Alley Cropping Research Articles

Modeling the Carbon Sequestration Potential of Multifunctional Agroforestry-Based Phytoremediation (MAP) Systems in Chinandega, Nicaragua

Global sustainability challenges associated with increasing resource demands from a growing population call for resource-efficient land-use strategies that address multiple sustainability issues. Multifunctional agroforestry-based phytoremediation (MAP) is one such strategy that can simultaneously capture carbon, decontaminate soils, and provide diverse incomes for local farmers. Chinandega, Nicaragua, is a densely populated agricultural region with heavily polluted soils. Four different MAP systems scenarios relevant to Chinandega were created and carbon sequestration potentials were calculated using CO2FIX. All scenarios showed the potential to store significantly more carbon than conventional farming practices, ranging from 2.5 to 8.0 Mg CO2eq ha−1 yr−1. Overall, carbon sequestration in crops is relatively small, but results in increased soil organic carbon (SOC), especially in perennials, and the combination of crops and trees provide higher carbon sequestration rates than monoculture. Changes in SOC are crucial for long-term carbon sequestration, here ranging between 0.4 and 0.9 Mg C ha−1 yr−1, with the most given in scenario 4, an alley cropping system with pollarded trees with prunings used as green mulch. The adoption rate of multifunctional strategies providing both commodity and non-commodity outputs, such as carbon sequestration, would likely increase if phytoremediation is included. Well-designed MAP systems could help reduce land-use conflicts, provide healthier soil, act as climate change mitigation, and have positive impacts on local health and economies.

Architectural Responses of Cashew to Intercropping and Nutritional Amendments in Nigerian Guinea Savanna Agro Ecology

Field experiment was conducted at Cocoa Research Institute of Nigeria sub-station Ochaja, to evaluate the impact of manure and intercrops on cashew tree growth, canopy development and yield. Treatments consisted of Bambara and Sesame intercrops and manuring using Cocoa pod husk (CPH) and NPK fertilizer applied at the rate of 0, 1,713kg and 400kg/ha respectively. The experiment was laid out in a split-split plot design with three replications and monitored within the two years of study. Data collected includes: Plant height, Stem girth and canopy North-South/East-West direction. These was used to calculate: crown diameter, canopy spread, canopy volume, canopy ground cover and canopy ground cover percentage. The results showed that the growth characters of Cashew were positively influenced by alley crops of Sesame and Bambara nut and manuring. Manuring with CPH exerted differences in the responses of cashew to alley crops, in particular, canopy development. Intercropping with a combination of bambara-sesame and the application of NPK fertilizer proved to have the highest Cashew growth development but showed no significant differences on the yield and yield attribute. The GGE biplot results identified the best intercrop system for each of the three-fertilizer type treatment. Within the two years of the experiment, Cashew development was not hampered by the introduction of the different intercropping systems.

Impact of shade and tree root pruning on soil water content and crop yield of winter cereals in a Mediterranean alley cropping system

Impact of shade and tree root pruning on soil water content and crop yield of winter cereals in a Mediterranean alley cropping system

Development of poplar-based alley crop system for fodder production and soil improvements in semi-arid tropics

Development of poplar-based alley crop system for fodder production and soil improvements in semi-arid tropics

Effects of Farmland Conversion to Orchard or Agroforestry on Soil Organic Carbon Fractions in an Arid Desert Oasis Area

In southern Xinjiang province, northwest China, farmland is undergoing rapid conversion to orchards or agroforestry. This has improved land-use efficiency but has also caused drastic ecological changes in this region. This study investigated the effects of farmland conversion to orchard or agroforestry on soil total organic carbon (TOC) and several soil labile fractions: readily oxidizable carbon (ROC), light fraction organic carbon (LFOC), and dissolved organic carbon (DOC). Soil samples were collected from seven cropping treatments: a monocultured wheat field (Mono), a 5-year-old jujube orchard (5 J), a 5-year-old jujube/wheat alley cropping system (5 JW), a 10-year-old jujube orchard (10 J), a 10-year-old jujube/wheat alley cropping system (10 JW), a 15-year-old jujube orchard (15 J), and a 15-year-old jujube/wheat alley cropping system (15 JW). The results show that the ROC concentrations varied from 0.17 ± 0.09 g/kg to 2.35 ± 0.05 g/kg across all land-use types and soil depths studied. It was higher in the 0–10 cm and 10–20 cm layers of treatment 10 JW than in other treatments and significantly greater than in the Mono treatment. The highest value of DOC was reached at 593.04 mg/kg in the 15 JW treatment at 0–10 cm. Labile organic carbon decreased with increasing depth in all treatments. The proportion of ROC and LFOC to TOC decreased with increasing soil depth. In all treatments, the ratio of DOC to TOC generally decreased initially and then increased again with increasing depth. Correlation analysis showed that ROC, LFOC, and DOC were closely correlated with TOC (p < 0.01). The ROC, LFOC, and DOC concentrations were significantly correlated with each other (p < 0.01). Following conversion of farmland to jujube orchard or agroforestry, the content and activity of soil organic carbon tended to increase due to augmentation of plant residues. Thus, jujube orchards and agroforestry systems are effective methods to restore soil organic carbon.

Soil Organic Carbon in Alley Cropping Systems: A Meta-Analysis

Population growth and an increasing demand for food cause the intensification of agriculture leading to soil degradation and a decrease in the soil organic carbon (SOC) stock. Agroforestry systems such as alley cropping are gaining more and more attention as a practice to maintain and/or increase SOC in agroecosystems. The aim of this study was to add to the knowledge on SOC in alley cropping systems and to evaluate the contribution of introducing trees into agricultural landscapes by conducting a meta-analysis of the available data. The soil carbon (C) input will increase with time. Our findings suggest that a beneficial effect on SOC occurs after approximately a decade of alley cropping practice adoption. Furthermore, the effect of alley cropping is more beneficial in regions with lower initial SOC concentration compared to that in regions rich in SOC. Higher relative SOC is observed in the tropical region compared to that in the temperate climate zone. The establishment of alley cropping systems on agricultural land needs to consider several parameters such as alley width and tree species when designing such systems to achieve the highest possible tree and crop productivity while increasing SOC.

ASSESSMENT OF EXISTING AGROFORESTRY PRACTICES IN WEST HARARGHE ZONE OF OROMIA REGION, ETHIOPIA

A study was conducted in west Hararghe zone, on three districts, in six peasant associations with the intention to identify and assess potentials, constraints, opportunities and farmers’ perception on the existing agro-forestry practices of the study areas. The study was multistage sampling methods in which 121 households were selected using random sampling technique. Qualitative data generated by conducting household survey interviews, focus group discussions, key informant interview, and direct field observations in order to fit intention of the study. The collected Data was manipulated using suitable analytical software packages (SPSS, V.20) to calculate percentage and frequency of events through descriptive statistics. Based on the respondents idea across the districts, an average value of home garden agroforestry practices with 86% increasing and 11.5% decreasing and 2.5% no change trends were observed; while alley cropping of agroforestry practice during the past ten years ago with 89.3% increasing and 10.7% decreasing trend was observed (Table 4). Almost all in both Hararghe zones; alley cropping system is the most familiar than other existing agroforestry practices. For instance; an average value across the districts, Kchat plantation in alley cropping practice during the past ten years ago with 97.5% increasing and 2.5% decreasing trend was recorded (Table 4). In the result, the three top and the highest percentage observation of woody species have been retaining and planting in farmland across districts with the specific uses were Catha Edulis with (64.2%), Coffea with (49.9%) and Cordia Africana with (36.7%) could be observed (Table 2). The three top constraints of agroforestry practices were shortage of farm land with (43.8%), lack of understanding with (24.8%) and nutrient competition with (20.7%) observed. Basically, agroforestry practices needs optimum farm land size with related extent in order to compensate the observed constraints. On the contrary, the three top opportunities of agroforestry practices were Multipurpose Utilities with (26.1%), provision of shading with (14.3%) and Climate Balance with (6.7%) observed .It was also found that multipurpose trees shrubs play various traditional roles to local community. Generally; retention and planting of trees/shrubs in farm lands are used for fuel, construction, food, medicine, folder, and aesthetic value, shading values, windbreak, soil conservation and soil fertility improvement, bee forage and other uses in advance.

Fertility Levels of Soils under Selected Tree Vegetations for Efficient Agro-Forestry in Imo State, Nigeria

In many parts of Nigeria, large areas of lands are dominated by tree crop vegetations for timber production and for fruits with land users not knowing the fertility status of soils in these vegetations. Continual evaluation of soil properties of these tree vegetations has become pertinent for agricultural sustainability. This study therefore was carried out to evaluate the fertility levels of soils under selected tree vegetations at National Horticultural Research Institute Okigwe, Imo State, Nigeria. Five tree vegetations that were over 20 years of establishment were selected namely: oil bean (Pentaclethra macrophylla Benth), African breadfruit (Treculia africana), mango (Mangnifera indica), Ogbonu (Irvingia gabonensis) and orange (citrus spp). In each of these tree vegetations, four soil samples were collected at uniform depths (0 – 20, 20 – 40 and 40 – 60 cm) at different locations using soil auger. The samples were analyzed using standard laboratory procedures. Data collected were statistically analyzed using analysis of variance. Results obtained showed that despite the ages of these vegetations, the soils were acidic, low in macronutrient and basic cation concentrations when compared to FAO standard. The highest exchangeable bases and organic matter (1.78%) was recorded on bread fruit vegetation. Therefore, there is need to increase the fertility status of these soils in these tree crop vegetations by adopting measures that will boost organic matter content of the soil irrespective of the duration of the vegetation and this will help in agro forestry and alley cropping.

Carbon sequestration by forests and agroforests: a reality check for the United States

Climate change is a major global threat affecting food security and sustainability. Land use systems involving trees have the potential to positively impact climate change by reducing atmospheric carbon dioxide (CO2) and providing long-term carbon (C) storage. This review evaluated the C sequestration potential of two major land use systems of the United States (US) involving trees, forests and agroforests, which can also provide other ecosystem services.The estimated total forest C stock on forest land in the US in 1990 was 50,913 Tg and another 1885 Tg remained in harvested wood and discarded wood products. From 1990 to 1995, total C stock rose by 2%, and from 2000 to 2005, it rose by 1.7%. The US forests collectively lose (flux) about 200 Mg C y-1 from disturbance and harvesting. Currently, about 12% of the conterminous US forest land is at high or very high risk of wildfire. Annually, insects and diseases could transfer ~ 21 Tg of live aboveground biomass to litter and woody debris pools. A scenario that targets an afforestation policy for rural landowners in the eastern US and a reforestation policy targeting understocked federal forest lands in the western would improve US annual sequestration compared to the baseline of 323 Tg CO2 eq yr-1 in 2015 to 469 Tg CO2 eq yr-1 in 2050.Agroforestry offers greater potential to increase C sequestration of predominantly agriculture-dominated landscapes than monocrop agriculture by storing C in above- and belowground biomass, soil, and living and dead organisms and further extending the duration of C in soils. The estimated total C sequestration of current alley cropping (211,938 ha), riparian buffers (640,732 ha), silvopasture (34 Mha), and windbreak (2.37 Mha) practices is 219 Tg C yr-1. The total C sequestration would be 240 Tg C yr-1 with 5% of the US cropland converted to alley cropping (3.7 Tg yr-1), 15-m wide riparian buffers on both sides of 5% of the total stream length (4.75 Tg yr-1), 34 Mha converted to silvopasture (207 Tg yr-1), and windbreaks on 5% (7.45 Mha) of the cropland (25 Tg yr-1). Despite many limitations including uncertainty of land areas under agroforestry, lack of standardized estimation protocols, and lack of accountability on various C stocks (source-sink services, detritus C, insect/pest damages, etc.), we believe these new accrual rates and the land areas under each practice are much more realistic as new information became available over the last decade.The total C sequestration by forests (776) and agroforests (219) is 995 Tg yr-1 and represents approximately 15% of the US CO2 emissions. This review highlights the importance of sustainable management of forests and integration of agroforestry on agricultural lands to mitigate climate challenges further while meeting society’s need for food and a healthy environment.

Gyepes, virágos takarónövényzettel növelhető a lágyszárú diverzitás az agrárerdészetben

Intensive agricultural technologies lead to a simplification of landscape and a decrease in biodiversity. Besides economic benefits, alley cropping might increase species richness, improving pollination in agriculture. In this research, a traditional apricot plantation combined with crop fields was studied in Burgenland, focused on herbaceous diversity and species composition, which have a crucial role in promoting pollination. The vegetation of the grassy strips under the tree rows was compared to control grass and tree plantation habitats. The results show that the loose canopy layer of the fruit trees promotes the appearance of several herbaceous species, which results in a more diverse understory layer compared to the control tree plantation. However, the intensity of the management significantly impacts the species richness and composition of the understory vegetation.

POTENTIAL OF HORTICULTURE CROPS AND TREES IN AGROFORESTRY SYSTEMS IN INDIA

Agroforestry is a branch of science of a combined farming system of trees, crops, and animals on the same unit of land. Horticulture / tree-based agroforestry has been proven as an important tool for crop diversification. Tree and vegetable combination is new horticulture-based alley cropping system which are maintains higher output and also boosts the economic status of the farmers, improves farmers livelihood on a sustainable basis, and provide employment throughout year. The horticulture-based alley cropping systems (agroforestry) combine perennial woody crops and non-woody crops, the vegetables are managed spatially to achieve both economic and environmental benefits of the farming system. The selection of crops is depending upon various factors like agro-climatic and edaphic conditions, crop root system, and water and nutrient requirement pattern and above-ground growth habits. There are several agroforestry systems based on fruit trees is practiced in whole part of the country according to local conditions. Fruit tree-based agroforestry system has significant roles in the livelihood improvement and it provides several ways to the income generation of household and supplementary food for smallholder farmers. These systems not only provide fruits but also fulfil the timber, food, fuel, and fodder requirement. Besides, they also generate employment, provide nutritional security, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, improvement on soil health and provide sustainable economic improvement of farmers.

Photosynthetic Characteristics, Soil Nutrients, and Their Interactions in an Apple-Soybean Alley Cropping System Subjected to Different Drip Fertilizer Regimes on the Loess Plateau, China

Photosynthetic Characteristics, Soil Nutrients, and Their Interactions in an Apple-Soybean Alley Cropping System Subjected to Different Drip Fertilizer Regimes on the Loess Plateau, China

Soil and Atmospheric Microclimate Research in Poplar Forestry Intercropping System in Hungary

Climate change presents growing environmental, economic, and social problems for the industrializing and developing world. Applying new technologies and transitioning to a cleaner, more flexible economy are essential to solving these problems. These solutions focus on climate change mitigation and work toward a complete transformation in line with sustainable development goals. Agroforestry systems are used for climate change adaptation and to support biodiversity. They also help combat desertification and soil erosion. Practical experiences show that applying forestry alley cropping systems can contribute to the climate adaptation of young forest stocks. The present study examined a historical forestry intercropping method known as Vákáncsos following the effects of microclimate stress on poplar seedlings (Populus × euramericana cv. I-214). This study investigated the background of previous observations concerning the practice of using intermediate crops in forest conditions – and the favorable results from these – and compared the stress effects on seedlings. When assessing the microclimate of the system, we used the EC tester (EC–electrical conductivity) to measure soil temperature and conductivity. We employed an agrometeorological hand-held instrument to measure air temperature, humidity, and wind speed. The results show that the agroforestry system significantly reduces temperature extremes and provides more favorable humidity. The agroforestry system reduced soil temperature values by 1–14 Co in the warmest period of the year. Experience and measurements indicate that the applied agroforestry practice can increase stress tolerance, afforestation efficiency, land use maximization, and profitability. Applied agroforestry can also serve other purposes like ecosystem services and feeding. Forestry alley cropping systems can be combined with resource efficiency.

Tracking Earthworm Fluxes at the Interface between Tree Rows and Crop Habitats in a Mediterranean Alley Cropping Field

Tracking Earthworm Fluxes at the Interface between Tree Rows and Crop Habitats in a Mediterranean Alley Cropping Field

Soil water, nutrient distribution and use efficiencies under different water and fertilizer coupling in an apple–maize alley cropping system in the Loess Plateau, China

Soil water and nutrients are the main factors that restrict the stable development of alley cropping systems in the Loess Plateau of west Shanxi, China. Field experiments were conducted during 2014–2016 to investigate the effects of water and fertilizer coupling regulation on soil water, nutrient distribution and their use efficiencies in a typical apple–maize alley cropping system in the area. There were three upper limits for irrigation according to appropriate ranges of soil moisture for apple and maize, 50% (W1), 65% (W2) and 85% (W3) of field capacity (Fc) for the 0–60 cm soil layer, coupled with three nitrogen/phosphorus/potassium compound fertilizer levels of F1 (289.0/118.0/118.0 kg∙ha−1), F2 (421.4/168.8/168.8 kg∙ha−1), and F3 (537.0/219.0/219.0 kg∙ha−1) and a CK (rain fed, no irrigation or fertilizer) as a control, making a total of 10 treatments. The results indicated that the horizontal and vertical soil water content (SWC) increased with distance from the tree row and with soil depth, respectively. The SWC near the maize belts was greater than near the tree line, and this was reversed with the increase of intercropping years. In the horizontal direction, the soil nutrient content (SNC) for each indicator increased with distance from the tree row, with the maximum value occurring at 2.5 m. In the vertical direction, SNC decreased with soil depth, with the maximum value at 0–20 cm. The 85% Fc combined with 70% empirical fertilizer application amount resulted in the maximum grain yield and partial factor productivity (PFP). Irrigation water use efficiency (IWUE) was highest for the F1 level. Multivariate and spatial analyses showed that a range of 50–65% Fc combined with 70% empirical fertilizer application was suitable for optimal irrigation and fertilization management of this alley cropping system considering the integrated benefits of maize yield, IWUE and PFP.

Challenges and opportunities for agroforestry practitioners to participate in state preferential property tax programs for agriculture and forestry

All 50 states offer preferential property tax programs that lower the taxes paid on enrolled agricultural and/or forest lands. While agroforestry is a land-use that combines elements of both agriculture and forestry, eligibility criteria and other rules and regulations may prevent landowners from enrolling agroforestry practices in one or more of the agricultural and forestry tax programs. This pilot-scale study developed conceptual and methodological frameworks to identify the current barriers to and opportunities in preferential tax policies applicable to agroforestry practices. We conducted an extensive review of state preferential property tax programs relevant for agroforestry practices, following focus group discussions with regional experts in five selected states across the United States: North Carolina, Nebraska, Wisconsin, New York, and Oregon. Based on a systematic review of statutes and their supporting documents, we developed a database of programs, which support or create barriers to enrollment of agroforestry practitioners into the programs. We found that agricultural tax assessments were more likely to favor multi-use agriculture and forestry systems than the preferential tax assessments of forestlands in the five states. Forest farming and silvopasture, followed by alley cropping, windbreaks, and riparian forest buffers, were found to be the most common agroforestry practices allowed under preferential tax classifications in the study states. This study provides a framework for cataloging and analyzing preferential property tax-programs to document barriers and facilitators to agroforestry practices in the United States.

Mixed Cropping of Dwarf Napiergrass (Pennisetum purpureum cv. Mott) with Indigofera (Indigofera zollingeriana) using an Alley Cropping System

Background: Mixed cropping of forage grasses and legumes can potentially improve the performance of herbivores. However, the feasibility of grasses mixed-cropped with legumes should be examined at different plant densities. Aim: This study aimed to evaluate the growth characters and forage chemical composition in dwarf napiergrass (Pennisetum purpureum cv. Mott) with Indigofera (Indigofera zollingeriana) grown using alley cropping. Methods: Three densities of dwarf napiergrass with Indigofera, i.e., high density (2 and 1 plants m-2, respectively); medium density (1.33 and 1 plants m-2, respectively); and low density (1 and 1 plants m-2, respectively) were applied under rainfed conditions in Makassar. Results: Plant density significantly affected growth characteristics, such as plant height and tiller density in dwarf napiergrass (p<0.05), and non-significantly affected plant height and branch density (p>0.05) in Indigofera. Plant density did not affect the yielding ability at the first defoliation and annual total of yields (p>0.05), except at the second defoliation when the dry matter production of dwarf napiergrass peaked in the low plant density treatment (p<0.05). In terms of chemical composition, plant density significantly affected fiber concentrations of acid detergent fiber and neutral detergent fiber, which were lowest at low plant densities (p<0.05). The acid detergent lignin and cellulose concentrations tended to be lower at low plant densities, but the differences were not significant (p>0.05). Conclusion: We consider that alley cropping systems for dwarf napiergrass and Indigofera are suitable if low plant densities are employed in the region.

SOIL CONSERVATION TECHNIQUES AND PRODUCTIVITY OF ARABLE CROP FARMERS IN KOGI STATE, NIGERIA

The study examined soil conservation techniques and its effect on productivity of arable crop farmers in Kogi state, Nigeria. Data were collected from 184 farmers using three stage sampling technique. Data analyses were carried out using descriptive statistics, Total Factor Productivity (TFP) and regression analysis. Result shows that the soil conservation technique prevalent in the area was application of inorganic fertilizer. About 36.4% of the sampled household heads have productivity value above average across all the soil conservation categories (productive). Result also reveals that age (-1.801), household size (-0.310) and access to credit (-0.056) impacted arable crop farmers negatively while alley cropping (0.357), crop rotation (0.380), application of inorganic fertilizer (0.503), mulching (0.560) and organic manure (0.373) positively impacted arable farmers’ productivity. The study concludes that soil conservation techniques are productivity enhancer. Promoting sustainable conservation techniques that are farm or farmer specific is recommended.
 

Practices and Barriers to Sustainable Urban Agriculture: A Case Study of Louisville, Kentucky

As urban populations increase, there is growing interest in developing innovative technologies, sustainable urban farming practices, policy measures, and other strategies to address key barriers in urban agriculture that impede improved food security and sustained urban livelihoods. We surveyed forty urban farmers and gardeners (growers) in Louisville, Kentucky, for base-level information to assess their agricultural practices and the various factors or key barriers that could influence such practices. Secondary objectives were identifying areas where practices could be improved, and identifying opportunities for research, outreach, and incentives for urban growers to transition to more sustainable and higher-yielding practices. The majority of these urban growers were white females, were more diverse than Kentucky farmers, and attained a higher degree of education than Kentucky residents as a whole. Most were engaged in urban agriculture for non-commercial reasons, and 11% were full-time urban growers operating farms for profit. Smaller farms were less likely to be operated for profit or have farm certifications than medium-sized or larger farms (Chi-squared = 14.459, p = 0.042). We found no significant differences among farm sizes in terms of whether growers rented or owned the land they were on (Chi-squared = 9.094, p = 0.168). The most common sustainable practices recorded were composting (60%), crop rotation (54%), polyculture (54%), organic farming (49%), and low or no-till (46%). The least common practices were alley cropping (5%), plasticulture (3%), and hydroponics (3%). Small farms were less likely to use crop rotation than medium-sized or large farms (Chi-squared = 13.548, p = 0.003), and farms responding to the survey in the latter part of the data collection were less likely to use compost than expected based on responses from the early part of data collection (Chi-shared = 5.972, p = 0.014). Challenges faced by these growers included limited space, accessibility to farm certification, presence of pests and diseases, and lack of record keeping and soil testing for fertility and contamination. Our study documents the need for more farm certification, education, outreach, training, research, investment, innovative ideas and solutions, collaboration among stakeholders, and better access to land through favorable urban policies and local support.

Perbedaan Tinggi, Jumlah Daun, dan Diameter Batang Tanaman Jagung (Zea mays L.) pada Sistem Agroforestri Penanaman Lorong (Alley Cropping) dan Tumpang Sari di DAS Mikro Desa Tukad Sumaga, Kecamatan Gerokgak, Kabupaten Buleleng

Differences in Height, Number of Leaves, and Stem Diameter of Corn (Zea mays L.) in Alley Cropping and Intercropping of Agroforestry Systems at the Micro Watershed of Tukad Sumaga Village, Gerokgak District, Buleleng Regency. Degraded land as a result of land conversion has a very bad impact on the agro-ecosystem. Land conversion caused by the increasing needs of the population. The majority of the livelihoods of the people in Tukad Sumaga village are farmers. The availability of forage is very important to be maintained. Corn plants, in addition to their production in the form of corn, forage fodder on corn plants are very important for the availability of cattle feed. This research was conducted on 28 DAP maize (Zea mays L.) in alley cropping system and intercropping in the micro watershed of Tukad Sumaga Village. The results showed that the highest average plant height, leaf number, and corn stalk diameter were found in the alley cropping system namely 1.03 m, 7.31, and 1.59 cm. There was no significant difference between the height of corn plants in alley cropping and intercropping systems. There is a significant difference between the number of leaves and the diameter of the stems of maize in alley cropping and intercropping systems.