Agroforestry brings trees back into our agriculture and appropriate crop production back into our woodlands in ways that meet multiple land management objectives. The six commonly accepted agroforestry practices offer ways to grow non-timber forest products and include the following:

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Silvopasture
Combines the management of trees, livestock, and forages on the same piece of land to improve forage growth protect livestock from heat and wind, and provide the opportunity for timber and non-timber production.

Riparian Buffers
Bands of trees planted next to creeks and rivers to protect and enhance our water, soils, and wildlife habitat while also providing opportunities for production through the planting of native fruits, nuts, and woody florals.

Forest Farming
The cultivation of shade tolerant and often native crops on the forest floor, such as ginseng, goldenseal, and shiitake mush-rooms grown on logs. Forest farming can provide an income from forestlands not actively managed for timber or can provide shorter term income possibilities while timber matures.

Forest Gardening
The design and establishment of gardens that mimic forest ecosystems often starting from a blank slate, such as an open field or lawn and planting in useful tree and shrub species such as fruits, nuts, and medicinals. Forest Gardens can range in size from your backyard to an entire forested area.

Alley Cropping
The combination of agricultural or horticultural crops with rows of trees that can shelter and provide nutrients to crops while producing useful products like fruits or nuts. Alley cropping can also be a way to utilize ground in an orchard for crops when trees are establishing.

Windbreaks
Linear row of trees planted to protect crop fields, livestock, and farm structures from wind and snow and can also provide a space for planting species for income opportunities, wildlife habitat, and pollination.
Resources:


General

  • Gold, M. A., Walter, W. D., Godsey, L. D., McCoy, R. L., Garrett, H. E., Pierce, R. A., ... & Schultz, R. C. (2012). Training manual for applied agroforestry practices. University of Missouri Center for Agroforestry, Columbia.

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