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Agroforestry is the interaction of agriculture and trees such as the agricultural use of trees, and it comprises trees on farms and in agricultural landscapes, farming in forests and along forest margins, and tree-crop production (Example: cocoa, coffee, rubber, and oil palm). Agroforestry systems are land management practices that trees and shrubs are produced on the same land area as agricultural crops or livestock. Agroforestry systems have trees, crops, or livestock on the same land area, and diversity, productivity, profitability, and environmental stewardship are increased. Agroforestry combines agricultural and forestry technologies to create productive, profitable, healthy, and sustainable land-use systems which have diversity.
Components of Agroforestry
Agrisilvicultural systems, silvopastoral systems, protein Bank, a live fence of fodder trees and hedges, trees and shrubs on pasture, agrosilvopastoral systems, home gardens, woody hedgerows are the components of agroforestry.
The benefits of agroforestry systems
Agroforestry systems control runoff and soil erosion. Therefore, losses of water, soil material, organic matter, and nutrients are reduced. Soil organic matter and biological activity are maintained at a satisfactory level for soil fertility. More favorable soil physical properties are maintained by tree roots. Nutrient cycling has also happened, and nutrients are used efficiently. Agroforestry utilizes solar energy more efficiently than monocultural systems. Insects, pests, and diseases are reduced. Agroforestry reclaims degraded lands and eroded lands. Soil water availability is increased with agroforestry. Nitrogen-fixing trees increase the nitrogen availability of agroforestry systems. Economics risks are decreased due to agroforestry systems produce multiple products. Salinity and water tables are also controlled. Providing shelter to livestock in the warmer months is another benefit. Waterlogging is avoided through water removal. Agroforestry systems are also important in mitigating climate changes.