Agroforestry Systems Research Articles

Perennial species diversity, ecosystem carbon stocks and carbon income in coffee-based agroforestry systems along an elevation gradient in South-eastern Ethiopia

In the current context of deforestation, coffee-based agroforestry system (CAFS) is credited for climate change (CC) mitigation and biodiversity conservation while supporting local livelihoods. Despite integrating shade tree species in CAFS, empirical studies to support this assertion are inadequate in Eastern Africa, and hence, its ecosystem services provisions are less understood. We evaluated perennial species diversity, carbon (C) stocks in the biomass and soil organic C (SOC) along an elevation gradient of 72 plots of shade coffee, while 36 plots were selected for without-shade coffee systems within three elevations, namely, low (1600–1750 masl), mid (1750–1850 masl) and high (1850–2000 masl) elevations in Southeastern Ethiopia. The perennial species diversity and biomass, SOC, fine root and litter C stocks were evaluated. Perennial species Shannon diversity significantly differed among the studied elevations (p < 0.001). Shaded coffee had significantly higher ecosystem C stocks than without shaded coffee systems (p < 0.05). The highest C stocks were found in the soil in both coffee systems. However, we found a weak relationship between the Shannon diversity and biomass C. The C income in shaded coffee was 70 % higher than without shaded coffee systems. The present study showed that shaded coffee accumulates more C and provides additional benefits from C credits. Hence, CAFS deliver ecosystem services that enhance biodiversity conservation and CC mitigation while generating an additional C income for farmers. However, we learned that the impact of perennial plant diversity on C stock and C income is context and site-specific.

Effect of Integrated Nutrient Management (INM) on Soil Physico-chemical Properties in Wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) Intercrop under Beul (Grewia optiva Drummond.) Based Agroforestry System and Open Condition

The raising human health hazards due to excessive use of chemical fertilizers and pesticides in India leads cancer patients. To overcome such problems there is need of Integrated Nutrient Management (INM) in our major crop wheat and further to improve soil fertility under agroforestry system. Therefore, the present investigation was carried out to study the impact of INM on the physical and chemical properties of soil when wheat intercropped under Beul (Grewia optiva) based agroforestry system in the mid-hill region of Himachal Pradesh at Dr. Y. S. Parmar University of Horticulture and Forestry, Nauni, Solan, HP (India). INM practices were applied to evaluate their effectiveness in enhancing soil fertility, crop yield, and overall soil health. The experimental setup included various treatment combinations of organic and inorganic fertilizers viz., T1: RDF, T2: FYM, T3: Vermicompost, T4: Goat manure, T5: 50% RDF+50% FYM, T6: 50% RDF+50% VC, T7: 50% RDF+50% GM, and T8: Control to determine their synergistic effects on the soil and cereal crop. These treatments were randomly assigned to plots under two planting conditions: S1 (under Beul based agroforestry system) and S2 (open condition), with three replications each, following in a factorial randomized block design (RBD). The key physical parameters such as bulk density (g/cm3), particle density (g/cm3), porosity (%), and soil moisture (%) were measured along with chemical properties of soil including soil pH, EC (dS/m1), organic carbon content (%), and nutrient availability of N, P and K in kg per hectare. The soil data of two consecutive years and pooled data were analyzed in R Statistical Software. The results demonstrated that INM significantly improved both the physical and chemical soil properties in agroforestry system as compared to control treatment i.e. open condition. The use of 100 % FYM found to be best treatment during the course of study among various treatments of INM for soil porosity, soil moisture, soil pH, available N, P and K. The soil structure and nutrient availability were increased in second year as compared to first year which will lead to improve the growth and yield of wheat crop. The study underscores the importance of adopting INM practices in agroforestry system to achieve sustainable agriculture as well as chemical free agriculture in hilly regions of Himachal Pradesh which will be helpful for human health. Thus, the use 100% FYM fertilizer is recommended for farmers in hilly area of Himachal Pradesh for sustainable agriculture and natural farming. The findings provide valuable insights for farmers and policymakers aiming to optimize crop production and maintain soil health in similar agro-ecological zones.

Evaluación del desempeño inicial de estacas y plántulas en una plantación de copales (&lt;i&gt;Bursera copallifera&lt;/i&gt; y &lt;i&gt;B. bipinnata&lt;/i&gt;)

Background: Copal is a resin that is used in religious and cultural ceremonies; it is extracted from Bursera bipinnata and Bursera copallifera, and obtained both from natural populations and maintained trees. Questions: What propagation method (rooted cuttings or seeds) is more suitable for each species? How is field performance in terms of survival and growth of rooted cuttings and seedlings for each species? Study species: Bursera bipinnata and B. copallifera Study site and dates: Santiago Tepetlapa, Morelos 2016-1018 Methods: Plants were propagated in 2015-2016. In 2016, 133 plants were planted: 42 rooted cuttings and 27 seedlings of B. bipinnata, and 26 and 38, respectively, of B. copallifera. Growth was evaluated for one year and survival for two years. Relative growth rate (RGR) was measured, as well as biomass allocation to different organs. Results: In B. bipinnata propagation by rooted cuttings is more feasible, and by seeds in B. copallifera. During the first-year rooted cuttings showed higher survival than seedlings, but in the second year it was higher in cuttings of B. bipinnata (65 %), than in all other plants (&lt; 15 %). There were differences between species in final biomass allocation in rooted cuttings, but not in seedlings; there were no differences between species in RGR. Conclusions: Rooted cuttings showed a better performance than seedlings; especially those of B. bipinnata. These results can contribute to the establishment of plantations of these species in agroforestry systems and restoration.

Effect of Crop Establishment Methods on Rhizospheric Soil Microbiota in Mustard Due to Different Land-Use Systems

A field study was conducted to assess the effect of crop establishment methods on rhizospheric soil microbiota in mustard due to different land-use system at the Research Farm, Department of Forestry, College of Agriculture, JNKVV, Jabalpur (MP) for two consecutive years (2022–23 and 2023-24). The experiment was assessed in the double-split plot design with three replications. The experiment consisted of two land-use systems as main plot treatment (S1: Agroforestry system and S2: Open system), three crop establishment methods of mustard (M1: Broadcasting, M2: Line sowing, and M3: Transplanting) as sub-plot treatments and four levels of boron (B0: Control, B1: 1 kg ha-1 as basal B2: 2 kg ha-1 and B3: ½ kg ha-1 as basal + ½ kg ha-1 as foliar spray) as sub-sub plot treatments. The soil samples were collected after harvesting of crop during both the years of study to analyse soil microbiota (total bacteria, azotobacter, rhizobium, total fungi and actinomycetes). The results revealed that, significantly higher counts of azotobacter (31.37 CFU x 105), rhizobium (21.99 CFU x 106), total bacteria (42.78 CFU x 106), total fungi (8.30 CFU x 105) and actinomycetes (12.98 CFU x 105) were higher under agroforestry system than the open system. Meanwhile higher counts of azotobacter, rhizobium, total bacteria, total fungi and actinomycetes were found to be significantly superior in broadcasting (29.59 CFU x 105, 20.28 CFU x 106, 37.52 CFU x 106, 7.97 CFU x 105, 12.68 CFU x 105, respectively) over both line sowing and transplanting crop establishment methods. In case of boron levels, no significant changes occurred in the soil biology under both agroforestry and open systems. Hence, it could be concluded that vegetative cover over soil helps to proliferation of population of soil microbiota in the rhizospheric zone of crop.

Hydrological and pedological effects of combining Italian alder and blackberries in an agroforestry windbreak system in South Africa

Abstract. The Western Cape in South Africa is a water-scarce region which will likely receive less rainfall and higher air temperatures under projected climate change scenarios. The integration of trees within agricultural systems provides an effective measure for improving water retention on agricultural land. Studying an established and irrigated agroforestry system (AFS) combining alder (Alnus cordata (Loisel.) Duby) as a linear windbreak with a blackberry (Rubus fructicosus L.) crop, we explore the water use dynamics of the intercrop as influenced by the windbreak element by combining methods from hydrology, soil science and forestry disciplines. Our objective is to explore whether the AFS positively impacts the water balance by combining measurement campaigns to characterise the spatial variability of various key system properties with continuous monitoring. The campaigns encompassed extensive soil sampling to determine soil characteristics (nutrient concentrations, hydraulic conductivity, texture, water retention) in the laboratory as well as terrestrial laser scans of the field site, especially of the windbreaks. The continuous measurements covered meteorological, soil water content and soil water potential observations over a 6-month period (in summer). These were applied to understand soil water dynamics during rainstorms and dry spells, including root water uptake as well as soil water storage. We recorded a total of 13 rainfall events delivering 2.5–117.6 mm of rainfall with maximum intensities of 4.1 to 82.6 mm h−1. Further analyses showed that infiltration is likely dominated by preferential flow, with root water uptake potentially occurring in two depth zones corresponding to different plant communities. While soil water content varied by depth and was influenced by physical and environmental factors, it was generally higher in the intercrop zone than within the windbreak-influenced zone. During dry spells, soil water content did not drop below the water content of the permanent wilting point (&lt;-1500 kPa). Values corresponding to soil water tensions above 1000 kPa were recorded on several occasions; these were mitigated by irrigation and, thus, did not result in water stress. Nutrient distribution and soil physical properties differed near the windbreak in comparison to the blackberry crop, and the carbon sequestration potential is great in comparison to monoculture farming. We could demonstrate positive effects of the windbreak on the water balance and dynamics in the blackberry field site, even though questions remain as to the extent of these benefits and how they compared to disadvantageous aspects brought about by the presence of the trees (e.g. increased water usage). Irrigation did, in fact, shift the AFS from a water-limited regime to an energy-limited one.

Multivariate characterisation of a blackberry–alder agroforestry system in South Africa: hydrological, pedological, dendrological and meteorological measurements

Abstract. Trees established in linear formations can be utilised as windbreak structures on farms as a form of agroforestry system. We present an extensive data package collected from an active berry farm located near Stellenbosch, South Africa, considering hydrological, pedological, dendrological and meteorological measurements centred around an Italian alder (Alnus cordata (Loisel.) Duby) windbreak and a blackberry (Rubus fruticosus L. Var. “Waldo”) crop. Data were collected between September 2019 and June 2021. The data are available from Hassler et al. (2024) and include the following measurements (i) meteorological variables – solar radiation, precipitation characteristics, vapour pressure deficit, air temperature, humidity, atmospheric pressure, wind speed and direction, gust speed, and lightning strikes and distance recorded at 10 min intervals; (ii) hydrological measurements – soil moisture and matric potential in two profiles at 15 min intervals alongside soil samples at various depths describing soil texture, hydraulic conductivity, and water retention parameters; (iii) soil characteristics – a soil profile description accompanied by 60 topsoil samples describing carbon, nitrogen, and exchangeable base cation concentrations, as well as potential cation exchange capacity and descriptions of soil texture; and (iv) dendrological measurements – point cloud data for the studied windbreak trees and surrounding features, cylinder models of the windbreak trees with volume and biomass data, and foliage data as a product of an existing leaf creation algorithm. The described dataset provides a multidisciplinary approach to assess the impact and interaction of windbreaks and tree structures in agroforestry landscapes, aiding future work concerning water fluxes, nutrient distribution, microclimate and carbon sequestration. The dataset, including high-resolution time series and point cloud data, offers valuable insights for managing the windbreak's influence and serves as a unique training dataset for spatial analysis (https://doi.org/10.5880/fidgeo.2023.028, Hassler et al., 2024).

Assessment of nutrient differences in detached soil particles between cropland and revegetated abandoned land

AbstractCropland (CRL) abandonment is a worldwide phenomenon of land use change with significant impacts on agro‐ecosystems. This research attempts to deepen the analysis of the positive and negative effects arising by focusing on the changes in soil properties and the amount and composition of soil particles detached after several periods of rainfall and the resulting exported sediment that occurs in abandoned areas with natural revegetation compared to CRL. The study was carried out in an agroforestry catchment with a temperate climate, on which CRL and abandoned land with natural vegetation were compared. The soil was sampled along two representative hillslopes integrating elements of the landscape and land use/land covers. Sediments were collected after seven periods in which flood events were recorded during the period July 2016 to December 2017, using artificial‐lawn mats. Soil and sediment composition (texture, soil organic carbon [SOC] and nutrients [total nitrogen and total phosphorous]) under both land uses were assessed and compared and related to rainfall characteristics using principal component analysis. Nutrient enrichment factors in the sediments compared to soils were also evaluated. The results highlight that after abandonment, SOC increased significantly, reaching contents almost three times higher than in CRL. Consequently, soil erodibility decreased, resulting in substantially lower sediment generation after erosive rainfall events. On average, sediment generation was three times lower in abandoned areas than in CRL, despite their steeper slopes. Soil total nitrogen also increased on abandoned lands, reaching values about twice as high as those in CRL. However, total phosphorous content was almost twice as high in CRL than in abandoned land posing a potential risk for water due to higher erosion rates recorded in CRL. The results confirmed the association of phosphorous with smaller particles and also demonstrated the total phosphorous‐SOC link in abandoned land. Furthermore, the effect of rainfall intensity on phosphorous mobilisation was confirmed, whilst nitrogen losses were mainly related to the total amount of rainfall recorded. In a scenario of increasing extreme precipitation, both total amount and increased precipitation intensity may exacerbate water pollution problems following nutrient loss in cultivated areas. This research contributes to identifying the impacts on agroforestry systems within the current context of converting natural areas into cultivated land, whilst in other regions revegetated natural areas are developed from abandoned agricultural land.

Pre-and post-landslide analyses for sustainable development in Kiarapandak area, Bogor, West Java, Indonesia

Abstract The landslide in Kiarapandak has destroyed several dwellings, impaired farming and agriculture, and critical land formation. Analysing the conditions before and after the landslide is essential for supporting sustainable development, protecting the community, and mitigating environmental damage. This investigation employs Google Earth imagery, site surveys, field observations, landslide typology, and vulnerability assessments. The research area, Kiarapandak, is categorized as a landslide-prone typology Zone B with a predominantly 21%–40% slope and more than 40%. The vulnerability level is high. In the critical land created by the landslide, there is a reduction in soil fertility due to surface stripping, increased erosion, and surface runoff, causing sedimentation and river flooding. Land rehabilitation efforts are necessary to improve the quality of land resources in the post-landslide area and support the ecosystem while generating economic value for affected landowners. An agroforestry system, with a vertical arrangement of species strata, can be implemented in the post-landslide location to serve ecological and financial functions and optimize land resource quality through fertilizer application.

Structure and composition of agroforestry systems in coastal areas of Uttara Kannada

Structure and composition of agroforestry systems in coastal areas of Uttara Kannada

Complex cocoa agroforestry systems shaped within specific socioeconomic and historical contexts in Africa: Lessons from Cameroonian farmers

CONTEXTIn the humid tropics, the socioecological advantages of family-based, multistory agroforestry systems are well recognized. Yet public policies tend to focus on conservation and land-sparing strategies alongside the promotion of modern intensive agriculture, neglecting these biodiverse agroecosystems, which are in decline. This is a particularly central issue in cocoa cultivation. In Africa's two largest cocoa-producing countries (Côte d'Ivoire and Ghana), cocoa plantations with few associated trees contribute to deforestation and biodiversity loss. In contrast, in regions like Cameroon, biodiversity-rich cocoa agroforests prevail. Considering global changes and rising cocoa demand, it is crucial to preserve and develop these agroforestry systems that reconcile cocoa production with ecosystem services. OBJECTIVEThis study, conducted in Cameroon between 2013 and 2017, aimed to pinpoint the socioeconomic factors influencing the characteristics, maintenance, and degradation of cocoa agroforests, with the ultimate goal of identifying intervention strategies to promote their preservation and development. METHODSThe study collected data from (i) on-field measurements in 95 cocoa agroforestry plots, (ii) interviews with the 95 farmers managing the plots, and (iii) historical interviews with 50 key informants. We focused on five sites across a gradient of population density, encompassing various socioecological environments and types of cocoa agroforests. Through thematic and statistical analyses, we evaluated differences between the five sites. RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONSOur results indicated contrasting management practices, dendrometric structure, species composition, and cocoa yields between sites. These contrasts largely reflected socioeconomic factors and site-specific dynamics. Cocoa agroforests were less rich in biodiversity in sites where farmers with capital using hired labor had acquired land than in sites where family farmers predominated. A trade-off was found between the richness of companion trees and cocoa yields. Plots managed by smallholder family farmers near urban areas tended to better reconcile cocoa production and biodiversity conservation. These farmers had gradually transformed their traditional agroforests to adapt to increasing demographic pressure by integrating diverse fruit tree species, using pesticides sparingly, and introducing selected cocoa varieties mixed with older varieties. SIGNIFICANCEThe small-scale family-managed cocoa agroforests, which incorporate fruit species as described in this study, could serve as a model for a more sustainable cocoa production strategy. However, developing such a strategy would require greater investment and support from policymakers. This includes supporting the marketing of products from companion trees, stabilizing cocoa prices at a high level, and implementing land policies that protect small and medium-sized family farmers.

EFFEKTIVITAS TEKNIK PENEBANGAN TERARAH DENGAN BANTUAN TALI DI HUTAN RAKYAT

Directional felling is a technique that directs fallen trees in a predetermined direction to minimize damage to residual stands and understory plants and facilitate subsequent stages of timber handling. One of the felling techniques used in private forest harvesting was the rope-assisted directional felling technique. The study aimed to analyze and evaluate the effectiveness of the rope-assisted directional felling technique in private forests. The study was conducted in a private forest managed with an agroforestry system in Probolinggo, East Java. The number of sampled trees was 31 trees. The sampled trees were felled to the predetermined directions: to a stretched rope between two spar trees or the safe area. Felling errors, hang-ups, and the presence of barber chairs were used to assess the effectiveness of the rope-assisted felling technique. The average diameter of the felled trees was 23.4 cm and 20.8 m in height. The ropes-assist directional felling technique produced a hang-up tree of 19.35% of the total felled trees. Directional felling using ropes made fallen trees from close to the opposite direction of the natural felling direction. The ropes-assisted felling technique made all felled trees fall in the predetermined direction without producing barber chairs, but still causing hang-ups.

Carbon Sequestration Potential of Traditional Agroforestry System in Rimbo Panjang Village, Kampar Based on Tree Biomass

The traditional agroforestry industry is part of the Forestry and Other Land Use Net Sink 2030 (FOLU Net Sink 2030) strategy for low carbon development and climate resilience in Indonesia. This study aims to estimate the value of biomass, carbon stock, and carbon sequestration in traditional agroforestry systems in Rimbo Panjang Village, Kampar. Six plots (each measuring 20 x 20 meters) are used; three of the plots are 15 years old and three are 9 years old, respectively, for the conventional agroforestry system. Biomass, carbon stock and carbon sequestration were estimated at the tree, pole and sapling levels. Biomass calculations used allometric equations based on diameter at breast height (DBH) data. The results showed that carbon sequestration in Dusun 2 (618.2 tons/ha) was greater than in Dusun 1 (399 tons/ha), with an average carbon sequestration in both dusun of 508.6 tons/ha. Trees contribute the highest value of biomass, carbon stock, and carbon sequestration, which is 74%, The difference in the value of biomass, carbon stock, and carbon sequestration in traditional agroforestry systems in Rimbo Panjang Village is significantly influenced by the average stem diameter. The various trees that make up traditional agroforestry in Rimbo Panjang Kampar, which is generally in the yard, should ideally be maintained and developed because of their high carbon sequestration potential.

The perspective of agroforest systems as an alternative to environmental degradation in Mexico

Some agricultural activities contribute to the deterioration of natural resources, soactions must be taken to conserve them. Agroforestry practices allow the regulationof agricultural activities and contribute to the conservation of natural resources, andalso mitigate the emission of greenhouse gases. The objective of the work was todocument information regarding Agroforestry Systems (SAF) as a viable alternativeto address environmental degradation in Mexico. A search was carried out forscientific articles, technical notes, dissemination documents, technical evaluationreports and books, through scientific search engines. The most used agroforestrysystems in Mexico are simultaneous and live fences. The establishment of anagroforestry system depends on the ecological characteristics and the needs ofproducers in each region. However, the adoption of these systems provides social,economic and environmental benefits. Today's society requires ecosystem goods andservices to survive, which is why agroforestry systems should be considered as analternative to restore degraded areas and always maintain soil coverage andproductivity in different regional environments of the country.

The perspective of agroforest systems as an alternative to environmental degradation in Mexico

Some agricultural activities contribute to the deterioration of natural resources, soactions must be taken to conserve them. Agroforestry practices allow the regulationof agricultural activities and contribute to the conservation of natural resources, andalso mitigate the emission of greenhouse gases. The objective of the work was todocument information regarding Agroforestry Systems (SAF) as a viable alternativeto address environmental degradation in Mexico. A search was carried out forscientific articles, technical notes, dissemination documents, technical evaluationreports and books, through scientific search engines. The most used agroforestrysystems in Mexico are simultaneous and live fences. The establishment of anagroforestry system depends on the ecological characteristics and the needs ofproducers in each region. However, the adoption of these systems provides social,economic and environmental benefits. Today's society requires ecosystem goods andservices to survive, which is why agroforestry systems should be considered as analternative to restore degraded areas and always maintain soil coverage andproductivity in different regional environments of the country.

Evolution of Agroforestry Research: A Bibliometric Study

This bibliometric study examines the evolution of agroforestry research over several decades, analyzing publication patterns, citation trends, and collaboration networks. Utilizing data from a comprehensive database, we identified major thematic areas including sustainability, carbon management, and the socioeconomic impacts on smallholder farmers. The analysis reveals a significant growth in the focus on environmental benefits such as carbon sequestration and biodiversity conservation within agroforestry systems. Additionally, the study highlights the key roles of influential researchers and outlines the dynamic collaboration networks that drive the field. By mapping the intellectual landscape of agroforestry research, this study provides both theoretical insights and practical implications, emphasizing the contribution of agroforestry to sustainable land management and climate change mitigation. This research not only charts past and current trends but also identifies under-researched areas, suggesting directions for future investigation.

Implementing a sustainable integrated agroforestry system for the cultivation of Ilex paraguariensis

In this work, we advocate agroforestry as a sustainable agricultural method that leverages biodiversity and ecosystem services, simultaneously tackling the problems of adaptation and mitigation to climate change, and of land restoration for sustainable agriculture across scales. While the rise of industrial agriculture has been instrumental in addressing the food demands of an expanding global population, enhancing food quality, yield, productivity, and efficiency, we must now reckon with the consequences. This advancement, which prioritizes simplification, specialization, and external inputs, has escalated detrimental externalities including deforestation, biodiversity loss, soil degradation, pollution, and an increase in greenhouse gases, contributing significantly to global warming and to exacerbated environmental crises. These demand urgent attention. In response, various agricultural methodologies such as organic, biodynamic, ecological, and biological farming have emerged, attempting to propose alternatives. However, these methods have yet to significantly alter the trajectory of mainstream agriculture. For over two decades, we have devoted our efforts to developing and refining a multispecies integrated agroforestry system for the sustainable cultivation of Ilex paraguariensis, “yerba mate,” in the subtropical north-east of Argentina. With “integrated” we mean that the trees are planted within the I. paraguariensis distribution, not between alleys as in “alley cropping” or “hedgrow intercropping.” The experimental work we present here was designed and implemented to enable data comparisons across consociations of multiple species of trees, at a relevant experimental scale. We achieve soil preservation and restoration, productivity comparable to or exceeding monocultures, and a significant increase in resiliency, particularly evidenced during the extreme climate events of spring and summer 2021 and 2022. These results underscore agroforestry’s potential for climate change mitigation and adaptation.

Relationship between Above-ground Biomass and Different Vegetation Indices of Tea Plantation of Alipurduar District, West Bengal, India

This study investigates the relationship between above-ground biomass (AGB) and various vegetation indices in the tea plantations of Alipurduar District, West Bengal, India. The research was conducted in three major tea estates: Kumargram, Sankos and Newlands, using stratified random sampling across 36 plots. Field measurements of trees, shrubs and herbs were taken and AGB was estimated using allometric equations. Sentinel-2 satellite data was utilized to derive vegetation indices such as NDVI, GNDVI, SAVI, MSAVI, EVI-1, EVI-2, NDVIRE, RDVI, DVI, OSAVI and ARVI. The study found significant variation in AGB, ranging from 31.40 Mg ha-1 to 68.84 Mg ha-1, with an average of 47.22 Mg ha-1. Strong positive correlations were observed between AGB and indices like GNDVI (r=0.96) and EVI-2 (r=0.96), indicating their effectiveness in biomass prediction. The integration of remote sensing technologies enhances the scalability and precision of biomass estimation, providing valuable insights into the carbon storage potential and ecological health of tea plantations. These findings have implications for sustainable management and climate change mitigation in agroforestry systems.

Assessing Yield, Biomass Production, and Forage Quality of Red Clover (Trifolium pratense L.) in Agroforestry System: One-Year Study in Szarvas, Hungary

This study examines the impact of line spacing (X: 24 m, Y: 9 m, Z: 6.5 m) and orientation to tree lines on the growth, yield, and quality of red clover (Trifolium pratense L.) in a temperate, irrigated agroforestry system (2 ha) in Szarvas, Hungary. Three sampling locations were distinguished between the east and west oriented tree lines: the north (N) side, middle (M) strip, and south (S) side of the tree lines. The highest red clovers were observed in the 6.5 m spacing (mean height 69.3 ± 7.2 cm), although yields were similar across 24 m, 9 m, and 6.5 m spacings (2.9 t ha−1, 2.3 t ha−1, and 2.7 t ha−1 dry matter, respectively). Orientation significantly influenced all forage quality parameters, with the north side showing earlier developmental stages and higher proportions of immature flowers (41–59%). Managing the spatial arrangement of red clover in agroforestry systems can help optimize forage quality by mitigating variations in plant maturity.

The diversity of soil-dwelling arthropods is significantly influenced by land use systems with tree cover in semiarid conditions

Seasonal changes in vegetation and climate exert significant influences on soil fauna in natural and agricultural ecosystems. Additionally, evidence indicates that interactions between different plant layers promote soil fauna diversity through the variety of resources available. The objective was to assess the edaphic fauna in traditional land use systems, agroforestry systems and natural vegetation, under the influence of rainfall seasonality and plant strata in the semiarid region of Brazil. For this purpose, six types of land use were selected: agroforestry; silvopastoral; slash and burn with intensive use without fallow; slash and burn with six years of fallow; slash and burn with nine years of fallow; and a system representing the natural vegetation of the Caatinga. Edaphic fauna was collected using pitfall traps in the dry and rainy seasons. A total of 43,363 individuals of the edaphic fauna were collected and grouped into taxa, determining abundance, diversity and functional groups. The results revealed higher abundance and diversity of edaphic fauna in the rainy season across all land use systems, but significantly higher numbers in systems with tree strata. The greater the abundance, richness and diversity of trees, the higher the diversity of edaphic fauna (Shannon Index - H: 0.7 < ‾H < 1) for the seasonal effect. Agroforestry systems were intermediate in the diversity of edaphic fauna (‾H < 0.8) compared to other systems. Systems with greater heterogeneity in tree and herbaceous strata were the ones that most increased the diversity and activity of functional groups of edaphic fauna (H < 0.8; 0.5 < r < 0.9). In semiarid conditions, more attention should be given to agricultural production systems with greater tree diversity and interaction between tree and herbaceous strata to conserve the biodiversity of edaphic fauna and improve the soil health.

Agroforestry systems, adaptation and resilience in agricultural landscapes: a bibliometric analysis

Agroforestry systems, adaptation and resilience in agricultural landscapes: a bibliometric analysis