Agroforestry practices for soil conservation and resilient agriculture

Abstract

Agroforestry systems play an important role in sustainable agroecosystems owing to enhanced atmospheric carbon assimilation (by soils and plants), nutrient cycling, enhanced soil biodiversity, and reduced soil disturbance (and subsequent soil erosion), all relative to monocropping systems. The magnitude of these ecosystem and provision services, however, relies on the type of agroforestry system employed (e.g., shelterbelts, silvopastures), as well as edaphic and climatic factors. Nonetheless, agroforestry's potential to improve soil quality and soil conservation has been widely recognized as a major benefit of these managed agroecosystems, both in the tropics and temperate regions of the world. With increasing concern regarding climate change, microclimate modification with agroforestry systems such as shading to protect coffee and cacao crops in the tropics improves production resilience while maintaining ground cover, improving infiltration, and reducing erosion. The multifunctionality supported by agroforestry systems consistently underpins soil erosion prevention and overall soil health. Whether seeking to restore productivity to degraded lands, improve productivity of marginal lands, or increase the resiliency and plasticity of established agroecosystems, agroforestry practices provide direct and ancillary benefits to protect and enhance soil quality. Land managers have the opportunity to optimize and integrate tree, crop, and livestock production with regard to soil and climate variation to achieve their production goals while sustaining soil resources and supplying multiple ecosystem services. This chapter aims to provide an overview of soil conservation benefits during the production of food, fuel, and fiber in agroforestry systems.