Agroforestry as a tool for restoration in atlantic forest: Can we find multi-purpose species?

Abstract

Agroforestry Systems (AFS), especially multistrata or multilayer AFS, are a feasible tool for forest restoration. The presence of native species in AFS enables forest regeneration whereas brings back forest structure and also recovers some functions and environmental services. At the same time, they can produce a range of annual and perennial crops and trees that provide food and income over time. In this way, it is crucial the selection of species which compose AFS in order to play in the best ecological and economic roles considering local conditions. Our goal was to find multi-purpose species that could supply forest products, and could be used in restoration and agroforestry initiatives in Brazilian Atlantic Forest, by analyzing secondary data. We identified 92 potential tree species as raw material for forest management belonging to 11 categories of timber and non-timber products and identified their functional attributes in AFS. Most of these species allows non-timber products management, ensuring the long-term permanence of forest structure, which is more compatible with restoration processes.