agroforestry

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 in land intended for farming. Its purpose is to generate environmental, economic and social benefits simultaneously.

Agroforestry consists of combining agricultural crops and trees on the same land.

Agroforestry development

With agroforestry, it appeals to planned combination of agricultural crops with woody perennials. In this dynamic, animals. Everything takes place in the same place, taking into account chronological factors and the organization of the space.

Agroforestry is not a recently created mechanism, but is already established in many countries. Its characteristics depend on the properties of the environment, the socioeconomic possibilities, the traditions and the needs of the community.

In favor of the planet

According to specialists, agroforestry can bring great benefits to the environment if its design and implementation are appropriate. On the contrary, improper development can generate various inconveniences due to competition between crops and trees.

When applied well, agroforestry minimizes the erosion, reduces the proliferation of pests, helps to 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 economics

The benefits of agroforestry also extend to the economy. Agroforestry systems make it possible to diversify 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 families and communities. SMEs rural. On the other hand, its start-up and its correct execution usually generate jobs.

Social impact

The influence of agroforestry on the environment and the economy results in social improvements. When it succeeds in increasing the level and diversity of production, it contributes to the nutrition of rural communities, thereby also improving the Health.

On the other hand, by combining food crops with the production of forage or fuel, effort, time and energy are minimized. money that were destined to obtain them outside the farm.

The aforementioned contributions of agroforestry to different areas make the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) consider it a tool valuable to achieve sustainable development goals (SDG).

Examples of agroforestry

An example of agroforestry is the system known as taungya, which emerged in the Asian continent during the XIX century. It consists of planting crops between trees or vice versa. With the taungya system they can coexist cashew nuts with corn, to mention one possibility.

The hedges they 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 water from runoff.