What we know and do not know about tropical agroforestry systems and multiple ecosystem services provision

Abstract

The methods search for agriculture sustainability has led to a renewed interest in the ancestral practice of associating trees with the agroecosystem, known as agroforestry, and which is based on the benefit provided by trees to the farming system in which they are integrated, and their potential to provide multiple ecosystem services (ES). Based on a comprehensive literature review, a conceptual model is formulated to understand the relationships between tropical agroforestry systems, shade types, and ES provision (agricultural biomass, carbon capture and organic carbon in the soil, soil fertility and water regulation). We highlight key aspects that must be considered in the design and management of tropical agroecosystems, in addition to research gaps that should be addressed.