Agroforestry
Agroforestry
Agroforestry (/ˌæɡrəʊˈfɔːrɪstri/; from Latin ager, field, and forest) is a land use management system in which trees or shrubs are grown around or among crops or pastureland. This intentional combination of agriculture and forestry has varied benefits, including increased biodiversity and reduced erosion.
Etymology
The term "Agroforestry" is a combination of agriculture and forestry. It was first used in the early 20th century, though the practice itself has been prevalent for much longer.
Related Terms
- Permaculture: A system of agricultural and social design principles centered around simulating or directly utilizing the patterns and features observed in natural ecosystems.
- Silviculture: The practice of controlling the establishment, growth, composition, health, and quality of forests to meet diverse needs and values.
- Sustainable Agriculture: Farming in sustainable ways based on an understanding of ecosystem services, the study of relationships between organisms and their environment.
- Ecology: The branch of biology that deals with the relations of organisms to one another and to their physical surroundings.
Benefits of Agroforestry
Agroforestry systems can be advantageous over conventional agricultural and forest production methods. They can offer increased productivity, economic benefits, and more diversity in the ecological goods and services provided.
Challenges in Agroforestry
While agroforestry has many benefits, it also comes with its own set of challenges. These include the complexity of managing multiple species in a single area, and the need for more knowledge and skills than single-crop farming.
See Also
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Agroforestry
- Wikipedia's article - Agroforestry
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