Water quality and quantity benefits of agroforestry and processes: Long-term case studies from missouri, usa

Abstract

Two long-term case studies established in 1991 and 2000 use row crop watersheds in northeast Missouri and grazing watersheds in central Missouri to evaluate water benefits of agroforestry (AF). Results showed that integration of AF into a corn (Zea mays L.)-soybean Glycine max (L.) Merr.] rotation and a grazing system has improved the quality of surface, subsurface, and ground water by reducing sediment, nitrogen, and phosphorus losses. Model simulations have further proven AF's water quality benefits on these watersheds. Water quality improvements of AF are attributed to changes in soil properties, nutrient cycling, water use by the perennial vegetation, soil biodiversity, chemical-biological reactions, and microclimate. These findings suggest that strategic placement of AF can help improve water quality while contributing to enhanced ecosystem services like pollination, aesthetic value, biodiversity, and diversified products.