Agroforestry

What is agroforestry?

Agroforestry is the integration of trees and shrubs with cropland. It harnesses all of the benefits that trees can provide, and helps direct those benefits toward improving crop health. According to the USDA's definition, a system can only be defined as agroforestry is incorporates the four "i's":

1. Intentional

2. Intensive

3. Integrated

4. Interactive

Why is Agroforestry Important?

The benefits of agroforestry are numerous and widespread. They can range from economic and environmental benefits to an increase in our connectedness with our culture and community. Trees are so important in any ecosystem, and they should be recognized and valued for the many services they can provide to farmers, including water purification and carbon sequestration.


Introduction - Agroforestry in Our World

Global

Agroforestry is practiced by many cultures around the world, who simply believe in growing what you need in a way that works. Many traditional communities plant crops of all kind within the same hectare, which are all shaded by the forest canopy. This integration of farms and forests create a sustainable framework for healthy farms.

There are many organizations who spend time and money raising awareness of the importance of agroforestry in our world. The International Council for Research in Agroforestry (ICRAF) is an organization whose mission is to use agroforestry as a way to improve the lives of both farmers and the planet.

National

In the United States, we are used to seeing vast, monocropped fields. In our post-industrial society, farms have grown larger and more specialized as a way to maximize profit. In a way, we have lost touch with the roots of farming. Modern-day farms see a major loss of biodiversity. A large loss in biodiversity poses many problems for the planet.

The USDA is working to promote agroforestry nationally, as a way to increase the efforts of sustainability. In 2019, the USDA released a 5-year plan to integrate agroforestry into more farmland in order to create environmental, social, and economic benefits.

Local

Numerous small farms, such as the SAP, do not have the capacity for the monocropping that can be see all across the country, so the importance of biodiversity and sustainability are already recognized. Many varieties of crops are planted within close quarters of each other which provides many benefits to both the plants and the soil.

We believe that the SAP could benefit from establishing strong farm-to-forest connections, and using the many benefits of trees to maximize sustainability efforts. Some university farms, such as the Horticulture and Agroforestry Research Center at the University of Missouri, are already implementing these practices.

Background - The Coexistence of Farms and Forests

Keyline Design

In order to stop flooding and erosion damage in forests, we could use keyline design. Keyline design is a water management technique used to slow and spread out rainfall so there is not so much water in one area. By doing this, we can enhance water availability. This would make it so crops do not get washed away and they get the correct amount of water that they need.

Using keyline design in our forests can help reduce flooding and erosion. The wavy pattern on the crops or trees helps to make sure that the water is spread out and all of the vegetation is able to get ample amount of water.

The USDA is currently making efforts to help farmers all over the country incorporate forests into their current agricultural system. Their 2019-2024 Agroforestry Strategic Framework Plan lays out exactly how they plan on accomplishing this goal in the near future. This plan is separated into three "Strategic Goals":

  1. Reach Out

  2. Investigate

  3. Integrate

The USDA recognizes the importance of including trees into farming systems, and all of the potential benefits that this could lead to. We think that this framework is crucial so that farmers everywhere can have the information and tools necessary to implement agroforestry in their farms.

This paper by Shibu Jose explores the many benefits that agroforestry can provide to farms and their surrounding communities. Jose breaks these benefits down into 5 sections:

  1. Ecosystem Services and Environmental Benefits

  2. Carbon Sequestration

  3. Soil Enrichment

  4. Biodiversity Conservation

  5. Improved Air and Water Quality

Each of these environmental issues are improved by the implementation of forestry into agricultural systems, as is reported by Jose. He concludes that, with such a strong scientific basis supporting agroforestry practices, he thinks that everyone everywhere would benefit from changing from a traditional farming style to this more sustainable option.

Forests, Trees, and Food by the Food and Agriculture Organization

Forests, Trees, and Food by the Food and Agriculture Organization includes a chapter about the combination of forestry and agriculture in order to dramatically increase food security. This is due to the trees preventing soil erosion, improving overall soil and water quality, and positively effecting climate change. In a time where weather is more severe, trees can help reduce wind damage on crops and soil. This is a technique that is already being used in hurricane and flooding-prone countries. Nitrogen-fixing trees can also help increase soil fertility and decrease the need for chemical fertilizers. Forests can improve water quality by acting as a filter between the ground and nearby water systems. All of these things are extremely helpful, and help prove even further that trees make an excellent addition to any system, especially farms.

Agroforestry in Action - Mazi Farm in Greece

Mazi Farm is located on a small island in central Greece. They pride themselves on being "Beyond Organic", by using agroforestry for all of their practices. The farm has been around since 2017, and have built themselves entirely based off the idea that trees should be at the center of everything we do. According to the team at Mazi Farm, we have become so distanced from the Earth that we are trying to reinvent a way to do what forests have been doing for eons. But, this is not necessary at all. Why would we try to create something new when we could go back to our roots and realize that forests are the answer to so many of our world's problems. By farming in harmony with forests, we allow so many incredible things to happen, both for humans and the planet.

Other University-Run Farms

This research center in Missouri grows foods such as fruits and nuts. Their goal is to provide their community with fresh foods and teach others about the importance of agriculture and the ecological and environmental benefits of it. They also are working to increase the use of agroforestry in North America.

They also have research areas to learn more about and inform others about flood tolerance, non-point source pollution, medicinals and gourmet mushrooms, and genetic improvement.

The area they are located in has perfect soils for their studies. It is located near the Missouri River Hills at one of the highest elevations in the county. Because of this, they are able to perform all of their tests and grow their produce successfully so that they can get the best results.

Their goal is to provide sustainable and healthy food options while teaching others about renewable energy. This group grows local and fresh produce and shares it with the members of their community. They grow foods such as fruits, vegetables, and nuts.

They also host dinners for the community. At these dinners, they teach people ways that they can create healthy meals. They also demonstrate tips and tricks that can make the meal healthier and easier to make.

On their website, they include recipes that can help the viewers make these meals in their own home. They have included the ingredients, measurements, and time that the process is going to take.

Implementation Plan - Getting our Ideas to the S.A.P.

Timeline

Our overall plan is to start a new project, where crops will be grown in the ravines on Grand Valley's campus. Corn and soy will be the primary crops being grown, respectively a 1/4 acre each. There is more forest and vegetation in the ravines so the crops will have a better chance of growing. The SAP will spend about a year preparing the area and planting the new crops in the ravines and seeing how well they are doing. Then they will routinely check on the crops and make sure that they are thriving in the ravine's environment. Over the next five years, the SAP will continue to maintain these plants and growing more. If the crops are growing as we expected them to, the SAP will continue the process for the next five years. Following this ten year plan, after examining the profits, then a decision can be made on extending the plan.

Budget: Small Scale

  • Irrigation system: $1500-$1800

  • Corn Seeds: $210

  • Soybean Seeds: $50

  • Equipment costs: $1,000-$2500

  • Total: $2,730-$4,560

*The budget does not include the cost of labor, as this portion is decided by the SAP.

Triple Bottom Line

People

Agroforestry can be very beneficial to farmers. It is a great way for them to grow a variety of crops, and it can help them earn better profits.

People within the community have access to clean, healthy food. Agroforestry is also a favorable way for people to work and make money and feed their families.

Agroforestry also can make people feel better about themselves in an emotional way. Not only are they increasing profits for themselves, they are giving back to the community and the planet.

Planet

Agroforestry is very beneficial for the environment. It is proven to improve air quality, water quality, and soil health. The crops in the forest bring nutrients and other necessities into the ecosystem. Forests are notorious for their ability to sequester carbon, which is crucial for air quality, soil health, and agriculture quality.

One way the environment can be protected with agroforestry is with the keyline design. It helps to spread the water and nutrients through the soil so that the crops can absorb them.

Profit

Agroforestry is a great way for people to get jobs and make decent wage. It provides people with jobs so that they can support themselves and their families.

Agroforestry can also help people to become successful in the long run with a possible career. Farmers can learn new ways to grow crops, and they will know what it best to be successful when it comes to farming. This will cause them to make even more money with what they are growing.

References

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Readings

Forests