Agroforestry, in simple language, refers to the production of timber, non-timber crops, or animals on a single unit of land. It is the integration of trees, crops, and/or livestock in conservative, long-term, productive systems.
PRINCIPLES OF AGROFORESTRY
- Productive:
Agroforestry systems can produce food, crops, fruits, litter, timber, fuels, fuel wood and fodder for livestock. The production of these useful things helps to run for a better livelihood along with helping to improve the long-run production capacity of the same area.
- Protective:
Agroforestry helps to minimize the degradation of the farmlands and other natural resources by working as shelterbelts. The trees are planted to protect the land from soil erosion and other natural calamities that could affect the used land. It also maintains the moisture in the soil. The shades from the trees could be vital for the growing animals
- Ameliorative:
Agroforestry systems with legume trees and crops help to maintain or improve the productivity of the land. The leguminous plant is a good source of nitrogen that improves the soil fertility along with its quality. . The litter obtained from the trees could help to maintain various ecological cycle, which takes place on the agricultural land.
- Livelihood Improvement:
From the sale of forest and agriculture products, farmers could generate some income for the betterment of their livelihood. An increase in the production of food and useful and salable products helps to improve the livelihood of the farmers despite having a very low field area.
