Alley Cropping Research Articles

Are agroforestry systems more productive than monocultures in Mediterranean countries? A meta-analysis

Agroforestry is gaining interest due to its potential in enhancing climate resilience and sustainability of farming systems. In this meta-analysis, the crop yield in agroforestry system compared to the control (sole crop) from thirty-six experimental field trials in Mediterranean countries was assessed. The response variable Wlog(RR) (i.e., the weighted natural logarithm of the response ratio) was analyzed by the 95% confidence intervals of mean and by fitting eight linear mixed models. Fixed effects, namely the tree cover (low, medium, high), the tree species (ash tree, chestnut, cork oak, holm oak, olive, poplar, walnut), and the crop species (alfalfa, barley, durum wheat, faba bean, forage, oat, pasture, pea, winter wheat) were significant (P = 0.030, P = 0.017, and P = 0.014, respectively), while the system type (alley cropping, silvo-arable, silvo-pastoral) was not. Among management practices (variety, pruning, fertilization, irrigation, crop age classes, imposed warming and drought, harvest time), only the fertilization significantly improved the response variable (P = 0.006), while the interaction of pruning × crop species was marginally significant (P = 0.065). Relatively large study heterogeneity was observed (Q = 72.6, I2 = 72%), which is quite common for agronomic meta-analysis. On the contrary, publication bias based on funnel plots and the Trim and Fill method suggested symmetrical distribution of studies. The sensitivity analysis for significant models identified room for improvements. Overall, we observed a negative effect of trees on crop yield that could be ascribed to the competition for light. Nonetheless, facilitation could be expected under extreme climate events, provided that agricultural practices will maximize synergies among tree cover, tree species, crop species, and management. Future works are encouraged to focus on the overall benefit agroforestry can provide at the field and landscape level, along with long-term monitoring to assess the whole lifespan of these systems and other companion planting options and designs in the Mediterranean region.

Influence of two agroforestry systems on the nitrification potential in temperate pastures in Brittany, France

Background and aimsAgroforestry, whereby trees are associated with crops and/or livestock, is expected to mitigate nitrogen (N) losses from agriculture. However, little is known about how nitrification potential, an important process that drives N losses, is affected by agroforestry systems. This study aimed to investigate the effect of different silvopastoral agroforestry systems on soil nitrification potential.MethodsNitrification potential was evaluated in two agroforestry systems (hedgerow and alley cropping) associated with temporary grasslands in Brittany, France. In each system, soil was sampled along a transect spanning from the center of the tree row into the grass alley. Soil nitrification potential was determined ex situ and was explained by univariate and multivariate analysis of variables describing vegetation, physicochemical soil properties, and soil organisms.ResultsNitrification potential differed between the two agroforestry systems and among the positions in relation to the trees. In the alley cropping system, nitrification potential was on average 1.5 times higher in the tree row than at 1.5 and 10 m into the grass alley, while in the hedgerow system, nitrification potential at 1.5 m into the grass alley was on average 40% lower than at 10 m into the grass alley. Nitrification potential was strongly correlated with soil pH, whereas no correlation was observed between nitrification potential and community size of soil nitrifiers.ConclusionOur results point out the diverse effects of agroforestry systems on nitrification, a key soil process that is involved in the regulation of N losses.

Yield advantage and profitability of selected climate-smart technologies: Findings from demonstration plots in Northern Uganda

Climate-smart agriculture (CSA) is viewed as a potentially effective intervention to address low agricultural productivity in Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA), while strengthening farmers’ capacity to adapt to the effects of climate change. We therefore conducted a study to examine maize yield response to three CSA practices – ripping, permanent planting basins and alley cropping. The profitability of their use with and without fertiliser application was also evaluated. It was deduced from the study that ripping, planting basins and alley cropping with Gliricidia (Gliricidia sepium) gave the greatest yield advantageof 457.1 kg/acre, 456.7 kg/acre and 437.2 kg/acre respectively. Fertiliser application significantly increased the yield advantage, but this increment did not necessarily translate into cost-effectiveness due to the associated costs. In fact, minimum tillage interventions were more profitable without fertiliser application, and at some locations responded poorly to fertiliser application. These variable responses indicate the need for developing site-specific CSA interventions for improved maize productivity and profitability.

Effects of Intercrops on Growth and Yield of Oil Palm in Rainforest Zone of Nigeria

Experiments were conducted between 2014 to 2015cropping seasons in a 3 to 5 years old oil palm fields at Ohosu Sub-Station, Benin City, a rainforest zone of Nigeria. The experimens showed the effects of intercrops (Cassava, Maize and Pepper) on the growth and yield of oil palm. Data were collected on the growth and yields of oil palm in oil palm-intertcropping system. Alley cropping was not detrimental to the growth and yield of oil palm, in particular canopy cover (1.71, 2.52 and 2.86 m) and mean fresh fruit bunch yields (88.8, 89.9. 93.6 kg/plot). The overall biological advantage of the alley intercrops is high in oil palm fields of ages 3 to 5years. The sole and intercrops of cassava, maize and pepper appeared to have optimized use efficiencies of resources (space and nutrients) in the alleys of oil palm of different ages (3 to 5years).

Analysis Of Training Needs Of Agricultural Extension Workers On Agroforestry In Cross River State, Nigeria

This study examined the training needs of agricultural extension workers on agroforestry in Cross River State. The study was specifically aimed at ascertaining the types of agroforestry systems practiced in the state, determining extension workers’ level of knowledge of the various agroforestry practices, determining the areas of training required by extension workers on agroforestry and ascertaining the challenges hampering extension workers’ active involvement in agroforestry activities. The area of the study was Cross River State, and the study sample consisted of 66 purposively selected extension workers in the state. Data were obtained using a validated semi-structured questionnaire and analyzed using the mean, standard deviation, percentages and binary logistic regression. The results revealed that snail farming (ranked = 1st), shelter belt/windbreak (ranked = 2nd) and aquaforestry (ranked = 3rd) etc were some of the most popular agroforestry practices in the area. It was also observed that extension workers in the state were very conversant with taungya farming (66.7%), improved fallow/shifting cultivation (74.1%) and shelter belt/windbreak (70.4%) among other agroforestry practices, but not too conversant with alley cropping, aquaforestry and integrated taungya farming. The results further showed that extension workers needed training in various areas of agroforesy practices, including effective communication skills, technical knowledge/skills, ecosystem management, start-up procedures and processing operations, and policy formation etc. However, the study noted that extension workers faced funding, training, manpower shortages and lack of government support challenges among others in participating in agroforestry. The study recommended the provision of agroforesty training to extension workers, improved government funding of extension services and increase in monthly salaries and special allowances for extension workers among others.

Evidence that a common arbuscular mycorrhizal network alleviates phosphate shortage in interconnected walnut sapling and maize plants.

Under agroforestry practices, inter-specific facilitation between tree rows and cultivated alleys occurs when plants increase the growth of their neighbors especially under nutrient limitation. Owing to a coarse root architecture limiting soil inorganic phosphate (Pi) uptake, walnut trees (Juglans spp.) exhibit dependency on soil-borne symbiotic arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi that extend extra-radical hyphae beyond the root Pi depletion zone. To investigate the benefits of mycorrhizal walnuts in alley cropping, we experimentally simulated an agroforestry system in which walnut rootstocks RX1 (J. regia x J. microcarpa) were connected or not by a common mycelial network (CMN) to maize plants grown under two contrasting Pi levels. Mycorrhizal colonization parameters showed that the inoculum reservoir formed by inoculated walnut donor saplings allowed the mycorrhization of maize recipient roots. Relative to non-mycorrhizal plants and whatever the Pi supply, CMN enabled walnut saplings to access maize Pi fertilization residues according to significant increases in biomass, stem diameter, and expression of JrPHT1;1 and JrPHT1;2, two mycorrhiza-inducible phosphate transporter candidates here identified by phylogenic inference of orthologs. In the lowest Pi supply, stem height, leaf Pi concentration, and biomass of RX1 were significantly higher than in non-mycorrhizal controls, showing that mycorrhizal connections between walnut and maize roots alleviated Pi deficiency in the mycorrhizal RX1 donor plant. Under Pi limitation, maize recipient plants also benefited from mycorrhization relative to controls, as inferred from larger stem diameter and height, biomass, leaf number, N content, and Pi concentration. Mycorrhization-induced Pi uptake generated a higher carbon cost for donor walnut plants than for maize plants by increasing walnut plant photosynthesis to provide the AM fungus with carbon assimilate. Here, we show that CMN alleviates Pi deficiency in co-cultivated walnut and maize plants, and may therefore contribute to limit the use of chemical P fertilizers in agroforestry systems.

Soil fertility evaluation and land-use effects on soil properties, carbon and nitrogen sequestration in the rainforest of Nigeria

This study investigates changes in soil properties, specifically soil organic carbon (SOC) and total nitrogen (TN), associated with different land use systems derived from forests in the rainforest zone of Nigeria. The land use systems examined include mature oil palm plantation (OP), bush fallow or secondary forest (BF), alley cropping with multi-purpose trees (AC), and continuous cassava cropping with and without fertilizer (FC and UC). Converting forests to cultivated land led to a decrease in SOC and TN content and storage across all soil depths (0-10 cm, 10-20 cm, and 20-40 cm). In the top 0-10 cm depth, the average decrease in SOC and TN storage was 63% and 62%, respectively, while for 0-40 cm, the decrease was 48% and 46%, respectively, for all land use systems derived from forests. Furthermore, the study reveals that even after 5, 10, and 30 years of secondary forest regrowth (BF), alley cropping (AC), and oil palm plantation (OP), respectively, the fertility levels were not restored to those observed in the primary forest. These findings underscore the capacity of forest soils to conserve and enhance soil SOM (soil organic matter), which in turn plays an essential role in SOC sequestration, TN storage, and soil nutrient conservation.

How binomial (traditional rainfed olive grove-Crocus sativus) crops impact the soil bacterial community and enhance microbial capacities

Intercropping can favour the yield of the main crop. However, because of the potential competition among woody crops, this system is rarely used by farmers. To increase knowledge about the intercropping system, we have explored three different combinations of alley cropping in rainfed olive groves compared to conventional management (CP): (i) Crocus sativus (D-S); (ii) Vicia sativa/Avena sativa in annual rotation (D-O); and (iii) Lavandula x intermedia (D-L). Different soil chemical properties were analyzed to evaluate the effects of alley cropping, while 16S rRNA amplification and enzymatic activities were determined to study the changes that occurred in soil microbial communities and activity. In addition, the influence of intercropping on the potential functionality of the soil microbial community was measured.Data revealed that the intercropping systems highly affected the microbial community and soil properties. The D-S cropping system increased soil total organic carbon and total nitrogen that were correlated with the bacterial community, indicating that both parameters were the main drivers shaping the structure of the bacterial community. The D-S soil cropping system had significantly higher relative abundances of the phyla Bacteroidetes, Proteobacteria, and Patescibacteria compared to the other systems and the genera Adhaeribacter, Arthrobacter, Rubellimicrobium, and Ramlibacter, related to C and N functions. D-S soil was also related to the highest relative abundances of Pseudoarthrobacter and Haliangium, associated with the plant growth–promoting effect, antifungal activity, and a potential P solubilizer. A potentially increase of C fixation and N fixation in soils was also observed in the D-S cropping system. These positive changes were related to the cessation of tillage and the development of a spontaneous cover crop, which increased soil protection. Thus, management practices that contribute to increasing soil cover should be encouraged to improve soil functionality.

Yield Performance of Three Sulawesi Local Aromatic Upland Rice Varieties at Various Planting Spacing Distance with Alley Cropping System

The experiement was carried out to examine the production performance of 3 local Sulawesi aromatic upland rice varieties planted with the alley cropping system at various planting distances pattern in Sampano Village, South Larompong District, Luwu Regency, South Sulawesi from February to June 2022. Plant spacing and selection of more adaptive varieties was one aspect for testing. The plants were laid out in a Split Plots Design in a factorial Randomized Completely Block Design. The main plots were 3 local varieties of Ngapa, Sassa, and Latimojong. Subplots were planting spacing consisting of random spacing (spread), 25 cm x 25 cm, 20 cm x 20 cm, and 15 cm x 15 cm. The results showed that 15 cm x 15 cm was the best spacing for planting local aromatic upland rice varieties in the alley cropping system which produced 1,433.24 kg dry grain weight per hectare, while Ngappa variety outperformed Sassa and Latimojong by registering 1,350 kg/ha.

Tree lines do not reduce grassland productivity and herbage quality in alley cropping under drought

AbstractIn alley cropping, woody perennials are combined with agricultural crops or grassland in order to benefit from favourable interactions between trees and crops. Trees influence growth and senescence processes in grassland as well as plant chemical composition and plant water use. In a field experiment with grassland and alley‐cropped willow coppices, we analysed the impact of distance and position relative to the tree line on grassland herbage biomass, proportion of dead herbage and herbage quality in two successive growth periods of two experimental years. The experimental years were chosen so that growth periods among years showed a similar rainfall pattern. Relative ET (evapotranspiration) as defined by actual divided by potential evapotranspiration reflected the severity of water shortage with a moderately dry (relative ET ~ 0.5) first growth period with increasing dryness in the second growth period of each year. We determined bulk stomatal conductivity of the grass shoot by measuring δ13C (carbon) signatures. Stomatal conductivities were higher close to the trees in drier periods (i.e. more negative δ13C values). Herbage biomass decreased with decreasing relative ET, but showed no systematic influence of the tree line. We found that vegetation composition changed with distance to the tree line. The proportion of dead herbage was equal at all distances from the tree line under very dry conditions, but smaller close to the trees under moderately dry conditions. Herbage quality, as approximated by crude protein and ADF concentrations in live biomass, was higher closer to the tree line. We conclude that the tree line does not adversely affect grassland productivity under drought and improves the plant water status as reflected by the δ13C signature.

Spatial distribution of tree and grassland fine roots in an alley cropping system

Alley cropping systems are known as more sustainable land use alternatives compared to monoculture cropland. In addition to the improvement of above-ground structures and creation of biotopes relevant to nature conservation, the improvement of resource development through various root systems plays a major role. We studied the interaction of the root systems in an alley cropping system combining permanent grassland and willows and at a reference grassland site. The system was established 12 years prior to our study on a site with a shallow groundwater table at 130 cm depth. We measured carbon stocks in the topsoil and determined the share of root-bound carbon relative to the total carbon pool and extracted soil cores up to a depth of 150 cm along a distance gradient to the trees and at a reference grassland site with no tree influence. The maximal rooting depth of the grassland roots increased with increasing distance to the tree lines and total root biomass was higher than under the grassland reference up to a distance of 2.5 m from the tree line. Tree roots extended up to a distance of 5.5 m from the trees and we could distinguish zones of tree root dominance very close to the trees, zones of grassland root dominance at distances ≥ 8.5 m and an interaction zone in between those two extremes. We conclude that alley cropping increases belowground biomass as compared to grassland and has therefore a higher potential to store carbon in the subsoil.

Alley cropping tree lines alter temperature and light quantity and influence daily growth rates of grassland

AbstractTrees alter microclimate and radiation budget in alley cropping systems, which in turn change physiological processes of the grassland component. The influence of the trees on grassland growth depends on the climate zone as well as possibly on weather conditions during the respective growth interval. The proportion of shade‐tolerant species in the grassland further modifies the tree effect on grassland growth, as well as the number of annual harvests. We studied the effect of distance and orientation relative to the tree line (tree line in the South‐West vs. North‐East) on growth rates of the adjacent grassland with two cutting frequencies (frequent vs. infrequent) in an alley cropping system with grassland of two different vegetation compositions (diverse vs. grass‐clover) and willow clones. Microclimate parameters and radiation were measured at the points where growth rates were determined to better characterize the effect of position relative to the tree line. Growth rates differed significantly (p < 0.05) depending on the distance to the trees and annual biomass accumulation amounted to 389 ± 13.5 g m−2 in the center vs. 321 ± 10.0 g m−2 with trees in the North‐East vs. 292 ± 9.2 g m−2 with trees in the South‐West of the transect position. Lower growth rates occurred at positions with lower light quantities close to the trees, namely the position with the trees adjacent in the South‐West. Temperature and relative humidity differences between the distances were significantly (p < 0.05) affected by distance to the tree line, but differences in neither soil nor air temperatures between the distances affected growth rates. Vegetation composition mediates the influence of the trees: the difference between positions was more pronounced in the diverse vegetation composition with higher productivities in the center between the alleys, but also with higher overall sward productivity.

Assessment of commelina species feed use in Konso Zone, Southern Ethiopia: Identification, seasonal characterization, and altitudinal distribution

Searching for low-cost, readily available non-conventional feeds is viewed as an alternate measure and solution in resolving feed-related difficulties. This study was conducted to investigate Commelina species feed use in Konso zone, Southern Ethiopia, by identifying available species and characterize seasonal and altitudinal distribution. The data were gathered through focus group discussions and interviews with 195 households drawn randomly from 15 villages. Five Commelina spp.; Commelina benghalensis, Commelina imberbis, Commelina diffusa, Commelina albescens, and Commelina africana were identified in the study area. C. diffusa was available year-round (88.71%) at low and mid altitudes, whereas all others show diminishing pattern with dry season. C. benghalensis, C. imberbis and C. diffusa were found in low and mid altitudes, whereas C. africana and C. albescence were found only in low altitude. Availability and distribution of commelina spp. in the study area shows variability with seasonal and altitudinal changes. The wider feed usage by livestock keepers across all the corners of the area, combined with the species’ proclivity to grow as friendly alley crops on farmland, suggests that the value of C. benghalensis and C. imberbis may extend beyond feed use. Agricultural experts must transfer intercropping trend of C. benghalensis, and C. imberbis with food crops to farmers who lack it. Nutritional quality of the species should be conducted to have a clear picture about feed value of the plants.

Assessment of Agronomic Zinc Biofortification of Alley Cropped Pearl Millet

The availability of nitrogen (N) and zinc (Zn) at the specific plant growth stage is crucial for attaining the higher nutrient use efficiency (NUE) and uptake. An experiment was conducted, having 4-N scheduling [No N; ½[basal]+ ½[3rd visible leaf (VL)]; ¼[basal]+ ½[3rdVL]+ ¼[panicle extended in flag leaf sheath (PEFLS)]; ½[basal] + ¼[3rdVL]+ ¼[panicle visible (PV)], and 4-Zn scheduling [No Zn; 2.5 kg/ha [basal]+ 0.25% spray(*) [panicle initiation (PI)]; 2.5 kg/ha [basal]+0.25% [PI]*+ 0.25% [PEFLS]*; 2.5 kg/ha [basal]+ 0.25% [50% panicle emergence (PE)]*+ 0.25% [milk stage (MS)]*. Nitrogen schedule at ¼[basal]+ ½[3rdVL]+ ¼[PEFLS] recorded the maximum nutrient content, uptake, and NUE. Similarly, the maximum nutrient content, uptake, and nutrient use efficiency observed in the Zn at 2.5 kg/ha [basal]+0.25% [PI]*+ 0.25% [PEFLS]*. Moreover, N and Zn interacted significantly to increase the grain N and Zn content and uptake by grain.
 Bangladesh J. Bot. 52(1): 203-209, 2023 (March)

Assessing soil conservation techniques on sloping lands in the humid tropics area of Indonesia in the context of maize cultivation

Abstract. Neswati R, Abdullah S, Musa Y, Nasaruddin. 2023. Assessing soil conservation techniques on sloping lands in the humid tropics area of Indonesia in the context of maize cultivation. Biodiversitas 24: 1686-1692. Sloping land is prone to severe erosion, particularly in areas with high precipitation, such as in humid tropics. In addition to slope and rain factors, crop management also influences soil erosion. This research aims to identify the most appropriate techniques to mitigate soil erosion by comparing three different techniques of maize (Zea mays L.) cultivation planted on sloping land in Indonesia's humid tropics. A field experiment was conducted in Gorontalo Regency, Gorontalo Province, Indonesia, in three maize growing seasons at a location with a slope of 15-30%. We used a split-plot design in a randomized block design, with the main factor being conservation techniques, namely no treatment (control) (K0), contour terrace (K1), strip cropping using Pennisetum purpureum Schumach. (K2) and alley cropping using Gliricidia sepium (Jacq.) Kunth (K3), and the side factor was Z. mays of two varieties: Mixed variety Arjuna BC (H1) and hybrid variety NK-33 (H2). The effects of each treatment were measured in term of soil erosion, and maize growth and productivity. The results showed that the strip cropping resulted in a lower erosion level compared to the contour terrace and alley cropping. However, erosion still exceeded the tolerable soil loss in all conservation techniques. The effects on the growth and production of maize of the two varieties in growing seasons 1, 2, and 3 were not statistically different (p<0.05). Maize production can reach >6 tons ha-1 in the two varieties planted and the value of the revenue to cost (R/C) ratio of all treatments ranged between 1.77 and 2.54. The results imply that the application of appropriate soil conservation methods has the potential to reduce erosion in the sloping land-humid tropics of Indonesia without compromising growth and productivity. However, it will take a longer period to reduce soil erosion significantly in a maize-based cultivation system on sloping land.

UNLOCKING THE POTENTIAL OF AGROFORESTRY: UNDERSTANDING ADOPTION FACTORS IN ALETA WENDO DISTRICT, SOUTHERN ETHIOPIA

This study aimed to address the knowledge gap among farmers of the Aleta Wendo district of southern Ethiopia about agroforestry practices. The study used a multi-stage sampling technique and collected primary data from 257 respondents. Quantitative analysis was conducted on the collected data using multiple statistical techniques, which included percentage, mean, frequency, and Chi-square tests. The Tobit model was also employed to identify the factors that affect the adoption of agroforestry practices. The results of the study showed that home garden was the most widely adopted agroforestry practice in the study area, followed by windbreak, woodlot, multipurpose tree, alley cropping, and parkland agroforestry. Among the 15 independent variables expected to affect the adoption of agroforestry practices, only six variables were found to have significant and positive influence, including farming experience, access to credit, labor availability, livestock holding, annual income, and contact with development agents. The study’s findings suggest that encouraging farmers to save money, obtain credit, and diversify income sources could help to promote the adoption of agroforestry practices in the study area. The study also highlights the importance of daily communication between farmers and development agents, and the need to take into consideration the major determinants affecting the adoption of agroforestry practices. Overall, the study highlights the potential of agroforestry practices to provide multiple benefits and the need for targeted interventions to promote their adoption in the Aleta Wendo district.

Alley cropping agroforestry systems change weed community composition and reduce dominant weed species associated with corn in southern Mexico

Alley cropping systems can change the weed community composition and reduce common weed species. However, it is unclear how different woody species intercalated with corn can affect weed abundance and community structure and corn yield in the tropics. The present study examined weed species diversity and community composition in alley cropping systems with three woody species associated with corn: Leucaena leucocephala (Lam.) de Wit, Guazuma ulmifolia Lam., and Moringa oleifera Lam. independently, and corn monoculture, as a control. The tree most dominant weed species were Ruellia nudiflora (Engelm. & A. Gray) Urb., Cynodon dactylon (L.) Pers., and Portulaca pilosa L. Our results showed that the alley cropping system compared with corn monoculture reduced the densities of common abundant weed species, changed weed community composition, maintained or increased plant diversity, but did not affect grain yield (t/h). Based on the sample completeness profile we found that Leucaena associated with corn had a higher weed diversity of order q = 1 and 2 (Shannon and Simpson index) and showed higher evenness compared with corn monoculture, which showed the lowest evenness of all treatments. We found nine weed species that only grow in alley cropping systems and Waltheria americana L., Momordica charantia L. and Porophyllum punctatum (Mill) S.F. Blake. with higher densities. Our findings support the hypothesis that alley cropping systems not only changes weed community composition, but also favours biodiversity conservation without reducing corn yield.

Transforming Nigeria Food System: The Role of Agroforestry

It has been generally established that the global food system needs to be transformed urgently, in order to meet the growing demand for food, feed and fodder. Agroforestry is a type of farming system that combines trees/shrubs with crops with the objective of enjoying a mutual benefit that enhances productivity, profitability and biodiversity, which at the moment is unpopular in Nigeria. Therefore the objective of this paper is to provide relevant information on the role of agroforestry in transforming the Nigerian food system. Some of the agroforestry technologies which can be used to achieve its mutual benefit include taungya system, home garden, alley cropping, improved fallow, woodlots, live fences, fodder banks, orchards or tree gardens, windbreaks, shelterbelts, trees on pasture and apiculture with trees. Planting trees as a component of crop farming is a smart way to achieve multiple purposes with a single enterprise. Planting multipurpose trees in a world affected by climate change can decelerate the negative impact of anthropogenic cause of climate change, while providing food for humanity. Hence, the paper also review the roles of agroforestry in the global fight against climate change, while also ensuring food security through food system transformation.

The Effect of Tree Spacing on Yields of Alley Cropping Systems-A Case Study from Hungary.

Alley cropping is a specific agroforestry system, which is regarded as sustainable land use management, that could play a crucial role in climate change adaptation and mitigation. Despite its appealing attributes, farmers' up-take of the system is slow in temperate regions. This study aims to contribute to scaling-up agroforestry through a case study in Hungary and to help to design productive alley cropping systems. We investigated which tree planting pattern of black locust (Robinia pseudoacacia L.) results in the most productive alley cropping system when intercropped with triticale (x Triticosecale W.) by statistically analysing the yields of the intercrop and of the trees in nine different layouts and by calculating land equivalent ratios (LER). There was significant difference between the treatments both in triticale and black locust yields. The more trees planted on a hectare, the higher the volume of the stand, and the less yield of triticale was observed, although the latter correlation was weak and in some cases the triticale was more productive between the trees compared with sole crop control. Eight out of nine treatments had favourable LER (0.94-1.35) when the trees were five years old. Black locust and triticale seem to be a good combination for productive alley cropping systems.

Alley Cropping and Organic Compost: An Efficient and Sustainable Agro-Ecological Strategy for Improving Turmeric (Curcuma longa L.) Growth and Attributes

Alley cropping is a sustainable agriculture approach that improves ecosystem services while also promoting biodiversity. The current study was conducted over two seasons, 2019/2020 and 2020/2021, to examine the impact of leucaena–turmeric alley cropping and organic compost addition as agroforestry systems on the growth, yield and characteristics of the turmeric crop. Alley cropping included four treatments: control (turmeric as sole crop), turmeric cultivated between leucaena trees pruned at 1 m height, leucaena trees pruned at 1.5 m height and unpruned leucaena trees. Meanwhile, organic compost rates were control (received recommended NPK) and 17 and 34 m3 ha−1. This study’s results showed that growing turmeric in between rows of unpruned leucaena resulted in maximum turmeric plant growth, production and characteristics. Minimum turmeric growth and yield parameters were recorded with plants grown between pruned leucaena at 1 m and those where the turmeric was the sole crop. In addition, compost addition at 34 m3 ha−1 led to maximum growth, yield and attributes of the turmeric crop. Compost addition and alley cropping were shown to be an effective and sustainable agro-ecological system for increasing turmeric output and quality. The study demonstrated the importance of selecting the appropriate crop–tree combination in this system and it was discovered that leguminous leucaena trees significantly contributed to improving fertility and nutrient availability, which in turn improved the growth characteristics of turmeric, particularly the leaf-area index and its nutrient content, which are beneficial to the characteristics of the rhizome yield and curcumin content.