Agroforestry

• Agroforestry is a branch of forestry science, which has been practiced in Nepal for meeting the human needs of forestry, agriculture and livestock.
• Agroforestry is a system which is not only ecologically rational but also economically sound. In recent years, agroforestry is developed as a science for improving the productivity, profitability and sustainability of production of available lands, and soil conservation.
• Agroforestry has three components that are forestry (trees), agriculture (crops) and livestock (animals)/fodder and forage. The combination of these components is known as agroforestry.
• In simple words, agroforestry is a science that combines trees and agricultural crops together in same land at same time.

Characteristics of agroforestry systems

• Involves two or more species of plants (or animals) at least of which is woody perennial
• Always have two or more outputs.
• Cropping cycle is always longer than one year.
• Ecologically and economically complex system than a mono-cropping.
• Significant interaction between woody and non-woody components of the system.
• Efficient use of available resources.
• Improve local environment.
• Finally, income generation from the sale of agroforestry products.

Principles of Agroforestry

• Productive- Agroforestry systems have capacity to produce food crops, fruits, leaf litter, timber, fuel wood, and fodder for livestock.

• Protective- Agroforestry helps to minimize the degradation of the farm lands and other natural resource by working as shelterbelt.

• Ameliorative- Agroforestry systems with legume trees and crops help to maintain or improve the productivity of the land.

• Livelihood improvement- Income can be generated from the sale of forest and agriculture products.