Topic: Agroforestry

Agroforestry (origin: collective and J. Russel Smith)

Agroforestry is “the intentional integration of forestry with agriculture” (regeneration.org). This means that trees and shrubs are integrated into croplands and farmlands. This strategy is a low-cost way to make agriculture more sustainable, promote biodiversity, and combat climate change.

Agroforestry promotes soil health and can be a method of soil conservation and regeneration. The trees and shrubs also help to sequester carbon from the atmosphere, combating global warming. Agroforestry increases water quality and crop yields, therefore providing economic benefit to farmers as well. Agroforestry systems work through utilizing positive ecological interactions between crops, animals, and trees. This can include providing shade, reducing pests, water retention, and reducing species competition.

J. Russel Smith formally outlined the concept of agroforestry in 1929, but agroforestry is an Indigenous environmental practice used since ancient times. Billions of people around the world use this agricultural method. The study and promotion of agroforestry is becoming an important way to maintain cultural traditions and include Indigenous voices in the mitigation of climate change.

©2024 ClimateLit (Amanda Golat)

More Resources:

http://regeneration.org/nexus/agroforestry

https://www.usda.gov/topics/forestry/agroforestry

https://www.britannica.com/science/agroforestry

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by Lauren James

“It was impossible not to care for the plants around her when she could feel their drowsy, contented vibrations as they soaked up the sunlight and fresh rainwater. In a best-case scenario, Dad would understand when she explained that she needed to take responsibility for their pollution.”