Agroforestry Systems Research Articles

Productive efficiency of multiple cropping systems: further evidence of the effect of planting design

ABSTRACT A plethora of experiments with intercropping have established greater yield benefits in multiple cropping (MC) than sole crop (SC) systems. However, most of these experiments involved only two crop species cultivated in row intercropping, and rarely with complex planting designs. The only study of MC involving seven crops is Deb (2021), which showed that land equivalent ratio (LER) was greater in all MC plots than SC plots, but the MC plots planted in semi-random (SRAN) planting design were substantially more productive than those planted in row intercropping (ROW). This study repeats the MC trials with the same seven crop species, planted in replicated ROW and random (RAN) planting designs. Results of this study corroborate the previous findings. Analysis of inter-crop interaction strength further indicates that intra-specific competition is intensified in ROW, but is substantially curtailed in SRAN and RAN designs, where inter-specific facilitative effects prevail. This finding indicates that owing to greater additive intra-specific competition effects in regular planting designs, LER is consistently low in row intercropping; and conversely, LER spectacularly increases in disorderly (and) planting designs. This finding is consonant with the ancient practice of random mix agroforestry systems in the Global South.

Rubber intercropping with arboreal and herbaceous species alleviated the global warming potential through the reduction of soil greenhouse gas emissions

Agroforestry systems are known to enhance soil health and climate resilience, but their impact on greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions in rubber-based agroforestry systems across diverse configurations is not fully understood. Here, six representative rubber-based agroforestry systems (encompassing rubber trees intercropped with arboreal, shrub, and herbaceous species) were selected based on a preliminary investigation, including Hevea brasiliensis intercropping with Alpinia oxyphylla (AOM), Alpinia katsumadai (AKH), Coffea arabica (CAA), Theobroma cacao (TCA), Cinnamomum cassia (CCA), and Pandanus amaryllifolius (PAR), and a rubber monoculture as control (RM). Soil physicochemical properties, enzyme activities, and GHG emission characteristics were determined at 0–20 cm soil depth. The results showed that agroforestry systems significantly enhanced most of soil nutrient levels and enzyme activities. In 0–20 cm soil depth, all rubber plantations acted as net carbon dioxide (CO₂) and nitrous oxide (N₂O) resources, and net methane (CH₄) sinks. Compared with the RM, the CAA and CCA systems significantly increased the cumulative CO2 and N2O emissions, and the global warming potential (GWP) significantly increased in the CAA (36.78%) and CCA (7.18%) systems, whereas it significantly decreased in the AOM (6.61%), AKH (24.96%), TCA (14.24%), and PAR (41.01%) systems. The soil DOC concentration was the primary factor influencing GHG emissions and GWP. This study provides novel insights into GHG emissions from rubber agroforestry systems and serves as a fundamental reference for climate-smart land use management in rubber plantations. Intercropping rubber trees with arboreal and herbaceous species is recommended over shrub species, considering their beneficial effects in reducing soil GHG emissions and GWP for the sustainable development of rubber plantations on Hainan Island.

Woody Species Composition, Structure and Diversity of Trees-Based Agroforestry System in the Mid-Highlands, Konawe Regency, Southeast Sulawesi Province, Indonesia

This study aims to examine woody species composition, structure, and diversity of Tree-based agroforestry systems in the mid-highlands, Konawe Regency, Southeast Sulawesi Province, Indonesia. Data was collected in each observation plot in the agroforestry patterns. The total number of observation plots was thirty-three. The plot sizes for saplings 5m x 5m, poles 10m x 10m, and trees 20m x 20m. The results found there were 31 plant species composition belonging to 18 families. Plant species at the tree level 73%, herbaceous 10% and shrubs 17%, native endemic species 74%, and introduced 26%. A total of 77% of plant species were planted and 23% of species grew wild. The structures tree level vegetation with the highest importance value index (IVI) was the Tectona grandis species with IVI 144.9, the pole layers were Tectona grandis with IVI 126.7, and the sapling layers were Theobroma cacao with IVI 94.0. While the structures tree level vegetation with the lowest IVI was Artocarpus heterophyllus with IVI 13.4, the pole layers were Mangifera indica with IVI 13.2, and the sapling layers were Syzygium polyanthum and Citrus aurantiifolia with IVI 15.5. The highest species diversity index in the agroforestry of community forest was 1.7. Species richness index (M') and evenness index (E') were evenly distributed all in the agroforestry patterns with moderate criteria. The findings research show that agroforestry systems in the study area are diverse, with the different wood species compositions and structures. Keywords: Agroforestry, composition, community forest, konawe regency, species diversity, structure, southeast Sulawesi, vegetation.

Sociobioeconomic Effects of the Transition of Cocoa Grown in Agroforestry Systems to Full Sun in the Amazon

Objective: The goal of this research was to analyze the socioeconomic and environmental factors that define the technological transition in the microregion of Altamira. Theoretical framework: Cocoa (Theobroma cacao L.) farming in agroforestry systems (AFS), which have always been the structuring base of the production chain, have now combined this base with the monoculture system also called full-sun cocoa farming system. The good practices used differ from the perspective of sustainable development: the AFS operates with social and environmental dimensions and the full-sun cocoa farming system operates with economic dimensions. Results and conclusion: The four latent variables identified by Explanatory Factorial Analysis (EFA) indicated that the sociobioeconomic feasibility of cocoa farming with AFS is higher than that of Full-sun cocoa farming system, which is currently being implemented in the Trans-Amazon region. The conclusion is that cocoa farming with AFS dominated in the long-term generation of sociobioeconomic and may include new dynamics with the progress of certification and access to the carbon and ecosystems services market. Research implications: How do the cocoa stakeholders notice the effects of cocoa farming transition from AFS to a combination with the Full-sun farming in the supply chain? The EFA was applied to a data sample with the stakeholders from cocoa chain to define the latent variables and to analyze the strengths and weaknesses of cocoa farming via AFS and Full-sun. Originality/value: The Full-sun cocoa farming system is based only on the highest productivity resulted from the use of chemicals, mechanization and access to credit. The AFS presents higher yield, social inclusion, biodiversity preservation, and reducedy greenhouse gases emissions. Therefore, the organization of producers, cocoa certification and access to the carbon market can make the cocoa farming in the Trans-Amazon region more competitive, inclusive, and sustainable.

Integrating rainwater harvesting and organic soil amendment to enhance crop yield and soil nutrients in agroforestry

Abstract More than 90% of rainfed croplands in Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) are severely affected by highly intermittent rainfall and frequent drought limiting crop productivity in the region. Besides, 27.1% of the population in SSA are currently food insecure and this is likely to increase with the current rapid population growth in the region. Soil erosion and water scarcity remain to be the core problem affecting agricultural productivity of smallholder farming. In the current study, we analysed rainwater harvesting assisted small-scale agroforestry system in order to mitigate both soil erosion and water scarcity issues simultaneously. The system included in-situ rainwater harvesting, soil organic amendment (raw poultry litter, poultry litter biochar, wood ash) and an agroforestry system (AFS) containing maize, barley- Eucalyptus globulus all intercropped in a holistic approach. The effect was evaluated on selected soil parameters and crop yield in a field experiment on a completely randomized design. The treatments were poultry litter (PWAFS), poultry litter biochar (BWAFS) wood ash (AWAFS) with supplementary irrigation (WAFS) and agroforestry system AFS (control). The first three treatments contained poultry litter, poultry litter biochar and wood ash along with rainwater harvesting respectively while the fourth treatment contained only rainwater harvesting. Besides, a control plot-AFS was assigned with neither rainwater harvesting nor soil organic resources. The result indicated that BWAFS increased the pH by 19.4% followed by AWAFS and PWAFS (9%). Maximum and minimum SOM (2.26%, 1.21%) were observed under BWAFS and the control (AFS) respectively. BWAFS significantly increased Av.P by 78.1% while WAFS increased by 40% compared to the control. Similarly, BWAFS and PWAFS had significant effect on maize yield with increase by 74% and 36% respectively. The study concluded that integrating rainwater harvesting and soil amendment with agroforestry systems can enhance crop yield and soil nutrient levels. Therefore, such agricultural practices should be adopted by smallholder farmers in areas with limited water and nutrients levels.

Root growth and biomass partitioning of nine juvenile Sahelian agroforestry tree species under drought and irrigation treatments

Abstract Background and aims Root traits of tree species are of great importance for selection of trees in dry zone agroforestry systems. Climate models predict increased frequency and severity of drought in the Sahel but our understanding on the strategies of root growth of tree species under drought is limited. To increase our knowledge of species differences in rooting patterns we investigated root growth of nine dryland tree species in West Africa during one year when exposed to drought stress. Methods Seedlings were planted in 2 m tubes inserted into the soil and subjected to irrigation and drought (no irrigation during the dry season). After 4, 8 and 12 months, we assessed root growth and root biomass, supplemented with assessments of water potential, leaf phenology, and above-ground growth. Results Tree species showed significant differences in rooting profile. Drought induced deeper root growth, especially in deciduous species. Adansonia digitata, Sterculia setigera and Anacardium occidentale had shallow roots when irrigated. Acacia senegal, Acacia nilotica and Faidherbia albida had deeper root growth and showed clear differences in leaf water potential between treatments while A. digitata and S. setigera appeared to be water conserving under drought. Conclusions Our results link root growth with phenology, physiology and above-ground growth and provide an attempt to group dryzone tree species in functional types based on their root growth.

Estimation of the total carbon sequestration potential of coconut-gliricidia mixed cropping systems in Sri Lanka

Offsetting carbon footprints by sequestering carbon through plant biomasses has become a key concern under modern thinking on climate change mitigation. This study aimed to estimate the carbon sequestration capacities of coconut-based gliricidia mixed cropping systems in Sri Lanka and, importantly, to develop an allometric model for non-destructive estimation of carbon. Five major coconut age groups and four major gliricidia age groups were selected to estimate the total carbon stock. The age groups of coconut considered were 10, 20, 30, 40, and 50 years, with corresponding carbon stocks of 22.59, 34.99, 53.13, 63.40, and 66.03 Mg[C]ha-1, respectively. In gliricidia stands, carbon stocks were 25.53, 46.16, 83.83, and 106.09 Mg[C]ha-1, respectively, for age groups of 5, 10, 15, and 20 years. It is recommended that gliricidia be introduced as an intercrop in coconut plantations 20 years after the establishment of the latter. For this study, a 30-year-old coconut plantation with a 10-year-old gliricidia intercrop, along with its associated ground cover vegetation and soil carbon stock, were considered the benchmark agroforestry system. In the 30-year-old coconut monocropping system, the total carbon stock was 67.76 Mg[C]ha-1, which consisted of uniform coconut, 1.24 Mg[C]ha-1 from ground cover vegetation and 13.39 Mg[C]ha-1 from the soil carbon stock at a depth of 30 cm. The overall carbon sequestration rate for this monocropping system was 2.25 Mg[C]ha-1yr-1 and abated CO2 in 8.23 Mg[CO2]ha-1yr-1. In the 30-year-old coconut and 10-year-old gliricidia mixed cropping system, the total carbon stock was 114.83 Mg[C]ha-1, which consisted of uniform coconut and Gliricidia, 1.05 Mg[C]ha-1 from ground cover plants, and 14.49 Mg[C]ha-1 from soil carbon stock at a depth of 30 cm. Compared to the coconut monocropping system, the coconut-gliricidia mixed cropping system had a higher carbon sequestration rate of 6.84 Mg[C]ha-1yr-1 and abated CO2 in 25.03 Mg[CO2]ha-1yr-1, which are around three times higher than the monoculture system.

Estimating Vegetation Density Dynamics, Tree Diversity, and Carbon Stock in the Agroforestry System of the Community Forest in Bogor Regency, Indonesia

Mitigation actions to address climate change are essential to prevent future adverse impacts, with woody species in forests playing a pivotal role in carbon storage, as exemplified by the agroforestry systems commonly practiced in community forests of Bogor Regency, which integrate woody species and crops. This study aimed to analyze changes in vegetation density using the Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) approach, analyze stand structure and composition, and estimate above-ground carbon stocks in the agroforestry land of community forest in Tenjolaya Sub-District, Bogor Regency. The methods used were spatial analysis with NDVI, vegetation analysis, and carbon stock estimation using allometric and destructive methods. The plot size was 50 m × 50 m, totaling 21 plots. NDVI analysis resulted in low density (0.59–0.67), moderate density (0.67–0.78), and high density (0.78–0.85). This study found 178 plant species across 40 families, with Fabaceae and Myrtaceae being the most dominant. The carbon stock is 27.69 tons carbon/ha. Carbon stock is significantly influenced by tree density, number of species, and basal area values. A well-managed community forest has high ecological, economic, and social potential through the development of agroforestry, which can maintain biodiversity and environmental sustainability while storing carbon stocks. Keywords: above-ground carbon, agroforestry, community forest, normalized difference vegetation index, vegetation density

Aonla based agroforestry system- Ecologically and economically viable option for farmers in subtropical conditions of Himachal Pradesh, India

Aonla based agroforestry system- Ecologically and economically viable option for farmers in subtropical conditions of Himachal Pradesh, India

Soil organic carbon in tropical shade coffee agroforestry following land‐use changes in Mozambique

AbstractCoffee (Coffea L.) agroforestry systems (CAFS) and wooded grasslands (WG) have been pointed out as having high soil organic carbon (SOC) storage potential compared to monoculture systems. Studies analyzing the response of soil bulk density (BD) and SOC to the conversion of WG to slash‐and‐burn agriculture (SBA) and to CAFS are lacking in southern Africa. This study was conducted in the buffer zone of Gorongosa National Park (Mozambique), where depth profiles of BD and SOC were estimated to 0‐ to 100‐cm soil depth in WG, SBA, and CAFS sites, with coffee shrubs aged 3, 5, and 8 years after planting. The stratification ratio (SR) was used as an indicator of soil quality and recovery from disturbance. BD and SOC stocks varied significantly among land use systems and coffee ages only in the surface soil layer (0–20 cm). SOC stocks of the surface soil and SR increased with increasing coffee age. Compared to SBA, significant increases in SOC stocks were only observed 5 years after implementation of CAFS. WG conversion to SBA did not alter SOC stocks in any soil layer; however, it led to decreased SR. Surface SOC stocks were 25.6 and 33.7 Mg ha−1 in WG and SBA, and 28.0, 41.9, and 61.1 Mg ha−1 in 3‐ and 5‐ and 8‐year‐old CAFS (mean SOC accumulation of 6.65 Mg ha−1 year−1). This study reveals that CAFS have the potential to increase belowground carbon sequestration when compared to SBA and WG over comparable soils, making it a practical option for climate change mitigation.

Urea fertilization reduced biological N2 fixation but did not impact the development of legume trees in an agroforestry system

Urea fertilization reduced biological N2 fixation but did not impact the development of legume trees in an agroforestry system

Tree diversity, carbon sequestration and production potential of Oryza sativa L. in traditional agroforestry systems of Garhwal Himalaya, India

Agroforestry is an alternative land use practice that holds promise for societal benefits and the attainment of ecosystem sustainability. The objectives of this study were to evaluate the tree diversity, carbon sequestration, soil carbon pool, oxygen production and rice productivity under traditional agroforestry systems at different elevations in the Garhwal Himalayan region of India. Tree diversity, carbon sequestration and oxygen production were quantified by field measurements (using 0.04 ha quadrats) and subsequent calculations. Rice productivity was assessed using grain yield, straw yield and biological yield, while soil properties were analyzed in the laboratory using standard methods. Results of the study showed that tree diversity was higher at the 1200–1600 m elevation and had a maximum Shannon Diversity Index (1.29) and Simpson Diversity Index (0.69). The 1600–2000 m elevation stored more carbon (34.43 Mg ha−1) and total oxygen production (91.79 Mg ha−1). Among the agroforestry trees, Quercus leucotrichophora, Melia azedarach and Prunus cerasoides showed the highest carbon storage and total oxygen production. Elevation and soil depth were found to affect the soil properties. The agroforestry systems had higher soil organic carbon and lower bulk density than sole cropping systems. Compared to the agroforestry system, the monoculture produced more rice (Oryza sativa). The study shows that traditional agroforestry is a valuable tool for carbon sequestration and soil improvement, albeit with potential compromises in crop productivity. It emphasises the need for tailored management approaches to harness the ecological and environmental benefits of agroforestry in the Himalayas. This study draws attention to the potential of traditional agroforestry in the Garhwal Himalaya for carbon sequestration, climate change mitigation and soil quality improvement which provides a reference for striking a balance between the ecological advantages of agroforestry and the socio-economic considerations of local communities. However, it also underlines the importance of considering trade-offs between environmental benefits and crop yields when implementing such agroforestry systems.Graphical

Crecimiento del “shihuahuaco” Dipteryx ferrea (Ducke) Ducke en plantaciones bajo diferentes espaciamientos y tipos de suelo en Ucayali, Amazonía peruana

The results of experimental trials with Dipteryx ferrea (Ducke) Ducke, a forest species commonly known as "shihuahuaco", established under four different forest and agroforestry systems at the Alexander von Humboldt Experimental Center, Ucayali, at an altitude of 225 meters above sea level, are presented. These systems were differentiated by spatial arrangement, initial spacing, soil type, and were 11 years old. Measurements of total height, diameter at breast height (DBH), basal area, and timber volume of the plantations were obtained. The results demonstrate the growth potential, survival, and productivity of D. ferrea in both pure and mixed open-field plantations. System 1, on Plinthic acrisol soil, flat physiography, and 5 × 5 m spacing, showed the highest average DBH, total height, and dominant height, with values of 20.23 cm, 13.9 m, and 16.8 m, respectively. These results are statistically superior (p < 0.05) to those of other analyzed plantations and indicate promising performance. In terms of productivity, system 3, on Plinthic gleysol soil, flat physiography, and 2 × 2 m spacing, exhibited the highest values of basal area and roundwood volume, with 38.40 m2 /ha and 243.3 m3 /ha, respectively, statistically superior to the other systems, but also heavily influenced by the high plantation density. These findings suggest encouraging prospects for establishing D. ferrea plantations in forestry settings.

Trees shape the soil microbiome of a temperate agrosilvopastoral and syntropic agroforestry system

Agroforestry systems are multifunctional land-use systems that promote soil life. Despite their large potential spatio-temporal complexity, the majority of studies that investigated soil organisms in temperate cropland agroforestry systems focused on rather non-complex systems. Here, we investigated the topsoil and subsoil microbiome of two complex and innovative alley cropping systems: an agrosilvopastoral system combining poplar trees, crops, and livestock and a syntropic agroforestry system combining 35 tree and shrub species with forage crops. Increasing soil depth resulted in a decline of bacterial and fungal richness and a community shift towards oligotrophic taxa in both agroforestry systems, which we attribute to resource-deprived conditions in subsoil. At each soil depth, the microbiome of the tree rows was compositionally distinct from the crop rows. We detected a shift towards beneficial microorganisms as well as a decline in putative phytopathogens under the trees as compared to the crop rows. Finally, based on our results on community dissimilarity, we found that compared to an open cropland without trees, spatial heterogeneity introduced by the tree rows in the agrosilvopastoral system translated into a compositionally less homogeneous soil microbiome, highlighting the potential of agroforestry to counteract the homogenization of the soil microbiome through agriculture.

Comparing carbon agronomic footprint and sequestration in Central American coffee agroforestry systems and assessing trade-offs with economic returns.

Agricultural systems are both emitters of greenhouse gases and have the potential to sequester carbon, especially agroforestry systems. Coffee agroforestry systems offer a wide range of intensities of use of agricultural inputs and densities and management of shade trees. We assessed the agronomic carbon footprint (up to farm gate) and modelled the carbon sequestration of a range of coffee agroforestry systems across 180 farms in Costa Rica and Guatemala. The agronomic carbon footprint included upstream, direct and indirect processes associated with chemical and organic fertiliser use and energy consumption (excluding processing of cherries). Carbon sequestration was modelled using the CAF2021 model a processed based model of the C, N and water dynamics specifically designed for coffee agroforestry systems. The carbon footprint per kg of coffee cherries was significantly and positively related to the level of nitrogen inputs. Modelled changes in C stocks i.e. carbon sequestration was significantly and positively related to the Leaf Area Index (LAI) of the trees, and the levels of nitrogen inputs. Increasing nitrogen inputs per hectare was positively associated with emission per kg as nitrogen efficiency varied significantly across the sample. The net carbon balance, defined as sequestration minus CO2e emissions was also positively related to shade tree LAI but negatively with yield and N application. Carbon positive farms were characterized by shade cover over 60%, but low yields and low net income. However, farms that were close to carbon neutral had higher yields and higher net income, with shade levels of about 50% cover, while carbon negative farms which had shade cover averaging 40%. Nevertheless, farms showed a large variation in performance with all combinations of positive and negative for carbon balance and net income. However, among the farms with a positive net income, those with a positive carbon balance had a significantly lower net income than those that were carbon negative (i.e. net emitters). This confirms the economic trade-off for farmers seeking to maximise these two goals. If farmers are expected to generate positive carbon balances and potentially to offset emissions higher in the supply chain, then they should receive economic support to compensate continued on-farm carbon accumulation.

Effects of functional diversity on ecosystem services in cocoa agroforestry systems in Costa Rica

Effects of functional diversity on ecosystem services in cocoa agroforestry systems in Costa Rica

Woody species composition and diversity of agroforestry homegardens along altitudinal gradient in southwest Ethiopia.

Homegarden agroforestry systems that integrate trees with agricultural practices are usually valued for the conservation of farm biodiversity. Despite the system having a significant conservation role, litle is known on woody species composition and diversity following the elevation belt of southwest Ethiopia. A complete enumeration of 72 homegardens (24 each from altitudinal gradient) was purposively selected for woody species inventory. A total of 55 woody species belonging to 31 families and 45 genera were recorded. Of which, 56.4% of woody species are indigenous and two are endemic to Ethiopia. Family Fabaceae was the most represented family with eight species. The highest species richness (42) was observed at high altitudes followed by 39 species at middle and 31 species at low altitudes but no significant difference between them. Species richness significantly (P < 0.001) increased with increasing wealth status. The overall richness distribution was 46, 40, and 27 across rich, medium, and poor wealth classes respectively. Shannon diversity index differed significantly between poor and rich households. Pearson correlation result shows a strong positive and significant correlation between richness and wealth status. The mean woody species density was 89.06±9.25 and 1236.22±131.42 per garden and hectare, respectively. Stem density was significantly higher (P < 0.001) in wealthier farms. We found that, in southwestern Ethiopia wealthier agroforestry farms can support more woody species diversity in homegardens.

Livestock shifts lepidopteran herbivore community due to intraguild elimination in Mediterranean agroforestry systems.

Livestock grazing and trampling have been shown to reduce arthropod populations. Among arthropods, defoliating lepidopterans are particularly important for their impact on trees, the keystone structures of agroforestry systems. This study investigates the impact of livestock on the community of defoliating lepidopterans in agroforestry systems. We conducted both experimental and observational studies in the mid-west and western regions of the Iberian Peninsula. In our field experiment, we sampled lepidopteran caterpillars in areas with livestock and in areas where livestock had been excluded for short and long periods. To validate our experimental results, we conducted a field survey across seven areas with and without livestock in the western Iberian Peninsula. Our findings revealed that after 2 years from the start of the experiment, the exclusion of livestock led to an increase in the abundance and species richness of lepidopterans, as well as shifts in their community composition. Our experimental findings were corroborated by our field survey. Interestingly, we found that the differences in community composition among exclusions were primarily due to species nestedness. Livestock exclusion consistently favored species that pupate in the ground, suggesting that livestock can alter the lepidopteran community by predating or accidentally trampling these species. This study underscores the significant role livestock play in modifying the community of defoliating lepidopterans in Mediterranean agroforestry systems (oak savannahs), with important implications for food webs and species interactions.

A novel approach to use the DayCent model for simulating agroforestry systems with multiple components

Agroforestry can offer carbon sequestration, higher system productivity and biodiversity. However, a limited number of field experiments exist to study their feasibility and trade-offs for large scale deployment. Agroecosystem models could represent a valuable tool for their ex ante assessment. Here, we present ZonalCent, a novel approach to use the DayCent model to simulate multi-component agroforestry systems by splitting them into several independent zones, and simulating each zone individually. We used six agroforestry sites in France to evaluate how well ZonalCent represented carbon sequestration in tree biomass, soil organic carbon stocks and in the total system. This proved promising because with the default parameter set of DayCent, ZonalCent was highly suitable to represent tree carbon sequestration (Nash–Sutcliffe modelling efficiency; NSE of 0.86), and suitable for total system carbon sequestration potential (NSE of 0.55), despite a tendency to overestimate SOC stocks (NSE of 0.38). Only one site had yield data and there, ZonalCent approach could approximate the mean yield reduction—yet more detailed evaluation is necessary. Negative correlations showed that simulated yield was most strongly affected by (a) shading by mature trees and (b) the loss of arable area due to grass strips. While more detailed models may be needed for a detailed process understanding, ZonalCent includes the most important interactions (light, water, nutrients, temperature) in a simple but effective way and can be readily used—because it is based on DayCent—to estimate the potential carbon sequestration of agroforestry systems at larger scales.

Livestock farmer-reported knowledge and attitudes regarding agroforestry planning and management

This study aimed to explore the knowledge and attitudes of livestock farmers from the United Kingdom regarding agroforestry planning and management issues. The farmers (n = 48) answered an online survey with demographic, open, closed and Likert scale questions. Almost half of the participants said they need more information to successfully plan and manage an agroforestry system, and self-reported low knowledge on management practices related to trees. Participants stated they did not expect to receive technical support from governmental agencies to maintain the agroforestry area. However, they would like to improve their knowledge through field days, courses, and Internet sources. Benefits to the environment, animals and farm profitability were considered central to successful agroforestry systems. In conclusion, participants cannot successfully plan and manage agroforestry, but they are willing to improve their knowledge and skills.