in The Upstream of Bengawan Solo River Basin Wonogiri

Title : Determination of Soil Quality Index Based on Soil Chemical Properties at The Upstream of Bengawan Solo River Basin Wonogiri. Land conversion extended to the upper of the watershed for residential and agricultural so soil’s ability is decreased to support the soil quality. To solve these problems, in the region upstream of Bengawan Solo, enforced by Agroforestry plantings. Research carried out at the upstream of Bengawan Solo Wonogiri and Laboratory of Chemistry and Fertility of Soil Faculty of Agriculture, Sebelas Maret University Surakarta, in June 2013 until March 2014. Research used a survey method by descriptive and exploratory. Determination of the location of the site sample is done by a stratified random sampling based onland map unit. Sampling was done by a purposive sampling method. The soil quality index is determined by summing the scores for each variable which has selected from Principal Component Analysis (PCA), and then it multiplied by the weight index. The result of the study show that the soil quality of Agroforestry in the upstream of Bengawan Solo Wonogiri based on the chemical properties of the soil is low. The value of soil quality index in the secondary forest is 2.6. While in the Agrosilvopastoral is 2.3 and in the Agrisilviculture is 2.1, which are lower than the secondary forest. Whereas in the Silvopastoral is 3.0, which is higher than the secondary forest.

Analyzing the Uncertainties in Use of Forest-Derived Biomass Equations for Open-Grown Trees in Agricultural Land

Quantifying carbon in agroforestry trees requires biomass equations that capture the growth differences (e.g., tree specific gravity and architecture) created in the more open canopies of agroforestry plantings compared with those generally encountered in forests. Whereas forest-derived equations are available, equations for open-grown trees are not. Data from destructively sampled open-grown trees in the Northern Great Plains were used to examine the uncertainties in the use of forest-derived equations for open-grown trees. Three species, representative of major morphological types of agroforestry trees, were studied: green ash, Austrian pine, and eastern redcedar. Forest-derived equations provided good estimates of trunk biomass at lower diameter ranges but, as diameter increased, resulted in overestimation up to 40% for individual trees. Across the full diameter ranges, individual tree branch biomass was underestimated by 29 – 82%, depending on species and equation source (regional or nonregional). Although open-grown trunk and branch biomass curves diverged down and up, respectively, from their forest-derived counterparts, those for the whole tree tended to converge, albeit significantly above the forest-derived curves. Whole-tree biomass for individual trees was underestimated by at least 18%. To correct the biases, we studied the adjustment factor of forestto open-grown tree biomass. It shows a power function with diameter. On a whole-tree basis, it was evaluated as a constant (1.2) independent of species and diameters. Application of this constant factor adjusted the biomass underestimation of three-species-mixed plantation by forest-derived equations from 21 to 4.6%, providing a cost-efficient approach to use forest-derived equations for open-grown trees in agriculture land.

Growth performance of 12 year old air layered Madhuca latifolia.

Madhuca latifolia commonly known as mahua belongs to the family Sapotaceae is an important economic tree growing throughout India and most preferable in day to day activity of tribal people. It is distributed in warm and humid regions of Central and south India such as eastern Uttar Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Maharashtra, Bihar, Jharkhand, Orissa and Andhra Prades. It is concluded that, the growth of air-layered Mahua is better when compared to published literature on seedling originated mahus. Based on this study, it is proved that air layering of mahua is cheap and best method to produce quality planting material. Further large scale investigation on performance of air-layered mahua plantations will provide early returns in terms of flowers and seed to sustain local livelihood. The stature of air layered mahua is well suited for agroforestry plantations.

Integrated HS and ALS Remote Sensing Data Sources to Develop Green Corridors in Sopron Mountains

The green corridors are part of the European Union rural landscapes, but the regional increase in size of agricultural parcels had a significant effect on European land use in the 20th century. This effect radically reduced the coverage of natural forest. One ecological problem with the remaining forests is the partial missing of the network connecting the parts with ecological green corridors. Another economical problem is the verifiability for the payment system of agroforestry. Remote sensing methods are currently used to supervise monitoring the arable lands, plantations, natural reserve areas, as well as to help for the European Union payment system. Nowadays the airborne hyperspectral (HS) and LiDAR (Light Detection And Ranging; ALS) remote sensing technologies are becoming of more widespread use. They can be applied especially in spatial decision support system (SDSS), used in decisions about for nature, environment, forests, agriculture protection, conservation and monitoring, as well as for monitoring of biomass production. Our site selection model was the first step towards planning an agroforestry plantation which uses these integrated technologies to connect the parts with green corridors.

Contrasting effects of shade level and altitude on two important coffee pests

The diversity and abundance of natural enemies of insect pests is often higher in agroforestry plantations than in sun-exposed monocultures, and it is often assumed that this will lead to improved pest suppression. The effect that incorporating trees in cropping systems will have on pest populations, however, also depends on the habitat requirements of the pests themselves. In Eastern Uganda, we studied how shade level (full >50 trees per acre, moderate 21–50 trees per acre, and low 0–20 trees per acre) and altitude (high 1,717–1,840 m.a.s.l. and low 1,511–1,605 m.a.s.l.) influenced the abundance of the white stem borer Monochamus leuconotus and the coffee berry borer Hypothenemus hampei. We found that the effect of shade trees differed between the two pest species. The coffee berry borer was more common on sun-exposed plantations, whereas the white stem borer was more common in shaded plantations. Furthermore, the effect of shade level on the white stem borer depended on altitude, with the differences between shade levels being most pronounced in plantations at low altitudes. This implies that the impact of agroforestry on pest regulation both under current conditions and in a global warming scenario will be highly context dependent; it will depend on the identity of the most important pests in the area, and on environmental factors such as altitude.

Changes in Soil Aggregate-Associated Organic Carbon and Nitrogen after Ten Years under Different Land-Use and Soil-Management Systems in Indo-Gangetic Sodic Soil

A study was conducted to evaluate the effects of different land uses and soil-management systems (LU and SMS) on key soil physicochemical indicators [aggregate stability, distribution of soil organic carbon (SOC), and nitrogen (N) in aggregate fractions] and to interpret significance of long-term cultivation of agroforestry plantations [Prosopis juliflora L. (AFP) and Casuarina equisetifolia L. (AFC)], horticultural plantations [(Tamarindus indica (HI) and Syzygium cumini (HJ)], and rice–wheat system (RW) in sodic soil of the Indo-Gangetic plain. Soil samples collected from the different LU and SMS plots were analyzed. The barren sodic soil (BSS) exhibited the least mean weight aggregate diameter (0.21), whereas AFP recorded the greatest (0.59). Total N content in surface soil under RW system was about the same as AFP, AFC, HI, and HJ and significantly greater than BSS. Across the LU and SMS except BSS, microaggregates recorded a narrower C/N ratio than macro- and mesoaggregates.

Harvesting alternatives for mallee agroforestry plantations in Western Australia

The authors tested two harvesting systems especially designed for mallee agroforestry plantations on farmland. Both systems were based on versatile forest technology commonly used for conventional logging operations. They differed especially for the felling technology: small-scale drive-to-tree or industrial swing-to-tree equipment. Both systems were tested side-to-side on 12 experimental plots each. The resulting harvesting cost was 22 and 27 AU$ t−1, for the industrial and the small scale system, respectively. Chipping represented between 60 and 80 % of the overall harvesting cost, and offered much room for improvement. The industrial system always offered the lowest harvesting cost, regardless of annual usage, when equipment mobilisation costs were not considered. The productivity of conventional forestry equipment was strongly dependent on belt stocking and tree size. If the diameter at ankle height dropped below 10 cm, economic viability decreased very rapidly.

Perception locale des sols et de leur évolution dans des terroirs en cours de savanisation des populations Batandu en République démocratique du Congo

L'agriculture d'abattis-brûlis, la production de bois énergie et l'absence de gestion des écosystèmes forestiers sont à l'origine de la dégradation et de la savanisation progressive de ces espaces. Ces phénomènes ont accentué les processus d'érosion dans les terroirs du village de Kinduala. Ils ont également conduit les populations à modifier leurs pratiques culturales en raison de la disparition progressive des espaces forestiers au profit des cultures sur savane. L'objectif de cette étude était de caractériser la perception locale des sols (typologie, évolution) par les agriculteurs d'un village de la population Batandu. Le temps de l'étude, il a été réalisé deux réunions villageoises, 36 prélèvements de sols de surface, 25 analyses physico-chimiques et étudié un profil de sol. En observant la couche superficielle du sol, les Batandu distinguent quatre types d'horizons (kanga, kibuma, nzielo, kiniengi) en fonction de leur couleur, texture et leur facilité à être travaillé lors des cultures. Ils associent préférentiellement leurs cultures avec le kibuma et le kiniengi. Les Batundu sont conscients de l'évolution de la couche superficielle de leurs sols sous l'influence des activités culturales et des pluies. Cependant, ils ne perçoivent pas clairement l'évolution de leurs sols sur une plus grande profondeur et son lien avec les processus d'érosion des sols en cours. Cette étude nous a permis d'identifier les connaissances des populations, leurs limites, et de proposer un schéma de processus d'érosion des sols. Pour freiner ce processus d'érosion des sols, des améliorations culturales devront être intégrées dans les Plans simples de gestion élaborés par les populations en complément des activités de reboisement et de plantations agroforestières à Acacia auriculiformis.

Effect of multipurpose tree species on soil fertility and CO2 efflux under hilly ecosystems of Northeast India

A 26 years old agroforestry plantation consisting of four multipurpose tree species (MPTs) (Michelia oblonga Wall, Parkia roxburghii G. Don, Alnus nepalensis D. Don, and Pinus kesiya Royle ex-Gordon) maintained at ICAR Research Complex, Umiam, Meghalaya, India were compared with a control plot (without tree plantation) for soil fertility status and CO2 efflux. The presence of trees improved all the physico-chemical and microbial biomass parameters studied in this experiment. Relative to control, soils under MPTs showed significant increases of 17 % soil organic carbon, 26 % available nitrogen (AN), 28 % phosphorus (AP), 50 % potassium (AK), 65 % mean weight diameter (MWD) of aggregates, 21 % moisture and 34 % soil microbial biomass carbon (MBC) while reducing the mean bulk density (7 %). However, these parameters significantly differed among the tree species i.e., soils under A. nepalensis and M. oblonga had higher values of these attributes except bulk density, than under other species. Irrespective of treatments, the values of all these attributes were higher in surface soils while bulk density was highest in subsurface (60–75 cm). Cumulative CO2 efflux under MPTs was significantly higher (15 %) and ranged from 1.71 g 100 g−1 (M. oblonga) to 2.01 g 100 g−1 (A. nepalensis) compared to control at 150 days of incubation. In all the treatments, increment in temperature increased the oxidation of soil organic matter, thereby increased the cumulative CO2 efflux from soils. Of the tree species, with increment in temperature, A. nepalensis recorded more CO2 efflux (2.50 g 100 g−1) than other MPTs but the per cent increase was more in control plot. P. kesiya and A. nepalensis recorded highest activation energy (59.1 and 39 kJ mol−1, respectively). Net organic carbon sequestered in soil was highest under A. nepalensis (25.7 g kg−1) followed by M. oblonga (19.3 g kg−1), whereas control showed the lowest values. Amount of net carbon stored in the soil had significant and positive correlation with MBC (r = 0.706**), MWD (r = 0.636*), and AN (r = 0.825**).

The Impact of Eco-labeling and Forest Certification on Teak Forest Plantation

This paper deals with eco-labeling and certification process of forest. There are two objectives of the paper are; (a) to evaluate the impact of eco-labeling and forest certification on teak forest plantation, (b) to determine the financial feasibility of eco-label teak plant business with paddy rice (intercropping). This research was conducted in South Konawe District, South East Sulawesi, Indonesia using stratified random sampling with 62 farmers as respondents. Data were analyzed quantitatively and descriptively. Quantitative analysis was performed by using paired sample test, NPV, B/C and IRR. The result of the research indicates that ecolabel certificating process in KHJL involving many parties (collaboration) and conducted through these processes: selecting certificate giver, avoiding gap between certificate giver standard and KHJL forest management, consulting with stakeholders, reporting and certificating forest management; The ecolabel certificating process gives effect on the changes of planting pattern and the size of teak plant field. The effect on changes of planting pattern is indicated by the shifting of agroforestry planting pattern to simple agroforestry. The effect on field size of teak plant field is indicated by the improvement of average size of field from 0.53-2.07 ha per farmer. By considering three criterions (NPV value of df 18% equals to Rp 63.978.638,- NBCR value is greater than 1 in the amount of 8, and the IRR value of 41.26% or IRR > 18%), it can be said that, financially the certificated teak processed for business worth for exploration and expanded.

Evaluasi Kesesuaian “Beberapa Jenis Tanaman” dalam Sistem Wanatani di Wilayah Desa Ngadipiro Kecamatan Nguntoronadi Kabupaten Wonogiri

Title : Evaluation “Appropriatness of Some Kinds of plant” in The System of Agroforestry in The Area Ngadipiro, Nguntoronadi, Wonogiri. The research was conducted in July 2008 until October 2008, in Ngadipiro, Nguntoronadi, Wonogiri. The research is aimed to evaluated the appropriateness of the plant teak, cashew fruit, melinjo, ground nut and grass the setaria as a part in the agroforestry system in Ngadipiro, Nguntoronadi, Wonogiri and to give some kind of agroforestry planting pattern model among teak, cashew fruit, melinjo, ground nut and grass the setaria in Ngadipiro, Nguntoronadi, Wonogiri. The research is fenomological qualitative description research it means that the research takes the data from the field which is supported by quantitative analysis in laboratory. Set of analysis in the research is set of field map and the soil sample taking technique is purposive sampling method. While, to know the field appropriateness class, the research compares the quality and the field characteristic with the plant growing condition from PPT Bogor 2003. The planting pattern model is based or plant functions and according to planting pattern model proposal from PPLH 2008. To know assess the egibility of is effort farmer the researcher does the B/C ratio analysis and studies plant use value. The result of the research shows that the appropriateness of teak, cashew fruit, melinjo, ground nut and grass the setaria in Ngadipiro is around S3 to N (marginal appropriate to inappropriate). There are three planting pattern model which can be used to lessening level of erosion danger in Ngadipiro. They are Model A (The mix of teak, cashew fruit, ground nut and grass the setaria), Model B (The mix of teak, melinjo, ground nut and grass the setaria) and Model C (The mix of teak cashew fruit, melinjo, ground nut and grass the setaria) While from the B/C ratio analysis and assess the egibility of is effort farmer which based on the use of the plant shows that of teak, cashew fruit, melinjo, ground nut and grass the setaria is appropriate to be tried and to be developed in the research field in Ngadipiro. Keywords: agroforestry, plant approprianteness, planting pattern

TOUGH NUTS TO CRACK: ADVANCES IN MICROPROPAGATION OF WOODY SPECIES

Micropropagation of woody species has proved to be more challenging and difficult than micropropagation of numerous herbaceous species. Castanea spp. and Corylus spp. hybrids have been developed by plant breeders for the purpose of establishment of agroforestry plantations in the Midwestern states of the USA. Many of these hybrids have been developed by The American Chestnut Foundation (TACF), Meadowview, VA and by P.A. Rutter, Badgersett Research Farm, Canton, MN. Difficulties in conventional vegetative propagation approaches (cuttings, grafting) and the heterozygosity of seed populations have led researchers to employ micropropagation to obtain sufficient numbers of clonal plants for establishment of field plantations of such crops. We have utilized a forcing solution containing an anti-microbial chemical (8-hydroxyquinoline citrate, 8-HQC) and sucrose as a technique to obtain softwood outgrowth from cut woody stems that can be used as explant material for micropropagation. Inclusion of gibberellic acid in the forcing solution facilitated breaking bud dormancy of woody species in early to mid-winter, thus making it possible to obtain explants in the off-season for use in micropropagation research. Rooting difficulties have been overcome by use of a bilayer culture of activated charcoal-containing gelled medium overlaying a rooting medium from which light has been excluded. For Corylus, we have determined that a medium based in part on kernel constituents of the nut and higher than normal copper and myo-inositol significantly enhanced shoot proliferation and enabled production of several hundred 75 to 100 cm plants suitable for transplantation to the field.

Ecosystem services in human-dominated landscapes: insectivory in agroforestry systems

Despite of being structurally simpler and species-impoverished than natural forests, agroforestry plantations can act as a secondary habitat for native species and sustain some biodiversity. In particular, insectivores can provide important ecosystem services such as insectivory, indirectly benefiting plants through the reduction of herbivory and increasing productivity, by diminishing herbivores abundance. The lending of these services could occur in agroforestry systems, and in the same magnitude that in natural environments, however it has not yet been assessed whether the direct effect of insectivores over insects and indirect effect on plants differ between natural and agroforestry environments depending on possible modulating factors such as climatic region, type of insectivore, trophic group of the preyed arthropod and length of insectivores experimental exclusion. In this study, through a meta-analysis, it was assessed the provision of ecosystem services by insectivores in agroforestry systems compared to natural systems, contrasting it with the modulating factors mentioned. In general, insectivorous species reduced arthropod abundance and plant herbivory, and increased plant productivity. The magnitude and direction of these effects did not differ between natural and agroforestry systems, and neither did between different climatic regions, type of insectivore, preyed arthropod trophic groups nor experiment length. The effect of insectivores on productivity can vary based on the variable used to measure productivity. Our results evidence the provision of services by the insectivores present in plantations, independently of factors that could modulate its magnitude and direction. In this way, enhancing the existence of these important interactions within plantations could represent a win–win scenario.