Agroforestry can contribute to the solution of a number of problems in the nutrient balance of agro-ecosystems. Tree products with a high economic value per unit nutrient content can reduce the risk of mining the soil without financial possibilities for obtaining external inputs. Trees may also reduce nutrient losses from agro-ecosytems and this contribute to long term productivity and input use efficiency.A general approach is given to optimizing agroforestry systems on the basis of tree-soil0crop interactions. Nutrient sources for tree growth can be complementary to those of crops (nutrient pumps and safety nets) or to be the same, leading to competition. Soil fertility improvement through the litter and pruning depends on the quantity, quality, timing and placement. Soil fertility improvement can be most clearly studied in sequential ago-forestry systems. On sloping lands trees can contribute to erosion control, but especially to local deposition of sediment.
Publication year
1995
Authors
Garrity, D.P.; van Noordwijk, M.
Language
English
