What is agroforestry?

Agroforestry is best defined as the integration of trees and shrubs into agricultural landscapes. This practice combines the benefits of agriculture and forestry, promoting a system that enhances overall land productivity, ecological balance, and sustainability. By incorporating trees and shrubs with crops or livestock, agroforestry can improve biodiversity, enhance soil quality, and offer shade and habitat for various species.

The interaction between trees and agricultural crops can lead to better microclimate conditions, improved soil structure, and nutrient cycling, which helps in achieving greater yields. Additionally, this integration can also contribute to carbon sequestration and provide additional sources of income through fruit, nuts, or timber production.

In contrast, intercropping primarily focuses on growing two or more crops in proximity to maximize productivity, which does not necessarily include the deliberate integration of trees or shrubs. While agroforestry can help reduce soil erosion, its broader definition extends beyond just soil conservation methods. Urban gardening techniques are related to food production in urban areas and do not encompass the principles of agroforestry. Therefore, the definition of agroforestry as the integration of trees and shrubs into agricultural landscapes captures its essence and practical application in sustainable agricultural systems.