Agroforestry

Agroforestry is the integration of agriculture and forestry in a sustainable system that maximizes and diversifies use of the land.

Agroforestry practices include:

• Alley Cropping - An agricultural crop is grown simultaneously with a long-term tree crop thus providing annual income as the trees mature.
• Forest Farming - High-value specialty crops, such as mushrooms and ferns, are grown under the forest canopy.
• Riparian Forest Buffers - Trees, shurbs and grasses along a stream help to protect water quality and enhance wildlife habitat.
• Silvopasture - Silvopasture combines the growing and harvest of trees with livestock production.
• Windbreaks - Windbreaks provide valuable protection for crops and livestock, while providing wildlife habitat and the potential for income from selected tree harvesting.

Learn more from the experts at the U.S. Department of Agriculture's National Agroforestry Center.