Agroforestry consists of combining agricultural crops and trees on the same land.
The notion of agroforestry is not part of the dictionary of the Royal Spanish Academy ( RAE ). Its use, however, is quite widespread in our language.
Agroforestry is called a system of ecological management of natural resources through the introduction of agricultural crops in forests or the incorporation of trees on land intended for agriculture . Its purpose is to generate environmental, economic and social benefits simultaneously.
Agroforestry development
With agroforestry, the planned combination of agricultural crops with woody perennials is used. Animals can also join in this dynamic. Everything takes place in the same place, taking into account chronological factors and the organization of space.
Agroforestry is not a recently created mechanism, but is already established in many countries . Its characteristics depend on the properties of the environment, socioeconomic possibilities, traditions and the needs of the community.
In favor of the planet
According to specialists, agroforestry can provide great benefits to the environment if its design and implementation are appropriate. On the contrary, inappropriate development can generate various problems due to competition between crops and trees.
When applied well, agroforestry minimizes erosion , reduces the proliferation of pests, helps optimize water conservation , increases soil fertility and contributes to the preservation of biological diversity.
Agroforestry can contribute to the development of rural communities.
Agroforestry and economy
The advantages that agroforestry provides also reach the economy . Agroforestry systems make possible the diversification of production, allowing food, wood and forage to be obtained in the same exploitation area. They also cut production costs by reducing the use of inputs.
Thanks to these issues, agroforestry can help increase the income of rural families and SMEs . On the other hand, its implementation and correct execution usually generate jobs.
Social impact
The influence of agroforestry on the environment and the economy results in social improvements . When it manages to increase the level and diversity of production, it contributes to the nutrition of rural communities, thereby also improving health .
On the other hand, by combining food crops with the production of forage or fuel, the effort, time and money spent on obtaining them outside the farm are minimized.
The aforementioned contributions of agroforestry to different areas make the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations ( FAO ) consider it a valuable tool to achieve the sustainable development goals ( SDG ).
Examples of agroforestry
An example of agroforestry is the system known as taungya , which emerged on the Asian continent during the 19th century . It consists of planting crops between trees or vice versa. With the taungya system, cashews can coexist with corn , to mention one possibility.
Hedges are another example of agroforestry. These are trees or shrubs that form a kind of barrier, thus acting as protection for crops and cooperating to retain runoff water.