Main Types of Agroforestry Practices

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In the United States, there are five recognized types of agroforestry systems: windbreaks, riparian buffers, silvopasture, forest farming, and alley cropping. All have gained remarkable traction in the United States over recent years and will continue to as they provide significant benefits to income and crop production. Here we break down the definitions of the five types and the benefits associated with each. 
To see these practices being implemented in real life, check out our agroforestry demonstration farm pictures from Oregon, Washington, and Wisconsin.

1. Windbreaks

Digital representation of agroforestry windbreak system with yellow wheat crops and perennial green trees with bright blue sky in the background.
The intentional integration of perennial grass, shrubs, and trees to protect soil, crops, livestock, humans, and buildings from wind damage. Windbreaks act as a support zone against wind damage from snow, sand, dust, pesticide drift, and odor.
Windbreaks are highly beneficial for states in the Great Plains region of the United States (i.e., Kansas, Nebraska, the Dakotas, etc.) which experience extreme levels of wind that can blow over crops and bring unwanted dust and pesticides.
Benefits:
  • Additional source of income
  • Protects crops
  • Recreational opportunities (hunting, hiking)
  • Aesthetics
  • Shade for livestock
  • Additional wildlife/pollinator habitat
  • Carbon sequestration
  • Supported by federal assistance programs

2. Riparian Buffers

The intentional or natural integration of perennial grasses, shrubs, and trees along streams, lakes, and rivers to protect these water sources from agricultural runoff and soil erosion. Excess runoff and soil erosion can pollute water sources, making them inhospitable for wildlife.
This has been a serious issue in the Midwest as states here border some of the largest and most beautiful bodies of water in the country. To keep these water sources healthy for recreation, drinking, and agriculture, riparian buffers must be implemented.
Benefits:
  • Improves water quality
  • Additional income from crops
  • Supports wildlife
  • Recreational opportunities (fishing, swimming, boating)
  • Carbon sequestration
  • Supported by state and federal programs
Digital representation of agroforestry Riparian Buffers system with perennial green trees, cattle livestock, a creek.

3. Silvopasture

The intentional integration of trees with livestock and forage. Trees not only provide shelter for livestock but provide an additional source of income for timber or fruit and nut production.
If you are a landowner with a field of livestock, implementing a silvopasture system is a no-brainer as it is relatively easy, and requires very little maintenance.
Benefits:
  • Increased income
  • Shade for livestock
  • Enhances soil quality from tree integration
  • Carbon sequestration
  • Supported by state and federal programs

4. Forest Farming (Multi-Story Cropping)

Mimics the natural habitat of forest flora as crops are planted under an existing or newly incorporated forest canopy. Anything from large shrubs to mushrooms can be integrated under the canopy. Characteristics and requirements of crops such as height, shade levels, soil type, and PH levels are all considered before planting begins.
Forest farming can produce a wide variety of products including food crops, medicinal herbs, and decorative plants. It has heavily grown in popularity in the Appalachian region of the United States (North Carolina, Kentucky, etc).
Benefits:
  • Diversifies income
  • Improves wildlife
  • Produces a variety of different products
  • Mimics natural forest growth
  • Carbon sequestration
  • Supported by state and federal programs
Digital representation of agroforestry practice, forest farming, with large tree canopy casting shadows over small high-value crops planted on the forest floor.

5. Alley Cropping (Intercropping)

Digital representation of agroforestry alley cropping system with tall trees interchanging between rows of annual crops.
Planting rows of trees and integrating crops between them. Planting crops between the tree alleys provides farmers with annual income while they wait for the trees to mature. Trees are often planted to harvest timber, fruit, and nuts.
Alley cropping is one of the most distinctive forms of agroforestry and can completely revitalize the aesthetic of a traditional cash crop field.
Benefits:
  • Diversifies farm income
  • Improves soil quality and prevents erosion
  • Protects crops
  • Carbon sequestration
  • Supported by state and federal programs
Common crops planted with these five agroforestry practices are nut trees (chestnut, hazelnut), fruit trees (apple, elderberry, aronia, black currant), hardwood trees (oak, maple, black walnut), softwood trees (pine, poplar), and medicinal herbs (chaga & cordyceps mushrooms, lemon balm, horny goat weed, chamomile, etc).
Though these are the five recognized agroforestry practices in the United States, they are not the only ones. Dozens of practices have been implemented all over the world for hundreds of years (especially in Central and South America). Make sure to explore the pros and cons of each agroforestry practice in-depth before implementing one. You want to make sure the practice(s) you choose properly aligns with your goals as either a landowner or farmer.

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