Introduction to Agroforestry Systems

Presented by:
Rich Straight, US Forest Service Lead Agroforester, USDA National Agroforestry Center, Lincoln, NE
View the webinar at conservationwebinars.net to earn CEUs.
Participants will learn about the five recognized agroforestry practices: Windbreaks, Alleycropping, Silvopasture, Forest Farming and Riparian Forest Buffers.
Agroforestry is the combination of traditional agriculture and conventional forestry. Agroforestry has also been described as the intentional combining of agriculture and working trees to create sustainable farming systems. In agroforestry systems, trees or shrubs and their products are intentionally used within agricultural systems, livestock, or forests. Agricultural knowledge, careful selection of species, and good management of trees and crops are needed to optimize the production and positive effects within the system and to minimize negative competitive effects. Agroforestry systems can be advantageous over conventional agricultural and forest production methods through increased productivity, improved economic benefits and social outcomes and the enhanced ecological goods and services provided. This unique management approach is used world-wide today. Agroforestry practices: mitigate the impact of wind and water on soils; shelter crops, livestock and farmsteads from sun and wind; diversify agricultural landscapes and provide wildlife habitat. The result is a more environmentally sustainable farming or ranching enterprise. By providing a more diverse array of potential income opportunities agroforestry can also make a farming or ranching enterprise more economically sustainable.