AgroforestryEnriching our lives with trees that work

Presentation Objectives

What is Agroforestry?What are the benefits of agroforestry?Types of agroforestry?Summery?

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What is agroforestry?

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What is Agroforestry?

…..the intentional combining of agriculture and working trees to create sustainable farming and ranching systems.

Forest farming

Alley cropping

Riparian bufferWindbreaks

Silvopasture

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Why Agroforestry?

• Clean water and air • Safe and healthy food• Abundant wildlife • Beautiful places• Clean renewable energy• Sustainable family farms

and ranches

If you are interested in:

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Why Agroforestry?

Produces salable productsProvides value-added opportunitiesDiversifies riskIncreases property valuesIncreases crop yields & livestock

productionMay be eligible for cost-share

& land rental payments

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AgricultureForestry

Here, do this! Use agriculture!

Here, do this!Use forestry!

Agroforestry Practices

Putting the right plant, in the right place, for the right purpose!

Alley cropping Silvopasture Forest farming

Riparian buffer

Windbreak Special applications

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Windbreaks

Plantings of single or multiple rows of trees or shrubs that redirect the wind and are established for one or more environmental purposes.

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Windbreak Benefits

Reduce energy costsScreen unsightly areasReduce erosionProtect plantsManage snowImprove irrigation useIncrease crop yieldsShelter livestockMitigate odors and dustProvide wildlife habitat

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Alley Cropping

Growing an annual or perennial crop simultaneously in the alley ways between rows of a long term tree crop. The agricultural crop generates annual income while the longer-term tree crop matures.

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Alley Cropping Benefits

Diversify farm enterpriseReduce erosionImprove water qualityProtect cropsImprove utilization of nutrientsEnhance wildlife habitatStore carbon

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Silvopasture

Combines timber, livestock and forage production on the same area. Trees provide longer-term returns, while livestock generate an annual income.

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Silvopasture Benefits

Improved plant vigorLower animal stressReduced wildfire riskImproved wildlife habitatAnnual income (e.g. grazing, hay,

pine straw, hunting) Long-term income (timber)

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Forest Farming

The intentional manipulation, integration, and intensive management of woodlands under a managed forest canopy to produce non-timber products.

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Forest Farming Benefits

Improve economic value of existing forestsDiversify incomeIncrease cash flow

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Forest Farming Products

MedicinalsHandicraftsDecorativesFood Products

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Specialty Forest Products

ChestnutsPecansPawpawPersimmonSyrupMushrooms

Black cohoshGinseng Goldenseal May appleWitch-hazelPacific yew

BittersweetRed-twig

dogwoodForsythiaCorkscrew willowPine Straw

Medicinals DecorativesFoods

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Riparian Forest Buffers

Riparian forest buffers are natural or planted woodlands adjacent to water bodies. They are designed with trees, shrubs, and grasses to protect water resources from non-point source pollution.

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Riparian Forest Buffer Benefits

Clean waterProtect aquatic habitatEnhance wildlife habitatProtect stream banks Income source (timber and specialty products)Flood protection

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Special Applications (Energy Crops)

Benefits:Reduce on farm energy costsReduce reliance on fossil fuelsIncome sourceImprove soil health

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Agroforestry on the farm or ranch22

Summary

• Clean water and air • Safe and healthy food• Abundant wildlife • Beautiful places• Clean renewable energy• Sustainable family farms

and ranches

Agroforestry Means:

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ERS 482/682 (Fall 2002)