The role of trees in agroforestry: Some comments

Reference Type Conference Paper
Year of Publication
1983
Author
Author: P. A. Huxley
Editor: P. A. Huxley
Secondary Title
Plant research and agroforestry: Proceedings of a consultative meeting held in Nairobi, 8 to 15 April 1981
Pagination
257-270
Date Published
01/1983
Publisher
International Council for Research in Agroforestry
Conference Location
Nairobi, Kenya
Language
English
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Collection Topic
Call Number
S494.5.A45P53 1983
Keywords
Abstract

In agroforestry land use systems, the woody perennial components ('trees') play a role in both productivity and sustainability. Some general characteristics of woody perennials are outlined and the need to consider the possible advantages or disadvantages of these in relation to specific agroforestry systems is emphasized. In deciding about introducing trees on farm land the challenge is to answer the questions: What trees? How many? How are they best arranged? Answers to the first of these will arise from the many existing and planned trials with multipurpose trees now being established worldwide. This paper addresses mainly the second question: How many trees?

Three-dimensional diagrams are used to illustrate the effects of a replacement series (tree-crop, crop-tree) on changes in total productivity and soil status with time. The types of response surfaces produced are discussed and various 'scenarios' shown to illustrate the value of this approach. Such diagrams are less a predictive tool than a means of comprehending the plant and environment changes involved.

The final section briefly discusses tree/shrub arrangement, which will depend on management considerations, soil/water conservation needs, and biological aspects of optimizing productivity. (author)

Notes

Proceedings of a Consultative Meeting held in Nairobi, 8 to 15 April 1981

Chapter 18

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Research Notes

Local system: LIAS1116598

Local system: (OCoLC)11698847

Bibliography note: Includes bibliographies and indexes

Short Title