Types Of Agroforestry Systems Research Articles

Metabolic and Biochemical Performances of Abaca (<i>Musa textilis</i> Née) under Intermediate and Advanced Phase Agroforestry System

Abaca, one of the potential fiber crops with high-quality fiber and promising economic value, is mainly established under the agroforestry system, for it is considered a non-primary crop. The study aims to observe the metabolic and biochemical performance as well as the fiber quality of abaca under the agroforestry system. The experimental design used in this study was nested with two types of agroforestry systems, i.e., intermediate phase (Fase Tengah, FT) and advanced phase (Fase Lanjutan, FL) and was conducted during the rainy season. Parameters observed in this study were divided into edaphic and climatic parameters, oxidative response parameters, foliage macro- and micronutrient, and fiber quality. Despite poor soil quality compared to FL, higher relative humidity (4.35%), lower temperature (2.73%), and lower shading intensity were observed in FT. Improved soil characteristics in FL, viz. soil water content (19.64%), organic carbon (72.89%), porosity (4.29%), cation exchange capacity (13.77%), and pH (35.13%), were unable to compensate plant stress induced by the high shading intensity at 83.99%. Consequently, it contributed to higher levels of malondialdehyde, superoxide anion, hydrogen peroxide, superoxide dismutase, peroxidase, and phenol by 0.07%, 1.86%, 32.66%, 0.08%, 14.63%, and 35.08%, respectively, due to shading stress. Nevertheless, ascorbic acid content in FL was lower (18.90%) compared to FT. Higher fiber diameter (23.53%) and tensile strength (18.77%) of abaca in FT were observed compared to FL. The improved microclimatic conditions under FT promoted the high adaptability of abaca to poor soil quality. Therefore, it contributed to enhanced growth and fiber quality compared to FL. Pruning is pivotal to managing shading intensity.

Nutritional quality parameters of tomato genotypes in a hedgerow system

AbstractTomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.) is grown worldwide in open fields and greenhouses in a range of climate conditions. Hedgerows are a type of agroforestry systems that monitors ecological and influence microclimate conditions. An experiment was conducted at the Soroksár experimental field of the Hungarian University of Agriculture and Life Sciences in 2022 to investigate the influence of hedgerow technology on tomato plant leaves, N, P, K, chlorophyll, and carotene mineral levels from different distances, Exposed sides W1-3m, W2-9m and W3-15m and Protected sides NP1-3m, NP2-9m and NP3-15m, meters from the hedgerow trees.The results investigate potassium and carotene, as well as chlorophyll b levels, are less differed among the protected and exposed side of the hedgerows trees, while the others were impacted to a certain extent; nitrogen and chlorophyll content was generally higher on the exposed side regardless of variety, while in the case of phosphorus adverse effects were observed. Distance from the hedge showed similar patterns for all traits. The results will help to better understand the impact of alternate technologies on tomato production in open-field conditions.

Agroforestry Ecosystem Structure and the Stability Improvement Strategy in Control of Karst Desertification

Agroforestry systems (AFS) are priority semi-natural ecosystems in fragile ecological zones. The complexity and diversity of their species structure play a crucial role in maintaining AFS stability. To explore the optimization of improvement strategies in AFS’ structure and stability for control of karst desertification (KD), in this study, we chose typical desertification control areas in the southern China karst region. The study included homegarden (HG), agrisilviculture (ASV), and multipurpose woodlots (MWLs) as three AFS. We quantified the AFS’ structural characteristics using descriptive statistics and spatial structure parameters. We used the fuzzy integrated evaluation method with structural and functional indicators as guidelines, and stand structure, plant species diversity, soil fertility, and environmental factors as first-level evaluation indicators. The entropy weight method calculates the weights of indicators at all levels. The fuzzy comprehensive evaluation method establishes an evaluation index system to evaluate the grading of AFS’ stability. The results showed that: (i) The species composition of the AFS in the KD control areas had a simple structure, the overall diversity level was low, and the diversity level of herbaceous plants was better than that of woody plants. (ii) The overall distribution curves of diameter at breast height (DBH), tree height (TH), and crown width (CW) of woody plants in the AFS in the KD control areas were slight to the left, with a single-peaked pattern, mostly randomly and unevenly distributed in space, with a low degree of tree species isolation and relatively weak stand stability. (iii) There was variability in the stability classes of different types of AFS, overall reflecting the ranking HG > ASV > MWLs. (iv) When structural optimization was applied, corresponding measures can be taken according to farmers’ wishes for different types of AFS and their primary business purposes. The improvement of stability depends mainly on the utility of the structural optimization applied coupled with positive human interference (for example, pruning, dwarfing, and dense planting). This study provides a scientific reference for maintaining the stability of AFS and promoting service provision.

Long-term implementation of a silvopastoral system enhances soil P availability and bacterial diversity

A silvopastoral system (SPS) is defined as a type of agroforestry system wherein grasses combine with legumes, shrubs, and trees for animal nutrition. Its use, as an alternative to grasslands, represents a promising strategy to increase livestock industry sustainability. In this work, we explored the long-term impact of the implementation of a SPS on soil P nutrition, soil phosphomonoesterase activity, and microbial diversity. For this, we harnessed a 9-year-old SPS consisting of a tree (Alnus acuminata), two shrubs (Sambucus nigra and Sambucus peruviana), and a grass (Cenchrus clandestinrr44us), as well as a nearby pasture consisting solely of the C. clandestinus grass, which we used for comparison. We collected samples during the rainy and dry seasons. The implementation of the SPS enhanced the availability of labile soil P, compared to the nearby pasture; this increase concomitantly occurred with a decrease of moderately-labile P. We also noted that labile Pi and Po significantly correlated with alkaline phosphomonoesterase activity, suggesting a potential role of this soil enzymatic activity on P availability within the SPS. There was an increase of diversity and a shift in the bacterial community in the SPS compared to the pasture. Within the SPS, the tree and shrub strips had the largest influence on soil P availability and phosphomonesterase activity. Altogether, this study documents the benefits of the implementation of a SPS on soil P availability and bacterial diversity.

Classification and Socio-Economic Benefits of Agroforestry Systems in Soin Ward, Kericho County, Kenya

Agroforestry Systems (AFS) are integrated land use systems involving trees, agricultural crops, and animals simultaneously or sequentially, with the objective of sustainably increasing their total productivity per unit area. Despite strong literature evidence describing the benefits of agroforestry to livelihoods in other parts of the world, there is little information as such in Soin Ward of Kericho County, where sugarcane competes with tea as a major cash crop. This study aimed at classifying agroforestry systems and evaluating their socio-economic benefits in Soin Ward, Kericho County, Kenya. The study adopted a qualitative research design through the administration of pretested questionnaires on types of agroforestry systems, the scale of production, land utilisation, preference of trees and sugar cane varieties and their interactions with 384 respondents in lower, upper, and midland parts of Soin Ward. Four (4) classes of agroforestry systems were identified that comprised (48.2% agrosilvopastoral, 31.6% agrosilvicultural, and 20.2% silvopastoral); (16.2% protective and 83.8% productive); (45.7% subsistence and 54.3% commercial), and integrated farm-based agroforestry 47.4%, homestead (6.8%), animal farm (31.4%), dairy farm (1.4%), and forest land (13%) respectively. The majority of the respondents (42.7%) preferred Grevillea tree species for blending with sugarcane in a tree-sugarcane agroforestry system in comparison with cypress (29.4%), eucalyptus (15.1%), casuarina (12.6%), and calliandra (0.2%) respectively. Sixty (61.7%) plant trees along the boundary, 24% as woodlot, hedge raw (8.9%), intercropping/mixed (3.1%), and alley cropping (2.3%). Direct benefits from the identified agroforestry systems include; income (67.6%), food (8.3%), and employment (24.1%). Indirect benefits include provision of biofuel (21.9%), enhanced soil fertility (21.1%), bio drainage (20.4%), biodiversity conservation (19.4%), carbon absorption (17.2%), improvement of social amenities such as roads (27.2%), markets (25.8%), hospitals (19.3%), schools (18.5% and electricity (9.2%).Constraints faced by the agroforestry systems include; long waiting payback (39.2%), limited possibilities to sell products (28.3%), labour intensive (27.8%), and knowledge and technology gap (4.7%). Such results are useful for policy-making decisions towards afforestation and improved livelihoods in Kenya

Validation of a behavior observation form for geese reared in agroforestry systems

Agroforestry systems, which are based on the integration of trees and animals, represent a useful practice for implementing the “One Welfare” concept. Geese could adapt well to these systems due to their kinetic and grazing abilities. However, the lack of specific ethograms and animal-based measures have not yet allowed a deep assessment of their welfare and behavior. The aim of this study was to develop and validate a protocol to evaluate the behavior of geese reared in two agroforestry systems (i.e., apple orchard and vineyard). Thus, a behavior observation form (BOF) including a specific ethogram was proposed, and its interobserver reliability, content, criterion and construct validity were determined. Moreover, the influence of the time of day and type of agroforestry system on geese's behavior was also investigated. Agreement and principal component analyses, as well as the comparison between data collected through direct observation by the BOF and indirect observation by a computerized system, supported the reliability and validity of the proposed protocol. While the BOF also highlighted differences in the behavior expressed by the geese according to the time of day and the environmental context, both the vineyard and apple orchard systems seem to meet their biological and behavioral needs.

Soil characteristics under dominant agroforestry systems along toposequence of Gedeo, Southeastern Ethiopia

Soil fertility is important in influencing productivity in agroecosystems. The interaction of trees and crops in different agroforestry systems considerably affects soil fertility and crop productivity. Information on the effect of different land-use systems on soil physicochemical properties in the Gedeo, Southern Ethiopia is insufficient. Therefore, the objective of this study was to examine the influence of three different types of agroforestry systems (Home garden/HG/, Ficha system/FS/, and Parkland/PL/) on soil physicochemical properties. The soil sample was investigated in two soil depths (0–30 cm and 30–60 cm), and a total of 54 composite samples representing different agroforestry systems. The result revealed that the soil pH of HG and FS had significantly higher (P < 0.05) than PL, and the highest soil organic carbon, organic matter, and Cation exchange capacity were observed in ficha system and homegarden agroforestry system, while the lowest values were recorded in PL. the lowest content of Av. P (4.05) and K(1.48)were observed on the PL, whereas the highest value of Av. P(8.65) and K(5.62) respectively were recorded in HG. The result established that land use and management practice have influenced the soil physicochemical properties studied. Based on these findings, FS and HG systems have enormous potential to enhance soil fertility and reduce mining of soil nutrients and more sustainable system. Overall, we conclude that an organic material addition is likely to be an important feature of many of the solutions to the low level of soil nutrients in the agroforestry system.

Adoption of Silvopastoral Agroforestry System for a Sustainable Cattle Production in Nigeria

Silvopastoral systems are agroforestry systems that involves a combination of tree growing with the production of livestock. This type of agroforestry system has the potential to improve hydric balance, enhances biodiversity conservation, increases organic livestock proximity index, allows cleaner cattle production, improves cattle production per hectare, improves carbon sequestration, reduce greenhouse gases and significantly reduce /eliminate herder -farmer conflicts in Nigeria . Hence, this paper reviews and introduces the adoption of silvopastoral agroforestry system for a sustainable cattle production in Nigeria using literatures. Types of silvopastoral systems includes Fodder bank systems, live fence or boundary systems, hedgerow intercropping systems and tree plantation with animal grazing systems. There is limited information on silvopastoral system in Nigeria, hence the need to carry out more research and studies on its acceptability and sustainability in the future.

Agroforestry systems and their impact on livelihood improvement of tribal farmers in a tropical moist deciduous forest in Bangladesh

This study investigates the composition of and preferences by farmers related to trees and crops planted in agroforestry systems, and their role on the livelihood of tribal farmers in a tropical moist deciduous forest in Tangail, Bangladesh. Data was collected from 150 tribal farmers practicing different types of agroforestry systems in Madhupur Sal forest, using a mixed-method strategy that included a survey, focus group discussion, key informant interviews, and direct observation. According to the results, tribal farmers used a total of 22 trees and 33 crop species in their existing agroforestry systems, indicating a rich composition and high diversity. Acacia auriculiformis was the most common tree species (with 82% of farmers possessing this species), followed by Mangifera indica (75%), Acacia sp. (73%), and Gmelina arborea (54%). Interviews revealed that agroforestry systems have provided numerous benefits and greatly enhanced farmers’ livelihoods through better access to food, timber, fodder, and fuelwood and greater access to livelihood capitals (except social capital). Though agroforestry practices increase species diversity, provide economic returns, and help farmers maintain their livelihoods, tribal farmers face several constraints including bureaucracy and a lack of alternative market facilities. Our study can be of interest for future policy interventions focusing on sustainable reforestation practices, how to solve the problems faced by the farmers, and livelihood improvement in Bangladesh.

Homegarden agroforestry systems in achievement of Sustainable Development Goals. A review.

Homegarden, a type of agroforestry system, is one of the earliest thriving traditional food systems reported. Studying the contribution of homegardens in the context of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) is crucial when the COVID-19 pandemic has hindered the achievement of many of the crucial SDGs. In this review, we focused on 94 peer-reviewed papers on homegardens from 2010 to 2021 to interrelate them with the corresponding targets and indicators of each SDG. The SDGs were classified into five categories, each focusing on a specific aspect: Category 1 (SDGs 1–5, poverty dimension), Category 2 (SDGs 6–9, development infrastructures), Category 3 (SDGs 10–12, sustainable production and consumption), Category 4 (SDGs 13–15, green infrastructures), and Category 5 (SDGs 16–17, green institutions). The distribution of the 94 papers analyzed was 92%, 23%, 33%, 51%, and 50% in each of the SDG categories, respectively. Category 1 and SDG 2 were found to be most realized in the homegarden literature. Important observations were found that highlight homegardens’ probable use in providing food security, nutritional needs, health and wellness, preservation of agrobiodiversity, and enduring sustainability. Homegardens appear to be an important strategy for attaining the SDGs and can be accomplished with proper planning, in addition to taking into consideration how the traditional societies have sustained it for long.Supplementary InformationThe online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s13593-022-00781-9.

Agroforestry systems associated with natural regeneration: alternatives practiced by family-farmers of Tomé-Açu, Pará

The objective of this article was to analyze the benefits of Agroforestry Systems (AFSs) association with natural regeneration promoted by family farmers of Tomé-Açu, Pará, Brazil. Based on 46 previous interviews with family farmers, 12 of them were selected due to the presence of AFSs with different levels of tree species diversity, in which richness and diversity of tree species were taken into account. In addition, the measurement of the floristic variables was carried out. Results showed that 17% of the AFSs have natural regeneration corridors. This type of AFS has high species richness and diversity (Shannon-Weaner = 2.5), and its main characteristic is the presence of regeneration corridors of secondary forests. Therefore, farmers make production and forest regeneration compatible, and: a) maintain in their AFSs environmental services provided by regenerated secondary forests, b) ensure food security for their families, and c) they may have financial incomes from selling AFS products.

Hedge and Alder-Based Agroforestry Systems: Potential Interventions to Carbon Sequestration and Better Crop Productivity in Indian Sub-Himalayas

Agroforestry systems (AFSs) have potential to combat climate change and to ensure food security. AFSs can sequester carbon and amend the organic matter, thereby enhancing the crop productivity. Carbon sequestration depends on the type of AFSs, climate, cropping pattern, and management practices. The aim of this study was to evaluate different AFSs for their potential to sequester carbon and impact on soil organic matter (SOM) in the eastern sub-Himalayas, India. Hedge-, alder-, and guava-based AFSs were established along with control (without any tree), and the maize–mustard–potato cropping pattern was followed in each AFS. Soil samples were collected after the fifth crop cycle and further analyzed. The results showed that crop productivity was significantly higher in all the AFSs than control. On average, soil organic carbon (SOC) was found to be significantly higher by 62 and 64% in hedge-based AFSs as compared to guava-based AFSs and control, respectively, and at par with alder-based AFSs. Particulate organic carbon (POC) was higher in all the three AFSs than in the control. For microbial biomass carbon (MBC) and microbial biomass nitrogen (MBN) contents, the trend of AFSs was expressed as alder-based AFS &amp;gt; hedge-based AFS &amp;gt; guava-based AFS &amp;gt; control. Hedge- and alder-based AFSs had higher SOC stocks than guava-based AFSs and control. Carbon dioxide equivalent (CO2 eq.) emissions were greater in control than hedge-based AFSs (35.2 Mg ha−1), followed by alder-based AFSs (28.6 Mg ha−1), and the lowest was observed in guava-based AFSs. On an average, hedge species accumulated more nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), and potassium (K), which were 60, 12, and 28 kg ha−1 yr−1, respectively. This conclusively proved that AFSs were significantly affecting SOM pools and crop productivity and had a significant role in carbon retention in the soil. Overall, hedge- and alder-based AFSs retained higher soil carbon, and hence, hedge- and alder-based AFSs may be promoted to achieve climate-smart agriculture practices in the acid soils of the Indian sub-Himalayan region.

Short-term modifications of mycorrhizal fungi, glomalin and soil attributes in a tropical agroforestry

Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) community and the Glomalin-related soil protein (GRSP) they produce plays important roles in maintaining soil ecosystem functions, promoting ecological restoration, and are important for monitoring changes in soil health from land use change. This research addressed the subtle modifications of AMF and GRSP in different land use types and their association with soil properties. Our objectives were: 1) to assess land use effects on AMF spore density, diversity, and composition besides glomalin fractions (EEG, easily extracted GRSP; TG, total GRSP), and 2) to quantify the relationships between glomalin, AMF community metrics, soil organic carbon (SOC), and key soil quality parameters. Soils were collected in the dry and rainy seasons of 2018 under five land uses, including: three types of agroforestry systems (AS1, AS2 and AS3), an unmanaged pasture and a secondary forest in the state of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Linear mixed-effects model and multivariate analyses showed that land uses had influenced the AMF community, meanly at the family level. On the other hand, seasonality has not proved to be an essential factor that modulates the changes of the AMF community and glomalin production. The management practices had influenced AMF sporulation and the number of total species in agroforestry systems. Glomalin is a potential contributor for SOC, mainly in agroforestry systems and pasture plots. Moreover, we found a correlation between the AMF community and key soil parameters. For example, most of the AMF families and spore density were positively correlated with the stability of soil aggregates and SOC. Our findings shed light on that land-use change can shift the AMF community, glomalin and their relationship to key soil quality parameters. Moreover, the adoption of agroforestry systems indicates maintenance of biodiversity and other soil quality parameters with future implications for their use to recover degraded areas.

Contributions of Agroforestry Systems to Food Provisioning of Peasant Households: Conflicts and Synergies in Chiapas, Mexico

Traditional agroforestry systems are widely recognized for their contributions to provisioning, support, regulation, and cultural services. However, because of the advancement of industrial agriculture and a corporative food system, peasants' food systems are rapidly undergoing transformation. We identify the contributions of four types of agroforestry systems (AFS)—shade cocoa agroforest, shade coffee agroforest, milpas and homegardens—to food provisioning in peasant families and discuss conflicts between traditional food systems and the contemporary industrial model of production and consumption confronted by peasants and semi-proletarian migrants. We carried out research in 17 peasant communities in Chiapas, Mexico, and conducted 97 semi-structured interviews and agroecological inventories with peasant families, and 15 interviews with semi-proletarian families laboring in shade-grown coffee plantations. Thirty-nine weekly food diaries were applied in two communities. We recorded 108 plant species belonging to 49 botanic families. These species play an important role as sources of carbohydrates, protein, vitamins, minerals, and fatty acids. Despite the extraordinary agrobiodiversity of peasant agroecosystems, peasant families (PF) are changing their AFS' structure, composition and functions due to the influence of agribusiness, global markets, and public policies that orient changes in production and marketing, which in turn devalue local food, agrobiodiversity, and knowledge. Changing perceptions regarding the value of “good food” vs. “food of the poor” and competition over land use between traditional and modern systems are driving changes in diet, food sources, and health of PF who are including industrialized foods in their diets, driving changes in consumption patterns and affecting human health. For semi-proletarian migrants laboring in coffee plantations, land access in and outside of the plantation and strengthening social networks could mean access to healthier and culturally appropriate foods. While peasants have historically responded to market and household needs, articulating both activities to satisfy family needs and provide income is limited. This work highlights the urgent need to acknowledge the non-monetary value of local foods, agrobiodiversity, local knowledge, community building, and the need to work towards securing land access for landless workers in Latin America.

Influence of agroforestry system modalities on maize (Zea mays) yield in an Amazon ecosystem

Corn is among the short-cycle annual species used in agroforestry systems due to its adaptation to intercropping. Thus, this study aimed to evaluate the corn yield, cultivar BIO Z 2365, in two types of agroforestry systems. The experiment was carried out in a forestry agroforestry system in two treatments: mechanized with mineral fertilizer and semi-mechanized with organic fertilizer. The experiment was carried out in a forestry agroforestry system (AFSs), with two treatments, mechanized with mineral fertilizers (MEC) and semi-mechanized with organic fertilizers (SMEC). Each treatment was composed of four crop strips (4 x 24 m) distributed with plants arranged at a distance of 0.50 m between lines, totaling four plots per treatment. A random collection of 20 plants per strip was used, and different variables related to production were evaluated. The productivity was estimated using the EMATER and Reetz methods and by estimating the direct yield. The t-test was adopted to verify the difference between treatments. The mechanized system was superior for all the variables evaluated, obtaining average yield of 41.6 bags ha-1. In the semi-mechanized system, the average yield was 29.2 bags ha-1. The performance of cultivar BIO Z 2365 was better in the mechanized system. However, the results revealed that the cultivation of short-cycle crops, despite technological restrictions in the experimental area, can mean an increase in income for small producers or act in reducing the costs of the implementation and maintenance in agroforestry systems; operating as an agent of economic sustainability.

Impact of Agroforestry Systems on Mineral Fertility of Soils under Cocoa Trees in Toumodi, Côte D'ivoire

Aims: To evaluate the impact of different agroforestry systems on the mineral fertility of soils under cocoa trees.&#x0D; Place and duration of study: The experiment was conducted in the field from June to August 2020 in three types of cocoa-based agroforestry systems identified in Toumodi (Côte d'Ivoire) between the northern latitudes 6°19'37 and 6°34'51 and the western longitudes 5°19'58 and 5°20'02. in the forest-savanna transition zone&#x0D; Methodology: Agroforestry systems define a method of setting up plantations associating various trees with cocoa trees. The choice of cocoa plantations was guided by the density of trees associated with cocoa trees defining a typology of agroforests (simple, mixed or complex). Thus, in each agroforestry system considered, three delimited plots of 100 m2 were randomly placed to make a floristic inventory of the species encountered and each time to take elementary soil samples in the first horizons at 0-20 cm and 20 - 40 cm depth to constitute the composite samples for chemical analyses in the laboratory.&#x0D; Results: The study identified and recorded floristically, 17 families (Anacardiaceae, Apocynaceae, Arecaceae, Bombacaceae, Caricaceae, Combretaceae, Euphorbiaceae, Invingiaceae, Lauraceae, Meliaceae, Mimosaceae, Moraceae, Musaceae, Myristicaceae, Rutaceae, Sterculiaceae, Verbenaceae) distributed in 27 local plant species of which 55.55% of the species and a density of 55 trees/hectare in SAGS, 70.37% of the species and a density of 155.33 trees/hectare in MAGS and 81.40% of the species 224.33 trees/hectare in CAGS. These arboricultural species introduced or maintained in the plantations are generally species with shade, food, economic or medicinal interests. In terms of the chemical fertility generated, it appears that the contents of major elements and trace elements, as well as the clay-humus complex of the soils under cocoa trees were globally satisfactory and more important in the superficial horizons at a depth of 0-20 cm than in the underlying horizon of 20-40 cm, whatever the type of agroforestry system considered, but much more so in MAGS than in CAGS and SAGS in decreasing order. The different positive (R=0.80) or negative (R=-0.80) correlations established between the mineral elements in the surface horizons contribute to enrich the soil by synergistic or antagonistic effects in the agroforestry systems of Toumodi, Côte d'Ivoire.&#x0D; Conclusion: The study showed that each forest agroforestry system has distinct characteristics that can be summarized mainly by its floristic diversity and density of associated trees. They are all not only preservers of a certain level of biodiversity and chemical fertility of the soils under cocoa trees, but much more so at 0-20cm than at 20-40cm. However, AGM would be more likely to improve production in a sustainable way by its capacity to establish a nutritional balance in the soil. It can be recommended during the establishment of cocoa plantations in Côte d'Ivoire.

Prediction model for sap flow in cacao trees under different radiation intensities in the western Colombian Amazon

In this study, we measured diurnal patterns of sap flow (Vs) in cacao trees growing in three types of agroforestry systems (AFs) that differ in the incident solar radiation they receive. We modeled the relationship of Vs with several microclimatic characteristics of the AFs using mixed linear models. We characterized microclimatic variables that may have an effect on diurnal patterns of sap flow: air relative humidity, air temperature, photosynthetically active radiation and vapor pressure deficit. Overall, our model predicted the differences between cacao Vs in the three different AFs, with cacao plants with dense Musaceae plantation and high mean diurnal incident radiation (HPAR) displaying the highest differences compared to the other agroforestry arrangements. The model was also able to predict situations such as nocturnal transpiration in HPAR and inverse nocturnal sap flows indicative of hydraulic redistribution in the other AFs receiving less incident radiation. Overall, the model we present here can be a useful and cost-effective tool for predicting transpiration and water use in cacao trees, as well as for managing cacao agroforestry systems in the Amazon rainforest.

Microclimate, crop quality, productivity, and revenue in two types of agroforestry systems in drylands of Xinjiang, northwest China

The objective of this study was to determine the effects of agroforestry systems with narrow rows on microclimate, crop quality, productivity, and revenue when compared with that in sole-cropping in drylands. Therefore, two-year field experiments were conducted to determine the characteristics of two types of agroforestry systems in drylands of Xinjiang including photosynthetically active radiation (PAR), air temperature, crop protein content, productivity, and revenue. The two systems included (1) a jujube tree (Zizyphus jujuba Mill.) + wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) intercropping (JWI) system and (2) a poplar tree (Populus L.) + alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.) silvopastoral (PAS) system located in southern and northern Xinjiang, respectively. Variables were measured in control sole-cropping plots and in the alleys of JWI and PAS system plots at different distances from the tree row. PAR and air temperature both decreased in plots of the JWI and PAS systems. The changes in microclimatic conditions and competition for resources in the JWI and PAS systems resulted in an overall decrease in wheat grain and alfalfa hay yield and decreases in the overall protein content of wheat grain and alfalfa. In JWI and PAS systems, the yield and protein content of understory crops, PAR, and air temperature were highest at the center line of the system alley and decreased with decreasing distances from the tree row. The PAS system was more productive than the JWI system based on the calculated land equivalent ratio (LER), because no significant decrease was observed in tree yield in the PAS system. Both the JWI and PAS systems resulted in an increase in the annual total crop revenue when compared with individual crop management, indicating that the JWI and PAS systems could provide greater long-term economic benefits. Therefore, the balance between yield, crop quality, and revenue have to be taken into account in the analysis of agroforestry systems.

Linkages among Soil Properties and Litter Quality in Agroforestry Systems of Southeastern Brazil

Agroforestry systems have been promoted as a solution to address trade-offs between environmental conservation efforts and the need for increased agricultural productivity on smallholder farms in Brazil. However, the impact of land use change from degraded pasture to agroforestry on soil properties remains unclear. The objectives of this research were to: (1) assess soil chemical, physical and biological properties across distinct land uses (degraded pasture, agroforestry and secondary forest); and (2) understand relationships between litter quality, soil organic matter (SOM) and key soil quality parameters in the Brazilian Atlantic Rainforest. Soils, macroinvertebrates and litter were collected in April and September of 2018 under five land uses, including: three types of agroforestry systems, a degraded pasture and a secondary forest in Sapucaia, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Our results showed that soil properties clearly separated the three agroforestry systems plots (AS1, AS2, AS3) from the forest and pasture plots. Moreover, litter quality and SOM likely influence multiple biological and physiochemical soil properties under agroforestry systems and secondary forest. Our findings suggest that agroforestry systems can help support soil biological, chemical and physical properties and that the litter quality may be an important driver of their effects and potential contributions to soil restoration in the region.

Effects of agricultural systems on the anuran diversity in the Colombian Amazon

ABSTRACT We provide information on the diversity of anurans from agroforestry systems in the Colombian Amazon. This area is inserted at the tropical rainforest ecosystem and consists mainly of secondary forest remnants surrounded by crops, grasslands, and agroforestry systems. From February to May 2015, we sampled anurans mainly with visual and auditory surveys. We recorded a total of 1096 individuals of 20 species of anurans from six families at the study area. The relictual forest was the richest environment, followed by Achapo and Cacao agroforestry systems. The Achapo system showed great similarity in species composition with relictual forest; however, the latter presented the highest number of exclusive species, whereas the first presented only two and Cacao system did not have any exclusive species. Our results show that the richness can vary between the different types of agroforestry systems and highlight their importance as management tool for anurans conservation in the Colombian Amazon.