Sustainable Agroforestry Research Articles

Promoting sustainable agroforestry development: a systematic literature review on the Rice-Fish-Duck-Forest system

Promoting sustainable agroforestry development: a systematic literature review on the Rice-Fish-Duck-Forest system

Aprovechamiento de residuos: propuesta en la producción de abonos orgánicos - alimento animal en la Mini-industria La Guajira

The use of waste in the production of organic fertilizers and animal feed, in the La Guajira Mini-industry, in the agro-productive scenario of the CPA July 26; The result is inserted into the Project: Municipal climate governance and sustainable agroforestry production of foods with low emissions and adapted to climate change in Cienfuegos and Pinar del Río, Cuba; descriptive, explanatory, non-experimental study, using theoretical and empirical methods. Results: characterization of the Mini-industry, and design of the proposed actions. Conclusions: carrying out a characterization from a social, economic and environmental perspective of the La Guajira Mini-industry, facilitated the understanding of potentialities - weaknesses in the treatment of waste, showed the need to propose new alternatives to contribute to the adaptation to the climate change, the design of a proposal of actions that articulates with the objectives of the Projects and in synergy with the Territorial Social Economic Development Strategy, promotes alternatives for the productive chain in the use of organic fertilizers and animal feed, all of which recognizes the social economic value of the La Guajira Mini-industry, favoring the development of the agro-productive scenario of the CPA July 26.

A Comparative Analysis of Bacterial and Fungal Communities in Coastal and Inland Pecan Plantations.

Pecan forests (Carya illinoinensis) are significant contributors to both food and oil production, and thrive in diverse soil environments, including coastal regions. However, the interplay between soil microbes and pecan forest health in coastal environments remains understudied. Therefore, we investigated soil bacterial and fungal diversity in coastal (Dafeng, DF) and inland (Guomei, GM) pecan plantations using high-throughput sequencing. The results revealed a higher microbial diversity in the DF plantation than in the GM plantation, significantly influenced by pH and edaphic factors. The dominant bacterial phyla were Proteobacteria, Acidobacteriota and Bacteroidota in the DF plantation, and Acidobacteriota, Proteobacteria, and Verrucomicrobiota in the GM plantation. Bacillus, Nitrospira and UTCFX1 were significantly more abundant bacterial genera in DF soil, whereas Candidatus Udaeobacter, HSB_OF53-F07 and ADurbBin063-1 were more prevalent in GM soil. Basidiomycota dominated fungal sequences in the GM plantation, with a higher relative abundance of Ascomycota in the DF plantation. Significant differences in fungal genus composition were observed between plantations, with Scleroderma, Hebeloma, and Naucoria being more abundant in DF soil, and Clavulina, Russula, and Inocybe in GM soil. A functional analysis revealed greater carbohydrate metabolism potential in GM plantation bacteria and a higher ectomycorrhizal fungi abundance in DF soil. Significantly positive correlations were detected between certain bacterial and fungal genera and pH and total soluble salt content, suggesting their role in pecan adaptation to coastal environments and saline-alkali stress mitigation. These findings enhance our understanding of soil microbiomes in coastal pecan plantations, and are anticipated to foster ecologically sustainable agroforestry practices and contribute to coastal marshland ecosystem management.

Impacts of Deep-Rooted Apple Tree on Soil Water Balance in the Semi-Arid Loess Plateau, China

Partitioning soil water balance (SWB) is an effective approach for deciphering the impacts of vegetation change on soil hydrological processes. Growing apple trees on the Loess Plateau, China, leads to a substantial deep soil water deficit, posing a serious threat to the sustainable development of apple production. However, the impact of deep-rooted apple trees on SWB remains poorly understood. In this study, we conducted a “Paired Plot” experiment to achieve this objective by decoupling SWB components using water stable isotopes, tritium, and soil water contents from deep soil cores (up to 25 m) under apple orchards with a stand age gradient of 8–23 years. The results showed that deep soil water storage under apple orchards was notably reduced compared to nearby farmland, showing a stand age-related pattern of deep soil water deficit (R2 = 0.91). By analyzing the changing patterns of SWB components, we found that the main factor driving this deficit is the water uptake process controlled by the deep root system. This process is triggered by the increased transpiration demand of apple trees and short-term water scarcity. These findings have implications for understanding soil water dynamics, sustainable agroforestry management, and soil water resources’ protection in this region and other similar water-limited areas.

Determinants of Farmers’ Perceptions towards Socioecological Benefits of Agroforestry Practices in Northwestern Ethiopia

Agroforestry practices provide multiple ecosystem services in agricultural landscapes. However, within the local context, local communities hold divergent perceptions regarding the various roles of agroforestry, particularly in the Afrotropical Region. Hence, understanding these drivers is critical for adopting and promoting sustainable agroforestry practices. Here, we examined the factors that influenced farmers’ perceptions towards the socioecological benefits of agroforestry practices. A multistage stratified random sampling technique was applied to select 90 households along an urban-rural gradient. The data were gathered through semi-structured questionnaires and key informant interviews and analyzed using a descriptive statistics, chi-square tests, general linear model, and redundancy analysis with the help of R software version 4.3.2. The findings showed that approximately 69.7% of the respondents strongly agreed that agroforestry practices had benefits for society and the environment. However, 11.1% were neutral, and the others disagreed. The results of the general linear model analysis showed that household age, agricultural experience, access to land certification books, and training on tree conservation had a significantly positive effect on farmers’ perceptions of the advantages of agroforestry practices. Furthermore, farmers’ perceptions of the benefits of agroforestry in terms of income generation, educational and cultural values, and climate change mitigation were dependent on household age and farming experience. Overall, this study provides useful insights into the drivers of farmers’ perceptions of the advantages of agroforestry practices in Northwest Ethiopia. The findings of this study underscore the need for policymakers and practitioners to consider sociodemographic and institutional factors that influence farmers’ perceptions when developing policies and plans to advance the adoption and promote sustainable management of agroforestry practices. This supports the widespread adoption of agroforestry practices in tropical agroecosystems.

Microorganisms facilitated the saline‐alkali soil remediation by biochar: Soil properties, microbial communities, and plant responses

AbstractSaline‐alkali soil degradation is a significant environmental problem with a negative impact on sustainable agroforestry development. Therefore, efficient remediation methods are urgently required. A potential solution to this problem is using biochar produced from bamboo waste and inoculated with plant growth‐promoting microbes as cleaner production materials for saline‐alkali soil. The present study investigated the potential of combining biochar, microbes, and dwarf bamboo to improve saline‐alkali soil. Different application rates (1%, 3%, and 5% of soil mass) of biochar were added to coastal saline soil planted with dwarf bamboo (Pleioblastus argenteastriatus) in pot experiments. Soil physicochemical properties, microbial communities, and plant responses were systematically studied. Bamboo and microbial‐modified biochar effectively decreased soil pH and electrical conductivity and increased soil nutrient contents. Compared with untreated soil, the relative abundance of the dominant bacterial phyla Acidobacteria, Actinobacteria, and Chloroflexi, and dominant fungal phyla Basidiomycota increased after applying biochar and modified biochar. With the increase in application concentration, the antioxidant activities of modified biochar decreased, biochar peroxidase and catalase content decreased, and the malondialdehyde content of bamboo biochar and microbial‐modified bamboo biochar decreased. The biomass of bamboo with added biochar and modified biochar was significantly higher than that of untreated soil. Comprehensive correlation and redundancy analyses showed that the bacterial and fungal communities were greatly affected by soil factors, especially soil pH, electrical conductivity, total organic carbon, potassium, and sodium ions. The findings of this study suggest that 5% bamboo biochar and 3% modified biochar benefit soil remediation, improve the stress resistance of dwarf bamboo, and enhance plant growth. Therefore, combined biochar–microbe remediation has great potential for the sustainable improvement of saline‐alkali soil.

Sustainable Agroforestry Model for Supporting Farming Communities by Identifying Land Development in Bone District

Agroforestry is an optimal land management approach that combines forestry, agriculture, livestock, and fisheries activities within the same area. Sustainable agroforestry models are implemented through community support in Bone District. The Bengo region is one of the initiatives undertaken by STIP YAPI BONE as part of a partnership scheme for the Agroforestry model, which represents a local wisdom aimed at safeguarding water sources by integrating several key components, including food crops, perennial plants, and livestock. It is undeniable that the Bengo region is highly unique, as it is divided into several zones, such as the core zone (Integrated Agrocomplex Gardens), buffer zone (Land for Integrated Forestry, Plantation, Agriculture, and Fisheries Commodities), and utilization zone. It holds significant social, cultural, economic, and ecological value. Bengo boasts two key farmers, Mr. Sahir and Mr. Asgar, who have successfully transformed their cocoa plantations into Agroforestry gardens. Therefore, Bengo has the potential to become a cornerstone for the partnership between the Research and Community Service Institution, offering economic, social, and ecological benefits. Hence, it is imperative to preserve Bengo. One approach to achieving this is to raise awareness among all stakeholders, including both the community and the government, regarding the importance of applying Sustainable Agroforestry models to critical lands in Bone District, particularly in South Sulawesi.

Soil organic carbon fractionation, carbon index, and microbial activity under different agroforestry systems in North Eastern Himalayas, India.

The potential of soil organic carbon fractions for agroforestry systems (AFSs) is not well understood. Five distinct AFSs were tested for its impact on soil organic carbon fractionation, carbon index, and microbial activity in North Eastern Himalayas, India. The mean labile carbon (LC) ranged from 4.55 to 5.43kg soil-1 across the land use systems. Napier system observed the lowest very labile carbon (VLC) 12.36kg soil-1 in 60-75-cm depth. The mean non labile carbon (NLC) ranged from 15.67 to 16.83gkg soil-1 across the land use. Highest less labile carbon (LLC) was observed in agri-horti-silviculture (AHS) followed by agri-silvi-horticulture (ASH) land use system. The black gram + mandarin + Alnus nepalensis land use recorded higher lability index (1.66) followed by maize + Schima wallichii (1.65) in 0-15-cm depth. Among the different land use systems, carbon pool index increased in all the depths over buckwheat + mandarin. The mean carbon management index (CMI) value ranged from 167.02 to 210.12 among the land use system. The mean CMI was highest in black gram + mandarin + Alnus nepalensis (210.12) followed by soybean + Ficus hookerii + guava (191.56), maize + Schima wallichii (281.71), and lowest in buckwheat + mandarin (167.02). Among the AFSs, black gram + mandarin + Alnus nepalensis showed greater amount of carbon pool index, lability index, and carbon management index and, hence, considered the best sustainable agroforestry system to sequester more carbon in the Sikkim Himalaya. Such system also retained more different organic carbon fractions. The mean CMI value ranged from 167.02 to 210.12 among AFSs. Acid phosphatase activity was more during the rainy season followed by winter and summer season. Similar trends were followed by the urease activity in all the three seasons. Overall conclusion from this investigation is that SOC fractions, carbon index, and microbial activity levels are strongly influenced by the prevailing agroforestry systems.

The Argentinian experience with yerba mate in agroforestry

Agroforestry is able to address two of society’s great contemporary issues, climate change mitigation and food security. Characterised by the presence of trees within croplands and farmland, agroforestry has been recognised for its ability to enhance biomass and soil carbon while sustaining agricultural production. Agroforestry’s many environmental and ecosystem services - including water quality improvement, erosion control, and biodiversity enhancement - may also help achieve a number of other United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, including renewable energy, responsible consumption and life on land. Yerba mate (YM) is a tree species that is native to South America, which has traditionally been harvested for its leaves, which are used to prepare a traditional infusion. Over the years, new YM products have emerged, including dehydrated powder for instant preparation. The cultivation of YM has evolved from traditional forest stands to large-scale monoculture plantations, but there is recent interest in sustainable agroforestry approaches. Research in Argentina's Misiones Province has demonstrated the benefits of YM being shaded by other trees in agroforestry systems, including increased yields of YM and an enhancement of preferred flavours of the leaves, as well as increased soil fertility, carbon sequestration and protection against extreme weather conditions. To continue to improve upon YM agroforestry, the I 049 Agroforestry project plans to study YM cultivation in agroforestry arrangements to better support sustainable agroforestry practices and innovative marketing strategies in Argentina.

Success story of agroforestry system for RHL: case study in Register 38 of Gunung Balak-Protected Forest, Lampung Province

Undoubtedly, the agroforestry system is the best land use strategy. Still, if it is linked to the success of land rehabilitation, it needs to be re-examined, especially in cases of rapid deforestation. The agroforestry in rehabilitation activities will contribute to the FOLU carbon net sink as one of the climate crisis mitigation programs to support government goals. This research was conducted at Register 38 of Gunung Balak using a qualitative approach through case studies. In-depth interviews were conducted with key informants to obtain data and information. The long struggle for restoring the protected forest area registers 38 of Gunung Balak through various policies ranging from coercion to persuasion, but facing various obstacles has made success very difficult. BPDAS Way Sekampung Way Seputih, in collaboration with the Forestry Service, has recently made breakthroughs in rehabilitating land. In recent years, new ideas on productive and sustainable agro-forestry patterns, with local communities as key stakeholders, are bringing economic, social, and environmental benefits to local communities. This success is expected to help pioneer forest restoration elsewhere.

Conversion of tropical secondary forest into agricultural land: consequences for soil health and environmental stability

The objective of the study was to address the impacts of tropical forest conversion into agricultural land on changes in invertebrates’ communities, as well as soil chemical properties across 2–4 texturally distinct soils in La Mé and Grand Lahou, Côte d’Ivoire. The fieldwork was carried out in the humid period on two study sites: 1– rubber landscape (secondary forest, 7-, 12- and 25-year-old rubber plantations) and 2– oil palm landscape (secondary forest, 13-, 20- and 39-year-old oil palm plantations). Three sampling stands were established on each land-use type and age class, for a total of 24 sampling stands. Over a 40–50 m transect, topsoil (0–10 cm) invertebrates were sampled by using monoliths (50 cm × 50 cm × 10 cm), following the modified ‘Tropical soil biology and fertility’ method. Soils chemical properties were also determined. The results highlighted a decrease in taxonomic richness (–35 % and –42 %), Shannon index (–32 % and –37 %), Margalef index (–34 % and –41 %), soil carbon stock (–41 % and –15 %), nitrogen stock (–38 % and –11 %) and carbon sequestration (–41 % and –15 %), respectively, after the transformation of secondary forests into rubber and oil palm plantations. The clay soils and clay sandy soils favored the development and emergence of the soil invertebrates, and allowed a higher carbon and nitrogen storage, as well as a greater carbon sequestration. Whatever the site, the soil quality was more degraded under the monoculture tree plantations compared to the secondary forests. Our findings suggest leaving residues of the previous crop on the soil surface and the incorporation of woody trees with an understory of smaller trees during the early establishment periods of monoculture tree plantations, which can create a sustainable agroforestry system with improved nutrient recycling and soil fertility.

Exploring reproductive biology in Eucalyptus globulus clones under distinct climatic conditions

AbstractDespite the great economic benefits, one of the major threats of introducing species into exotic ranges is their ability to regenerate and spread to novel environments. For example, Eucalyptus globulus plantations have been established in many parts of the world, using seedlings or clonal material, the latter often from advanced generation tree improvement programs. However, major concerns exist about this species’ ability to invade non-native areas. Therefore, it is necessary to study whether breeding programs affect this species’ reproductive biology to assess the risk of invasiveness of these improved trees. In this sense, this work compared the E. globulus phenological behaviour and reproductive structures production of three clonal and one seedling-based stand across two distinct climatic zones (mesic and xeric) in Portugal. Through binocular observation, four different stands (seedlings descending from open-pollinated crosses and three clonal-stands) were monitored every three weeks for different reproductive phenological stages, namely the presence of flowers and capsules. Clonal stands presented a shorter flowering season, less abundant reproductive structures, and higher phenological variability across sites than seedling-based stands. Phenological patterns and fructification abundance also varied between the three clonal stands. These results suggest that clones with decreased reproductive ability can be chosen during the breeding process, lowering the dispersal risk while enhancing productivity. Thus, understanding the phenological behaviour of E. globulus is critical to more sustainable agroforestry by reducing the spread risks.

Agroforestry Species Selection for Forest Rehabilitation in the Asia-Pacific Region: A Meta-Analysis on High-Level Taxonomy

Agroforestry is important for forest management and rehabilitation in the southeast Asia-Pacific Region (APR), where economic issues, intensive land use, deforestation, and forest degradation are common. Species selection is a key process in establishing agroforestry systems. In this study, we reviewed the agroforestry literature across eight economies within the southeast APR, documented the species used, and compared the existing systems to better understand the challenges and opportunities for the region’s agroforestry expansion. We conducted rule and Maptree analyses using 108 species, belonging to 95 genera and 49 families of plants, to unravel the various agroforestry practices in this region. We identified the most common plant families used in agroforestry combinations within each economy. We then divided the economies into three groups based on the most commonly used genera: (1) Thailand, Vietnam, Papua New Guinea and Fiji (Hevea, Oryza, Eucalyptus, Acacia, and Zea); (2) Nepal and Yunnan China (Zea, Leucaena, Morus, and Hevea); and (3) Indonesia and the Philippines (Oryza, Hevea, Zea, and Brassica). Although this study focused on high-level taxonomic classification (family and genus), we believe that this work will fill the current knowledge gaps, offering guidance to economies in the southeast APR regarding species selection and the adoption of sustainable agroforestry practices.

A general strategy to prepare transition metal sulfide functionalized hierarchically porous carbons with multiple enzyme-like activities for simultaneous electrochemical sensing of ATP metabolites

A general strategy for the in-situ hydrothermal synthesis of transition metal sulfides functionalized hierarchically porous carbons (FeS2-HPC, Co9S8-HPC, Ni3S2-HPC, Cu2S-HPC, and ZnS-HPC) is proposed using different transition metal chlorides as metal sources and activators, sustainable agroforestry waste biomass (Citrus sinensis peel sponge layer) as a carbon source, sulfuric acid as a sulfur source, and silica colloid as a hard template. The introduction of both transition metal salts and silica colloids facilitate the adjustment of the pore structure. The added sulfuric acid promotes the degradation of the agroforestry waste biomass, which are conducive to the formation of porous carbons. The in-situ synthesis of transition metal sulfide particles and the sulfur doping improve the conductivity, electrocatalytic and enzyme-like activities of obtained composite materials. The FeS2-HPC with multiple enzyme-like activities and the best electrocatalytic activity is applied as a nanozyme electrochemical sensing platform for the simultaneous detection of three ATP metabolites with a limit of detection (LOD) of 0.069 μM for uric acid in a linear range of 0.3–200 μM, a LOD of 0.047 μM for xanthine in 0.3–100 μM, and a LOD of 0.21 μM for hypoxanthine in 0.7–300 μM. This work provides a new idea for the development of transition metal sulfides functionalized porous carbons from agroforestry waste biomass, and a theoretical basis for the fabrication of nanozyme electrochemical sensing platform for health assessment and disease prevention.

Evaluation of potential total carbon stock under various agroforestry types in Senaru Forest Area-North Lombok, Indonesia

The different agroforestry management can perform different potentials for carbon sequestration. The study aimed to estimate the potential of carbon stocks in various types of agroforestry in the last 20 years in Senaru area, the sub district of Bayan, Northern Lombok. The study was conducted from June to August 2022. Different types of agroforestry managed on entisols include mahogany based agroforestry (Swietenia mahagoni), Cacao-based agroforestry (Theobroma cacao), Coffee-based agroforestry (Robusta Coffee), Sengon based- agroforestry (Albizia chinensis), and Porang-based agroforestry (Amorphophallus muelleri). Samples for measuring above ground biomass at each agroforestry were carried out on plot area of 20 m x 20 m. Samples for soil organic carbon (SOC) was carried out by collecting 4 composite soil samples at each type of agroforestry at soil depth of 0-5 cm and 5-10 cm. In addition to the soil organic-C, measurements were also made on soil bulk density, total porosity, and soil texture. The results of the study showed that the total carbon stocks varied under different types of agroforestry. Mahogany based agroforestry produced the highest total carbon stocks, 440.64 ton.ha−1, and subsequently, it was followed by sengon-based agroforestry, coffee, cocoa and porang with values of 371.54 ton ha−1, 305.33 ton ha−1, 166.15 ton ha−1 and 153.93 ton ha−1 respectively. Thus, to support sustainable agroforestry management in this area, it is important to consider the timber tree stands that potentially produce high biomass as well as the need to improve the diversity of high biomass vegetation in areas with low vegetation density.

Sustainable Agroforestry for Soil Chemical Properties Improvement and Nutrients Availability in Agriculture Landscape around Cyamudongo Isolated Forest, Rwanda

The protected areas of Rwanda are facing various challenges resulting from the anthropogenic activities of the surrounding communities, especially in the adjacent area to Cyamudongo isolated rain forest, which results in soil degradation. Therefore, this study aims to broaden current knowledge on the impact of sustainable Agroforestry (AF) on soil-selected chemical and physical properties. To understand this, the permanent sample plots (PSPs) were established mainly in the designed four transects of four km long originating on the boundary of the Cyamudongo isolated rain forest following the slope gradient ranging from 1286 to 2015 m asl. A total number of 73 PSPs were established in the Cyamudongo study area. The Arc Map GIS 10.4 was used to design and map the sampling areas while GPS was used for localization of plots centers. Statistical significance was analyzed through R-software. The recorded soil pH means value across in Cyamudongo study area is 4.2, which is strongly acidic. The tests revealed that the soil pH, C, N, C: N ratio, OM, NH4+, NO3-+NO2-, PO43-, and CEC were significantly different in various soil depths. The pH, N, C: N ratio, CEC, NH4+, PO43-, and Al3+ showed a significant difference across land uses whereas the C and NO3-+NO2- did not show any statistical difference. All tested chemical elements showed a statistical difference as far as altitude ranges are concerned. The only NH4+, PO43-, and CEC showed significant differences with time whereas all other remaining chemical elements did not show any statistical significance. The soil pH was very strongly correlated with CEC, Mg, and Ca in cropland (CL) whereas it was strongly correlated in both AF and natural forest (NF) except for Mg, which was moderately correlated in AF. Furthermore, its correlation with K was strong in CL, and moderate in AF while it was weak in NF. Finally, the pH correlation with Na was weak in both AF and CL whereas it was negligible in NF.

Carbon Sequestration and Carbon Stock of Agroforestry Tree Species Around Cyamudongo Isolated Rain Forest and Arboretum of Ruhande, Rwanda

Agroforestry (AF) is widely considered the most important tool to mitigate climate change-related issues by removing Carbon (C) Dioxide (CO2) from the atmosphere and storing C. Therefore, this study aims to broaden current knowledge on the impact of sustainable Agroforestry (AF) on the C sequestration rate and C stock in the surroundings of Cyamudongo isolated rain forest and Ruhande Arboretum. To understand this, the permanent sample plots (PSPs) were established mainly in the four designed transects of four km long originating on the Cyamudongo isolated rain forest boundary following the slope gradient ranging from 1286 to 2015 m asl. A total number of 73 PSPs were established in the Cyamudongo study area while 3 PSPs were established in the Ruhande AF plot. The Arc Map GIS 10.4 was used to design and map the sampling areas while GPS was used for the localization of the plots. Statistical significance was analyzed through R-software. The estimated quantity of sequestrated C for 2 years and 34 years of AF species was 13.11 t C ha -1 yr-1 (equivalent to 48 t CO2 ha -1 yr-1) and 6.85 t ha-1 yr-1 (equivalent to 25.1 t CO2 ha -1 yr-1) in Cyamudongo and Ruhande respectively. The estimated quantity of C stored by the Ruhande AF plot is 232.94 t ha-1. In Cyamudongo, the overall C stored by the AF systems was 823 t ha-1 by both young tree species established by the Cyamudongo Project (35.84 t ha-1) and C stored by existing AF species before the existence of the Project (787.12 t ha-1). In all study areas, the Grevillea robusta contributed more to overall stored C. The correlation coefficients between tree diameter and living biomass ranged from moderate to very strong due to differences in terms of age, stage of growth, and tree species.

A Review of Sustainable Agroforestry Practices as Climate Change Adaption and Mitigation Strategy in Nigeria

Agroforestry is one of the most conspicuous land use systems across landscapes and agroecological zones in Nigeria. With food shortages and increased threats of climate change, interest in agroforestry is gathering for its potential to address various on-farm adaptation needs, and fulfill many roles in mitigation pathways. Agroforestry provides assets and income from carbon, wood energy, improved soil fertility and enhancement of local climate conditions; it provides ecosystem services and reduces human impacts on natural forests. Most of these benefits have direct benefits for local adaptation while contributing to global efforts to control atmospheric greenhouse gas concentrations. This paper presents recent findings on how agroforestry as a sustainable practice helps to achieve both mitigation and adaptation objectives while remaining relevant to the livelihoods of the poor smallholder farmers in Nigeria. Keywords: Review, sustainable, Mitigation, adaptation, climate change, strategy, Nigeria DOI: 10.7176/JEES/12-12-01 Publication date: December 31 st 2022

Induced response of soil properties and Oribatid mites (Acari, Cryptostigmata) community structure after the conversion of tropical secondary forests into oil palm and rubber plantations

The aim of investigation was to address the impacts of tropical forests conversion into agricultural land on changes in Oribatid mites’ communities as well as soil physico-chemical properties across 2–4 texturally distinct soils in La Mé and Grand Lahou, Côte d’Ivoire. The fieldwork was conducted in the humid period on two study sites: 1– rubber landscape (secondary forest, 7-, 12- and 25-year-old rubber plantations) and 2– oil palm landscape (secondary forest, 13-, 20- and 39-year-old oil palm plantations). Three sampling areas were established on each land-use type and age class, for a total of 24 sampling areas. In each sampling area, soil cores for Oribatid mite’s extraction were taken at a depth of 10 cm across a 40–50 m transect. The soil physical and chemical properties were also measured. The results showed a decrease in Oribatid density (–29% and –71%), species richness (–29% and –42%), diversity (–29% and –59%), soil organic carbon (–56% and –17%), total nitrogen (–55% and –12%) and soil organic matter (–56% and –17%), and an increase in bulk density (+28% and +21%), respectively after the conversion of the secondary forests into rubber and oil palm plantations. Whatever the study site, the soil physico-chemical and biological properties were more stabilized in the clay and clay sandy textures compared to sandy clay and sandy soil textures. Our findings suggest the incorporation of woody trees with an understory of nitrogen-fixing legume species as a cover crop, which can create a sustainable agroforestry system with improved land quality.

ASSESSMENT OF THE CURRENT STATE OF PROTECTIVE FOREST STRIPS OF VARIOUS WINDAGE

Forest strip systems have a multifunctional effect on agricultural landscapes, stabilize the agroecological situation, and form new sustainable agroforestry systems.
 Goal. On the basis of a comparative analysis of the taxation and reclamation parameters of the protective forest strips (PLP) of various windage to assess their current state.
 The novelty of the research lies in the assessment of the state of various types of ZLN consisting of curtains, wings, modular and linear forest strips on complex chestnut soils.
 Methods. The methodology included a survey of protective forest stands, laying of permanent test areas, determination of morphometric parameters taking into account the assortment of tree species and their condition. The width of the crown space, openwork, crown closeness coefficient, optical density, etc. were determined by the method of photographic images.
 Results. Most of the plantings were planted in the period from 1988-92 of the last century. Forest strips whose age exceeds 34 years were created in an ordinary way. In addition to the main breed, shrubs were present in the composition of the bands. Many years of experience in creating forest strips in the dry steppe has revealed the dependence of plantings on the conditions of the soil cover on which they are grown. Moreover, the successful survival of PZLP on meadow-chestnut soils is linked to depressions. Edaphic conditions become an important criterion when growing LP.
 Conclusion. When the edaphic conditions are significantly complicated, due to the complexity of soils and the rigidity of the climate, it is either extremely difficult or impossible to grow durable, stable and aerodynamically efficient tree plantations from tree species. In such cases, non-linear curtain and backstage plantings may be more reliable and effective.