Alternative Land Use Systems Research Articles

Composition and diversity of ground beetles within wooded pastures and alternative land-use systems in Swiss Jura mountains

AbstractWooded pastures combine trees and pastures in a land-use system resulting from traditional silvopastoral practices. With their sparse tree cover, wooded pastures represent an ecotone between open area pastures and forests with potentially high species diversity, although this is poorly tested for animal groups especially insects. In this study, we aimed to characterise and compare species communities in terms of species composition and diversity indices, biomass and ecological traits of ground beetles in wooded pastures, forests and non-wooded pastures. Pitfall traps were set up in 29 study sites located in the Swiss Jura mountains. Ground beetle communities in wooded pastures largely encompass those in open pastures and forests, although some species are found only in forests or open areas. Wooded pastures and open pastures have an equivalent species diversity level, which is significantly higher than the one in forests. Ground beetle diversity is positively correlated with the surfaces of Biodiversity Promotion Areas within a 100 m radius. Areas with high tree cover (70–100%) favour brachypterous and hygrophilic species, whereas areas with reduced tree cover (0–20%) favour xerophilic and winged species. Ground beetles’ size and biomass increase with tree cover. Wooded pastures are an important ecotone, ensuring a gradual change of land-use systems between open areas and forests, where a wide range of species from both land-use systems are found. These semi-natural systems are important for the conservation of ground beetles.

Soil Chemical Properties and Nutrient Dynamics under Different Legume-based Agroforestry Systems in Semi-arid Conditions of Haryana

Background: In order to support livelihoods, enhance food security, restore ecosystem services, and reduce pressure on forests, soil fertility can be improved by utilizing alternative land-use systems, such as agroforestry. Methods: The present study was conducted to investigate the effect of different agroforestry systems on soil chemical properties and nutrient availability (macro and micro) during different seasons in Hisar, Haryana. Different systems include Poplar (Populus deltoides), Eucalyptus (Eucalyptus tereticornis), Melia (Melia composita), Shisham (Dalbergia sissoo) based agroforestry system (Cowpea-Wheat) and sole cropping of Cowpea-Wheat (as control). Soil samples were collected from 0-15 and 15-30 cm of soil depth during five seasons i.e., winter, spring, summer, rainy and autumn. Result: Soil EC, SOC and available macronutrients and micronutrients were significantly affected by the depth of sampling, systems and seasons while soil pH was not significantly affected by seasons. Lower soil pH and EC was observed from agroforestry systems as compared to sole cropping. Soil Organic Carbon, availability of N, P, K and S was significantly higher under tree based systems as compared to control. Maximum DTPA extractable Mn, Zn and Cu was observed under poplar based system while highest DTPA extractable Fe was observed under Melia based system during both the years. Significantly higher SOC and nutrient availability was observed during autumn, rainy and spring seasons as compared to winter and summer seasons, while reverse trend was observed for soil pH and EC among the seasons. Soil Organic Carbon, availability of macro and micronutrients decreased with increase in soil depth. Overall, the soil chemical properties and nutrient status of soil were comparatively better under tree based systems than sole cropping of Cowpea-Wheat.

Soil Nutrient Dynamics under Silviculture, Silvipasture and Hortipasture as Alternate Land-Use Systems in Semi-Arid Environment

In order to support livelihoods, enhance food security, restore ecosystem services, and reduce pressure on forests, degraded land can be restored by utilising alternative land-use systems (ALUS), such as silviculture, silvipasture, and hortipasture techniques. ALUS significantly modify the dynamics of soil nutrients in both the surface and subsurface layers. Soils from the 0–15, 15–30, and 30–45 cm layers of Leucaena leucocephala (S)-, Hardwickia binata (H)-, Emblica officinalis (A)-, and Azadiracta indica (N)-based silviculture systems, Acacia nilotica-based silvipasture systems (SPS), natural grassland (NT), and fallow land (F) were sampled in order to better understand the nutrient dynamics of ALUS. Soils under S, H, and SPS had ~203%, 195%, and 129% higher organic carbon (SOC), respectively, than fallow land in the 0–15 cm soil layer. In the subsequent soil layer, those land-use systems had ~199%, 82%, and 110% higher SOC, respectively, than fallow land. Similarly, in the deeper layer, those land uses had ~232%, 23%, and 105% higher SOC, respectively, than fallow land. SPS and NT also improved the SOC concentration significantly over fallow land. Plots under S, H, and SPS had ~198%, 190%, and 125% higher available N, respectively, than fallow land in 0–15 cm soil layer. In the 15–30 cm soil layer, those land-use systems had ~19%9, 82%, and 110% higher available N, respectively, than fallow land. These systems also improved the P and K contents in subsurface soil. Micronutrient concentrations were also improved in soils under S, H, and SPS. Hence, ALUS’ adoption in degraded areas with trees provides a chance for C storage and improves the nutrient dynamics on degraded land.

Formation and decay of peat bogs in the vegetable belt of Switzerland

The rapidly collapsing glacial systems of the Alps produced a large number of melt-water lakes and mires after the Last Glacial Maximum (LGM) in the Late Glacial period. The Rhone-Aare-glacier system gave rise to large moorlands and lakes in the region of the Three Lakes Region of Western Switzerland. When moorlands are formed, they are efficient sinks of atmospheric carbon, but when transformed to agricultural land they are significant C sources. In addition, mires can be used as archives for reconstructing landscape evolution. We explored in more detail the dynamics of the landscape of the Three Lakes Region with a particular focus on the formation and degradation of mires. The Bernese part of the Three Lakes Region developed to become—after the optimisation of the water-levels of the Swiss Jura—the vegetable belt of Switzerland. The situation for agriculture, however, has now become critical due to an overexploitation of the peatland. Until c. 13 ka BP the entire region was hydrologically connected. An additional lake existed at the western end of the plain receiving sediments from the Aare river. Around 13 ka BP, this lake was isolated from the Aare river and completely silted up until c. 10 ka BP when a mire started to form. In the valley floor (‘Grosses Moos’), the meandering Aare and the varying level of the nearby lake of Neuchâtel caused a spatio-temporally patchy formation of mires (start of formation: 10–3 ka BP). Strong morphodynamics having high erosion and sedimentation rates and a high variability of the chemical composition of the deposited material prevailed during the early Holocene until c. 7.5 ka BP. The situation remained relatively quiet between 5 and 2 ka BP. However, during the last 2000 years the hydrodynamic and geomorphic activities have increased again. The optimisation of the Swiss Jura water-levels during the nineteenth and twentieth centuries enabled the transformation of moorland into arable land. As a consequence, the moorland strongly degraded. Mean annual C-losses in agricultural land are c. 4.9 t ha−1 and c. 2.4 t ha−1 in forests. Because forests limit, but not stop, the degradation of mires, agroforestry might be tested and propagated in future as alternative land-use systems for such sensitive areas.

Organic farming as the basis for the long-term health of the soil ecosystem

This study compares and discusses two farming systems that differ in content - organic and conventional (intensive) systems. In this regard, a modern definition of soil content is proposed, with the "soil ecosystem" concept used as the modern alternative to the traditional representation of what the soil is. Some features of the functioning of soil ecosystems in the two different farming systems, conventional and organic, are examined. The inner essence and the external performance of these two alternative land-use systems are revealed. The importance of the development of organic agriculture is emphasized by the documents of international organizations (IFOAM). The tasks that need to be addressed during the transition to a knowledge-intensive system of production of environmentally friendly agricultural products under organic farming conditions are briefly listed. The focus is on those aspects that are important in the transition from intensive to organic farming. The need to introduce a new characteristic of soil ecosystems - soil health - is discussed. A modern definition of "soil health" is given. The positive impact of organic farming and its technologies on soil health is discussed. The list of actions for the continuous maintenance and reproduction of soil health is presented. Much attention is paid to soil health maintenance, remediation and rehabilitation. The problems of protecting plants and crops from harmful organisms in organic farming are discussed. The phenomenon "oligotrophication of agro ecosystems" as an unconventional way of healing and maintaining the health of soil ecosystems is considered and discussed. The thesis about the necessity to consider soil quality and fertility as components of the new characteristic - "soil health" - is proposed.

Environmental and socio-economic impacts of rubber cultivation in the Mekong region: challenges for sustainable land use.

Abstract More than 90% of the global natural rubber production originates from monoculture plantations in tropical Asia, especially from countries forming the Greater Mekong Subregion (GMS). Rubber cultivation is expected to further increase strongly in the near future, particularly at the expense of natural forests, and is accompanied by various problems and threats to farmers and the environment. Implications on carbon balance and hydrological conditions as well as socio-economic consequences referring to the situation in the GMS are reviewed. Results indicate considerable changes in ecosystem functions and services at different spatial and temporal scales with impacts on carbon stocks and sequestration, water quality and quantity, runoff and soil erosion. The long-term dependency on rubber as a single crop affects the socio-economic conditions and livelihood of the farmers and exposes them to economic and ecological hazards. Solutions for these interrelated problems require the development of alternative land-use systems and safeguarding important ecosystem functions and services on the one hand as well as providing economic viability on the other. Common suggestions include crop diversification and improved plantation management on the farm scale, and alternative land-use strategies including conservation and restoration of forest on the landscape scale. Successful implementation of more sustainable concepts is only feasible within a socio-economic framework, involving farmers and political decision-makers in the conceptualization process and the identification of trade-offs between ecological requirements and economic feasibility.

From biophysical to social-ecological trade-offs: integrating biodiversity conservation and agricultural production in the Argentine Dry Chaco

Agricultural intensification in rural areas of developing countries compromises the provision of ecosystem services. Social conflict arises among landholders with different preferences for ecosystem services and land-use practices in agricultural frontiers of the Argentine Dry Chaco. We explored policy and management options by assessing the actual and potential outcomes of alternative land-use systems and scenarios. We first constructed the efficiency frontier for avian habitat and agricultural productivity to analyze the combinations of ecosystem services that can be achieved under different land-use intensities. A nonlinear, concave efficiency frontier indicated opportunities to achieve large gains for production with small losses for conservation, for instance, by transitioning from lowto intermediate-intensity systems. Second, we projected production and conservation outcomes, which can be achieved through the implementation of five alternative policy options. The land sharing with conservation scenario, 70% of the landscape covered by intermediate-intensity systems and 30% by undisturbed forests, yielded the higher combination of avian habitat and agricultural productivity. Third, we constructed indifference curves of three landholder groups, i.e., preproductivist, multifunctional, and productivist, by assessing their intentions (proxies for preferences) to conserve and convert remnant forests in their landholdings. Multifunctional landholders showed balanced preferences for conserving and converting forests in their landholdings, and maintaining intermediate-intensity systems. A general willingness to conserve forests coexisted in preproductivist landholders with the intention to clear some portions of the landholding and intensify landuse, indicating the potential of an endogenously motivated transition toward a multifunctional regime. Such transition may increase their productivity by 35-65% without compromising avian habitat. Productivist landholders showed a strong inclination toward converting forests for pasture cultivation, despite the observation that they can increase their conservation outcomes by 30-50% without significantly reducing productivity by transitioning toward a multifunctional regime. Promoting this transition will require exogenous incentives and regulations tailored to the behavior of this landholder group.

Conservation value of alternative land-use systems for dung beetles in Amazon: valuing traditional farming practices

Land-use systems (LUS), placed in originally forested areas, represent different degrees of opportunity for species conservation. In this study, we examined the dung beetle communities in order to identify the conservation value of different LUS: primary forest, old secondary forest, young secondary forest, agroforestry, agriculture and pasture in Western Amazon. The LUS were sampled in two campaigns during the highest precipitation period and dryest period. The primary forest has a high number of total and exclusive species. Large beetles show a continuous decreasing in richness and abundance from primary forest to pastures, while small ones are not sensible to intermediate systems (secondary forest to agriculture) in terms of species richness and exhibit a increase in abundance at agroforest and agriculture when contrasted to secondary forest and pasture The beetle community composition was not sensible to secondary forest recovering time. Secondary forests and agroforestry stood out as harboring many species shared with primary forests. Cloud-point dispersion (average dissimilarity) increased from primary forest towards LUS’s submitted to more intense use. The higher sampling points similarity observed in primary forest might be the result of the relative stability of this system, given that environmental impacts might increase variability in community structure and beta diversity. Increase in beta diversity as expressed by greater dispersion of sites in multivariate space suggests that these areas are dependent on nearby species pools, possibly primary forests, and harbor a higher spatial heterogeneity in species composition. This high variability can overestimate the importance of occasional species, thus biasing the actual value of alternative LUS for biodiversity conservation.

Establishment of short rotation energy plantations as an alternative possibility in less favoured areas

Based on the examinations we see a possibility of introducing alternative landuse systems. A certain part of the mostly grain growing lands with weak productivity could be used for short rotation energy plantations. The conditions for the introduction of these plantations are given in the area. The biomass plantations established for wood chips production purposes provide an economic alternative for the farmers of less favoured agricultural areas. However environmental impacts are to be studied and sustainable structures to be established forsuccessful long term operations.

Target regions for silvoarable agroforestry in Europe

Silvoarable agroforestry (SAF) has recently been proposed as an alternative land-use system for Europe. Data on soil, climate, topography, and land cover were integrated in a geographic information system (GIS) to identify agroforestry target regions where (i) productive growth of trees ( Juglans spp ., Prunus avium, Populus spp ., Pinus pinea, and Quercus ilex) in SAF systems could be expected and where (ii) SAF systems could potentially reduce the risk of soil erosion, nitrate leaching and increase landscape diversity. The analysis shows that the investigated tree species could grow productively in SAF systems on 56% of the arable land throughout Europe (potential productive tree growth area). 80% of the European arable land was classified as potential risk area for soil erosion, nitrate leaching, and/or landscape diversity. Overlaying potential productive tree growth areas with the arable land that was considered as environmental risk area yielded target regions. They were found to make up about 40% of the European arable land and thus SAF could contribute to soil protection on 4%, to mitigate nitrate leaching on 18% and to increase landscape diversity on 32% of European arable land. Although limited by constrained data availability, the study shows that SAF could be implemented in a productive way throughout Europe and that it could help resolve some of the major land-use problems. The environmental benefits could justify the support of SAF by subsidies.

Growth dynamics and biomass accumulation of 8-year-old hybrid poplar clones in a short-rotation plantation on a clayey-sandy mining substrate with respect to plant nutrition and water budget

In 1995 a short-rotation plantation (2.5 ha) was established in the mining region Welzow-Sud in Brandenburg, Germany, on a clayey-sandy, lignite- and pyrite-free substrate in order to study the biomass potentials of fast-growing tree species (hybrid poplar clones). In this study, special emphasis was placed on yield aspects as well as on the interaction between soil and plants, especially with regard to the plant nutrition and soil–water relationships. So far, the results indicate that the cultivation of hybrid poplar clones in a short-rotation plantation is an adequate tool for establishing alternative land-use systems in the post-mining landscape as a potential source of biomass energy. Aboveground biomass production ranged from 24–49 t dry matter (DM) per hectare at age 8. In particular during this period of investigation, nitrogen nutrition of the clones decreased to below a threshold of 20 mg g−1 DM in the year 2002. Investigations of the water budget of low- and high-yielding clones indicated that differences in the biomass accumulation seemed to be accompanied by different water-use efficiencies.

Determinants of land-use changes in the Chittagong Hill Tracts of Bangladesh

Shifting cultivation is a traditional agricultural land use in the Chittagong Hill Tracts (CHT) of Bangladesh. It is, however, changing over the time under the influence of several internal and external pressures. In some areas, it is partly or completely replaced by more intensive land-use systems, but in other areas it is still dominant. Due to steadily increasing population pressure on land arising from natural growth of indigenous population and in-migration of lowland settlers combined with the government restriction on encroachment of reserve forests, farmers have been forced to shorten the fallow period, thereby accelerating deforestation, soil erosion and nutrient depletion. Such environmental problems have threatened undermining the livelihood of people depending on it. Policies and programs aimed at promoting alternative land-use systems have failed to achieve expected goals because of inadequate understanding of the evolution of existing land-use systems and forces driving the changes. Using cluster analysis, this study identified three types of land-use systems in Bandarban, a typical hill district of CHT, which are different from each other in intensity of use, degree of diversification and commercialization. Factors influencing the development of land-use systems were explored through factor and discriminant analyses. The results show that institutional support, productive resource base and distance to the market and service center were the main factors responsible for the development of three different types of land-use systems. Sustainable land-use systems such as agroforestry, commercial plantation and horticulture have evolved in areas where such support and facilities were favorable. While in other areas with insecure land tenure, difficult access to market centers, and unavailability of credit and extension services shifting cultivation was the dominant type of land use. It has been suggested to provide necessary institutional support, such as secure land tenure, and make provision of services and facilities such as improved transportation, extension and credit to enable farmers to shift gradually from shifting cultivation to environmentally and economically suitable land uses such as agroforestry, plantation and fruit farming.

Mitigating GHG Emissions in the Humid Tropics: Case Studies from the Alternatives to Slash-and-Burn Program (ASB)

Tropical forest conversion contributes as much as 25% of the net annual CO2 emissions and up to 10% of the N2O emissions to the atmosphere. The net effect on global warming potential (GWP) also depends on the net fluxes of greenhouse gases from land-use systems following deforestation. Efforts to mitigate these effects must take into account not only the greenhouse gas fluxes of alternative land-use systems but also the social and economic consequences that influence their widespread adoption. The global alternatives to slash-and-burn program (ASB) investigated the net greenhouse gas emissions and profitability of a range of land-use alternatives in the humid tropics. The analysis showed that many tree-based systems reduced net GWP compared to annual cropping and pasture systems. Some of these systems are also profitable in terms of returns to land and labor. The widespread adoption of these systems, however, can be limited by start-up costs, credit limitations, and number of years to positive cash flow, in addition to the higher labor requirements. Projects that offset carbon emissions through carbon sinks in land use in the tropics might be a means of overcoming these limitations. A synthesis of the findings from this program can provide guidelines for the selection and promotion of land-use practices that minimize net global warming effects of slash-and-burn.

SUSTAINABILITY OF THE COMMERCIAL EXPLOITATION AND MANGEMENT OF THE CHORE FOREST RESERVES IN BOTSWANA

ABSTRACT This paper reviews and assesses the sustainability of the management and commercial exploitation of the Chobe Forest Reserves in Botswana. The inefficient way in which timber was harvested combined with low timber royalties, lead led to the ‘mining’ of the valuable timber species; B. plurijuga and P. angolensis. This scenario was worsened exacerbated by the damage of to trees by elephants and the uncontrolled fire damages fires. The high substantial short-term economic benefits associated with the from logging were likely to be unsustainable in the long-term due to environmental degradation. Logging was also associated with limited social benefits due to low employment opportunities and value added to the district. The above problems prompted the Government to halt the logging activities in 1994. A review of the forest policy is on-going, and The fForestry policy is currently being reviewed. Once it is completed, it will provide a the framework of the to review of the Forest Act of 1968. The royalty structure has been changed in order to charge prices that to reflect the scarcity value of timber. These recent developments are supported as they may contribute significantly to the management of the forest reserves. There is need to conserve the forests and to exploit them in a sustainable way. In addition, options for alternative land-use systems which are commensurate with the ideals of sustainable development should be considered. The forest resources need to be conserved since they are natural habitats and sanctuaries to the diverse fauna and flora.

Production of bioenergy in post-mining landscapes in Lusatia: Perspectives and challenges for alternative landuse systems

Since the German reunification in 1990, lignite production in the Lusatian mining district has significantly decreased as a result of substantial economic and structural changes. This development coincides with efforts by the government of the state of Brandenburg to enhance the production of biomass on set-aside arable and mining land for energy transformation purposes. In this context the goal is that a share of 3% of the primary energy consumption should come from biomass. As part of the on-going recultivation activities in the post-mining landscapes, short-rotation tree plantations as a special form of energy forests have recently come into focus. Thus, in 1995 a 2.5 ha short-rotation plantation was established on clayed-sandy, nutrient-poor substrates in the Lusatian mining area Welzow-Süd in order to study the ecological potential of fast-growing tree species under the prevailing site conditions. Even under unfavourable soil conditions with a low N and P supply, above-ground biomass production ranged from 2.5 to 11.7 tons dry matter per hectare. Three-year-old plants of fast growing tree species like poplar, willow, and aspen were marked by low mean N (5.3 mg g −1), Cl (113 μg g −1), Cd (0.8 μg −1) and Pb (0.5 μg g −1) contents. Therefore, this material is a most favourable biofuel. For the biomass accumulated within this 3-year period a calorific value of 30 000 MJ ha −1 a −1 has been calculated. The ash content of 2.4% allows this material to be used for amelioration purposes. This recycling approach guarantees balanced phosphorus, calcium, and magnesium supply. To maintain adequate site productivity only for nitrogen and potassium, a compensatory fertilization is required.

Growing American ginseng in maple forests as an alternative land-use system in Québec, Canada

American ginseng (Panax quinquefolium) is a medicinal crop which provides tens of millions of dollars in income every year for Canadian farmers. Most of the ginseng roots are produced in open fields under expensive shade structures. Farmers need to plant ginseng at a very high density to achieve profitability. Since high planting densities are related to high disease levels, field-cultivated ginseng requires frequent applications of pesticide. Growing ginseng in forests eliminates the need of a shade structure and may reduce the need for pesticides. Thus, an experiment was performed in a maple (Acer rubrum) forest in Quebec to evaluate the effects of nutrient inputs such as lime or compost on ginseng development. Ginseng emergence and survival rates, leaf area and foliar and root weight were evaluated for each treatment. Soil samples were taken in each plot to determine the concentration of various soil nutrients. During the first two years of the experiment, it was noted that the application of lime had a significative positive effect on ginseng growth. This effect could be related to higher calcium concentration and/or lower aluminium toxicity. Liming would be an efficient way to improve the early development of ginseng in maple forests. This practice is also known to improve the health of maple stands.

Integration of computer-based models and tools to evaluate alternative land-use scenarios as part of an agricultural systems analysis

A wide variety of computer-based models and tools have been developed to describe and characterize agricultural production systems. For complex problems, however, no single application is available nor is it advisable to develop one for practical reasons. Integration of models and tools may be a solution, where limitations of some may be compensated for by others. Different models and tools were integrated for the analysis of different land-use scenarios for the Neguev settlement in the perhumid tropical low-lands of Costa Rica. Crop-growth simulation models and expert systems were used for the description of alternative land-use systems. A geographical information system was used for data storage, and the analysis and presentation of results. The optimization of land-use was carried out by a linear programming model. Using a series of relevant land-use scenarios, effects are studied of: (i) changes in capital availability; (ii) restrictions on biocide use; and (iii) the effect of nutrient depletion as a negative contribution to farm income. For the integration of models and tools, a modular approach is proposed, which is based on separate software packages and appropriate database structures. The database structures can be jointly used by the different modules and form the link between them. In addition, a separate software package is used for the integration of the modules. The methodology is particularly appropriate for interdisciplinary research, integrating socio-economic and agro-ecological data.

Future of forest gardens in the Uvan uplands of Sri Lanka

Forest gardens are traditional agroecosystems in the humid tropics that have evolved a forestlike structure and as such are commonly thought to be a good example of sustainable agriculture. While this may be true in the sense of soil protection and maintenance of biodiversity, they are not necessarily maintainable in the context of competing land use in the landscape. Such appears to be the case of forest gardens in the uplands of Uva Province of Sri Lanka. This paper reports an agroecological analysis of forest gardens and other forms of land use in Uva, and discusses how this understanding can be used to make use of the good properties of forest gardens. It shows that although they have very real environmental and social benefits, they are unable to satisfy the material needs of a rural population undergoing demographic and cultural changes. However, the alternative land-use systems, both private smallholder and state owned, have serious deficiencies with respect to long-term sustainability, and it is essential to develop appropriate alternatives. It should be possible to design a smallholder farming system that incorporates the high productivity of market gardens (i.e., the cultivation of seasonal crops such as vegetables) with, at least, the high stability and biophysical sustainability of the forest garden. Considerable work still needs to be done on the design of such a system as well as the agency for its development and promotion. The paper treats the forest gardens of Uva as a case study from which some general conclusions can be drawn with respect to the conscious development of forest garden systems elsewhere in the tropics.

Integrated land-use systems: Assessment of promising agroforest and alternative land-use practices to enhance carbon conservation and sequestration

Degraded or sub-standard soils and marginal lands occupy a significant proportion of boreal, temperate and tropical biomes. Management of these lands with a wide range of existing, site-specific, integrated, agroforest systems represents a significant global opportunity to reduce the accumulation of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere. Establishment of extensive agricultural, agroforest, and alternative land-use systems on marginal or degraded lands could sequester 0.82–2.2 Pg carbon (C) per year, globally, over a 50-year time-frame. Moreover, slowing soil degradation by alternative grassland management and by impeding desertification could conserve up to 0.5–1.5 Pg C annually. A global analysis of biologic and economic data from 94 nations representing diverse climatic and edaphic conditions reveals a range of integrated land-use systems which could be used to establish and manage vegetation on marginal or degraded lands. Promising land-use systems and practices identified to conserve and temporarily store C include agroforestry systems, fuelwood and fiber plantations, bioreserves, intercropping systems, and shelterbelts/windbreaks. For example, successful establishment of low-intensity agroforestry systems can store up to 70 Mg C/ha in boreal, temperate and tropical ecoregions. The mean initial cost of soil rehabilitation and revegetation ranges from $500–3,000/ha for the 94 nations surveyed. Natural regeneration of woody vegetation or agro-afforestation establishment costs were less than $1000/ha in temperate and tropical regions. The costs of C sequestration in soil and vegetation systems range from $1-69/Mg C, which compares favorably with other options to reduce greenhouse gas emissions to the atmosphere. Although agroforestry system projects were recently established to conserve and sequester C in Guatemala and Malaysia, constraints to wide-spread implementation include social conditions (demographic factors, land tenure issues, market conditions, lack of infrastructure), economic obstacles (difficulty of demonstrating benefits of alternative systems, capital requirements, lack of financial incentives) and, ecologic considerations (limited knowledge of impacts and sustainability of some systems).