Agricultural intensification has led to an increase in monoculture and the use of chemical pesticides,resulting in a decline in biodiversity and a reduction in ecosystem services,particularly biological pest managemen...Agricultural intensification has led to an increase in monoculture and the use of chemical pesticides,resulting in a decline in biodiversity and a reduction in ecosystem services,particularly biological pest management.However,studies have shown that agroforestry can not only improve land productivity and biodiversity but also regulate some ecosystem services.This study reviews the impacts of physical and biological factors on herbivorous pests,parasites,and predatory natural enemies in fruit-crop agroforestry systems.Fruit-crop agroforestry systems provide high spatial heterogeneity by altering crop layouts,regulating the microclimate and soil quality,and offering food resources and shelter for natural enemies,thus promoting biological pest control.This enhances biological control and makes the agrocomplex system an effective tool for sustainable agriculture.Our research shows that volatile plant substances attract or repel pests and natural enemies based on the characteristics of the insects themselves.When scientifically designed,fruit-crop agroforestry systems provide high spatial heterogeneity and favorable microclimatic conditions,which enhance biological pest control and make the agroforestry system an effective tool for sustainable agriculture.Our research shows that fruit-crop agroforestry systems can provide richer food resources and habitat,enhancing biological pest control and improving pest management.展开更多
Agroforestry systems,as composite ecosystems,possess dual characteristics of both forest and agricultural ecosystems.They have been widely recognized as an important land-use approach in agriculture and play a signifi...Agroforestry systems,as composite ecosystems,possess dual characteristics of both forest and agricultural ecosystems.They have been widely recognized as an important land-use approach in agriculture and play a significant role in changing the climate.However,they also face limitations,including uncertainties related to future global climate change,land use,and land cover.This paper summarized the important role of agroforestry systems in the global carbon cycle and carbon balance from the methods and means used in the research on carbon storage and carbon balance and the research status of carbon storage and carbon balance in agroforestry ecosystems at home and abroad,and pointed out the problems that need to be paid attention to in future research.展开更多
Burundi faces major agricultural constraints, including land fragmentation, soil erosion, limited access to inputs, inadequate infrastructure and demographic pressures that exacerbate food insecurity. In order to addr...Burundi faces major agricultural constraints, including land fragmentation, soil erosion, limited access to inputs, inadequate infrastructure and demographic pressures that exacerbate food insecurity. In order to address the multiple challenges faced by farmers in rural areas, a study on improving agricultural productivity and food security in Burundi through optimized land use and diversified farming practices in agroforestry systems has been carried out. The study area is the communes of Giheta and Rutegama, all located in Burundi’s humid plateau livelihood zone, and involved 164 households grouped in coffee growing cooperatives supervised by the cooperative consortium COCOCA. The study uses a mathematical programming model to determine optimal crop selection based on factors such as production costs, yields and market demand. The findings of the study revealed significant insights into the demographic and socio-economic characteristics of the sampled population. Notably, 98.8% of respondents were engaged in agriculture, confirming the predominantly agricultural nature of Burundi. The results indicated that maize is the most important crop, occupying 33.9% of the average total cultivated area, followed by cassava at 26.5% and bananas at 19.4%. Together, these three crops accounted for a substantial portion of the total cultivated area, highlighting their significance in local agriculture. Beans and potatoes also play a role, occupying 14.4% and smaller areas, respectively. In terms of profitability, the study provides a detailed analysis of profit margins by crop. Bananas emerges as the most profitable crop, with a profit margin of 97.3%, followed closely by cassava at 96.1% and rice at 90.5%. These crops not only offered substantial yields relative to their production costs but also benefited from strong market demand. Other crops, such as beans (71.3%), coffee (70.3%), and vegetables (54.5%), also demonstrated considerable profitability, although they occupied smaller cultivated areas. Conversely, crops like pigeon peas (4.1%), potatoes (7.6%), and sweet potatoes (7.6%) exhibited the lowest profit margins, which may discourage farmers from investing in them unless other incentives, such as ecological benefits or local consumption needs, are present. Regarding the results, we therefore recommend to promote policies supporting agroforestry, improve market access and develop infrastructure to exploit these benefits.展开更多
Agroforestry,as a platform for harmonizing agriculture and forestry is a win-win approach for the farming community and environmental sustainability.However,its potential is not well studied and quantified in Northwes...Agroforestry,as a platform for harmonizing agriculture and forestry is a win-win approach for the farming community and environmental sustainability.However,its potential is not well studied and quantified in Northwestern highland.Thus,this study aimed to investigate the woody species diversity,and carbon stock potential of traditional agroforestry practices in Northwestern Highlands(NWH)of Ethiopia.A total of 120 households were selected using stratified sampling for household(HH)surveys,and vegetation inventory was conducted in the winter season of 2023 on systematically laid 400 m2 sample quadrats.Shannon-Weiner diversity index(H’),Simpson’s diversity index(1-D)and Shannon evenness(E)were calculated to estimate woody species diversity.Variation in species diversity and carbon stock within and between agroforestry practices was assessed by 1-way ANOVA and rank differences were separated by post-hoc,Tukey HSD multiple comparison test.The result showed that four different agroforestry practices were identified,consisting of 44 woody species belonging to 23 families.Homegarden was the richest in terms of woody species composition(30),followed by boundary planting(25),while parkland agroforestry had the poorest species composition(12).The total carbon stock of the agroforestry practices in the study ranged from 92.51±29.21 to 143.52±47.83 Mg/ha),with soil organic carbon accounting for about 57.66%,followed by aboveground biomass carbon with 32.1%.Homegardens agroforestry had contributed more to the total carbon stocks than the other agroforestry practices.The total CO_(2)sequestration by above and below ground biomass of woody species in the traditional agroforestry practices of the NWH was estimated to be 519.97 and 104.01 Mg/ha,respectively.The study confirmed that the traditional agroforestry practices of the NWH of Ethiopia maintain a high diversity of woody species and are remarkably important for biodiversity conservation and climate change mitigation.展开更多
Climate change has been a global pandemic with its adverse impacts affecting environments and livelihoods. This has been largely attributed to anthropogenic activities which generate large amounts of Green House Gases...Climate change has been a global pandemic with its adverse impacts affecting environments and livelihoods. This has been largely attributed to anthropogenic activities which generate large amounts of Green House Gases (GHGs), notably carbon dioxide (CO2), methane (CH4), and nitrous oxide (N2O) among others. In the Upper East of Ghana, climate change manifests in erratic rainfalls, drought, high temperatures, high wind speeds, high intensity rainfall, windstorms, flooding, declining vegetation cover, perennial devastating bushfires etc. Practices such as burning farm residues, use of dung as fuel for cooking, excessive application of nitrogenous fertilizers, and deforestation that are prevalent in the region exacerbate the situation. Although, efforts made by governmental and none-governmental organizations to mitigate climate change through afforestation, agroforestry and promotion of less fuelwood consuming cook stoves, land management practices antagonize these efforts as more CO2 is generated than the carrying capacity of vegetation in the region. Research findings have established the role of trees and soil in carbon sequestration in mitigating climate. However, there is limited knowledge on how the vegetation and soil in agroforestry interplay in mitigation climate change. It is against this background that this review seeks to investigate how vegetation and soil in an agroforestry interact synergistically to sequester carbon and contribute to mitigating climate change in Upper East region of Ghana. In this review, it was discovered soil stored more carbon than vegetation in an agroforestry system and is much effective in mitigating climate change. It was found out that in order to make soil and vegetation in an agroforestry system interact synergistically to effectively mitigate climate change, Climate Smart Agriculture practice which integrates trees, and perennials crops effectively mitigates climate. The review concluded that tillage practices that ensure retention and storage of soil organic carbon (SOC) could be much effective in carbon sequestration in the Savannah zones and could be augmented with vegetation to synergistically mitigate climate change in the Upper East region of Ghana.展开更多
Rubber agroforestry systems positively impact soil microbial communities. This study employed a bibliometric approach to explore the research status, hotspots, and development trends related to these effects. Using Ci...Rubber agroforestry systems positively impact soil microbial communities. This study employed a bibliometric approach to explore the research status, hotspots, and development trends related to these effects. Using CiteSpace software, we visually analyzed research literature from the Web of Science (WOS) core database, spanning 2004 to 2024. The focus was on the impact of rubber agroforestry ecosystems on soil microbial communities. The results indicate significant attention from Chinese researchers, who have published numerous influential papers in this field. Authors Liu Wenjie have contributed the most papers, although no stable core author group exists. The Chinese Academy of Sciences is the leading research institution in terms of publication volume. While there is close collaboration between different institutions and countries, the intensity of researcher cooperation is low. The most cited literature emphasizes soil nutrients and structure in rubber agroforestry, laying a foundation for soil microorganism studies. Most cited journals are from countries like Netherlands and the United Kingdom. Key research areas include the effects of rubber intercropping on soil microbial communities, agroforestry management, and soil health. Research development can be divided into three stages: the initial stage (2010-2015), the development stage (2015-2020), and the mature stage (2020-2024). Current studies show that rubber intercropping and rubber-based agroforestry systems enhance soil microbial communities, positively impacting soil health. This paper provides a theoretical basis for the sustainable development of rubber agroforestry systems and improved management plans. Future research could explore the effects of species composition on soil microbiological characteristics and develop methods for species interactions. An in-depth study of the soil microbial community’s structure and function, and its relationship with rubber trees, is crucial. Developing effective, rationally designed rubber agroforestry systems and underground soil microbiome technology will promote sustainability and improve plantation productivity.展开更多
Nigeria’s deforestation rate is at an alarming level due to weak forest governance, losing about 80 kha of natural forest cover per annum every year to agricultural land expansion, conflicts, and illegal logging. The...Nigeria’s deforestation rate is at an alarming level due to weak forest governance, losing about 80 kha of natural forest cover per annum every year to agricultural land expansion, conflicts, and illegal logging. The expansion of agricultural land over other land use is over 50% and it is increasing. Agroforestry, as an option, offers a dynamic, ecologically based, natural resource management system that integrates forest trees into the agricultural landscape for the benefit of land users at all levels. This research aimed to assess the diversity and abundance of agroforestry tree species between the forest and farm zones at Edun Forest Reserve to improve agrobiodiversity by identifying tree species richness around farms in the reserve. A systematic sampling technique was used to sample plots, and relative dominance and important value index were determined. Results showed a significant difference between the species richness between the forest zone and farm zone of Edun Forest Reserve. On the important value index, Gmelina arborea (25.04) has the highest in the forest zone, while Cedrela odorata (0.661) is the least, and Tectona grandis (39.37) is the species with the highest in the farm zone Terminalia ivorensis (2.91) recorded the least. Combretaceae was identified as the most dominant family across the two zones. This research showed that appraisal of tree stand structure on farmlands is crucial for sustainable agroforestry management decisions in the forest zones of Nigeria.展开更多
The UN International Panel Environment Programme (“UNEP”), 2023 Emissions Gap Report urgently presses the global community to adopt a two-pronged approach to reduce atmospheric concentration of CO2—expedite efforts...The UN International Panel Environment Programme (“UNEP”), 2023 Emissions Gap Report urgently presses the global community to adopt a two-pronged approach to reduce atmospheric concentration of CO2—expedite efforts to reduce annual CO2 emissions;and increase investment in large-scale carbon dioxide removal (“CDR”) projects. The Gap Report sets a 2050 target of six-gigatons annual land-based CDR. Our proposed agroforestry project will convert thirty-five-million acres of rangeland in the American Great Plains to silvopasture, combining growing trees and raising livestock. Employing agroforestry interests 61% of Great Plaints farmers/ranchers recently surveyed. The Project plans to annually collect + six-gigatons CO2 equiv. of fallen leaves and store the stable carbon-rich biomass underground for centuries. The purpose of this paper is to describe the framework for formation of a global partnership at the local, regional, and international levels to coordinate public and private financing mechanisms, implement, and operate a large-scale CDR Project that will meaningfully impact the global effort to mitigate climate change.展开更多
A trial of interplanting and non-interplanting villous amomum (Amomum villosum Lour.) under the canopy of Chinese fir (Cunninghamia lanceolata Hook.) at age 22 was established in Sanming, Fujian of China, and a survey...A trial of interplanting and non-interplanting villous amomum (Amomum villosum Lour.) under the canopy of Chinese fir (Cunninghamia lanceolata Hook.) at age 22 was established in Sanming, Fujian of China, and a survey on soil fertility was carried out 10 years after its establishment. Compared with the control (non-interplanting), the properties of soil humus in agroforestry system were ameliorated, with a higher level of humification and resynthesis of organic detritus. The soil microbial population and enzymatic activities were both higher under the influence of villous amomum. Both the nutrient supplying and nutrient conserving capacities of the soil were improved. This agroforestry system exhibited an advantage of improved soil fertility as well as an accelerated growth of Chinese fir, it was, therefore, a sustainable management system suited for Chinese fir in South China.展开更多
Soil erosion in hilly areas of the Sichuan Basin is a serious concern over sustainable crop production and sound ecosystem. A 3-year experiment was conducted using the method of runoff plots to examine the effects of ...Soil erosion in hilly areas of the Sichuan Basin is a serious concern over sustainable crop production and sound ecosystem. A 3-year experiment was conducted using the method of runoff plots to examine the effects of terracing and agroforestry in farmland systems on soil and water conservation of slope fields in the hilly areas in Jianyang County, Sichuan Province, Southwestern China. A power function (Y = aXb) can statistically describe the relationship between water runoff (Y) and rainfall (X). The regression equation for the treatment of sloping terraces with crops (Plot 2) is remarkably different from that for the treatment of sloping terraces with grasses and trees (Plot 1) and the conventional up- and down-slope crop system (Plot 3) regarding equation coefficients, while regression equations are similar between Plot 1 and Plot 3. Water runoff amount and runoff coefficient of slope fields increased by 21.5～41.0 % and 27.5～69.7 % respectively, compared to those of sloping terraces, suggesting that terracing notably reduced the water runoff in the field. In the case of sloping terraces, lower amount of water runoff was observed on sloping terraces with crops than on sloping terraces with grasses and trees. Sediment yields on the slope fields in the normal year of rainfall distribution were notably higher (34.41～331.67 % and 37.06～403.44 % for Plot 1 and Plot 2, respectively) than those on sloping terraces, implying that terracing also plays a significant role in the reduction in soil erosion. It is suggested that terracing with crops is significantly effective for soil and water conservation in cultivatedfarmland, while the conventional practice of up- and down- slope cultivation creates high rates of water runoff and soil sediment transport. Terracing with grasses and fruit trees shows a less reduction in water runoff than terracing with crops, which was observed in the 3-year experiments.展开更多
A study was conducted in a hilly area of Sichuan Province,Southwestern China, to compare the streamflow and soil moisture in two upland watersheds with different land use patterns. One was an agroforestry watershed, w...A study was conducted in a hilly area of Sichuan Province,Southwestern China, to compare the streamflow and soil moisture in two upland watersheds with different land use patterns. One was an agroforestry watershed, which consisted mainly of trees with alder (Alnus cremastogyne Burkill) and cypress (Cupressus funebris Endl.) planted in belts or strips with a coverage of about 46%, and the other was a grassland primarily composed of lalang grass (Imperata cylindrica var. major (Nees) C. E. Hubb.), filamentary clematis (Clematis filamentosa Dunn) and common eulaliopsis (Eulaliopsis binata (Retz.) C. E. Hubb) with a coverage of about 44%. Streamflow measurement with a hydrograph established at the watershed outlet showed that the average annual streamflow per 100 mm rainfall from 1983 to 1992 was 0.36 and 1.08 L s-1 km-2 for the agroforestry watershed and the grass watershed, respectively. This showed that the streamflow of the agroforestry watershed was reduced by 67% when compared to that of the grass watershed. The peak average monthly streamflow in the agroforestry watershed was over 5 times lower than that of the grass watershed and lagged by one month. In addition, the peak streamflow during a typical rainfall event of 38.3 mm in August 1986 was 37% lower in the agroforestry watershed than in the grass watershed. Results of the moisture contents of the soil samples from 3 slope locations (upper, middle and lower slopes) indicated that the agroforestry watershed maintained generally higher soil moisture contents than the grass watershed within 0-20 and 20-80 cm soil depths for the upper slope, especially for the period from May through July. For the other (middle and lower) slopes, soil moisture contents within 20-80 cm depth in the agroforestry watershed was generally lower than those in the grass watershed, particularly in September, revealing that water consumption by trees took place mainly below the plow layer. Therefore, agroforestry land use types might offer a complimentary model for tree-annual crop water utilization.展开更多
Some environmental problems, especially soil salinity hinder the regional sustainable development of eastern China coastal region. Salinity mainly comes from tide weave, seawater flooding and seawater intrusion. Over ...Some environmental problems, especially soil salinity hinder the regional sustainable development of eastern China coastal region. Salinity mainly comes from tide weave, seawater flooding and seawater intrusion. Over exploitation of groundwater, which is the result of unfitful land use systems, leads to seawater intrusion and salt concentration increase. Agroforestry systems can enrich soil fertility and prevent soil salinization, furthermore help maintain biodiversity and enhance productivity. For the intergrated multiple ecosystems the most critical issue is to select optimum tree species and rationally arrange these plants. The basics of this multiple ecosystem is that different plants will occupy variable ecological niches within an area, both in space and in soil depth. Shelterbelts and trees intercropping with agricultural crops are major types of the multiple ecosystem. Shelterbelts can reduce wind speed and consequently lessen evaporation and erosion of the soil, increase pasture growth by up to 60% on exposed sites, increase crop yields by up to 25%. Besides intercropping with jujube, other agroforestry multiple ecosystem such as forestry plus agriculture, forestry plus agriculture plus fishery, and forestry plus animal husbandry are the most appropriate ways to utilise land resource in this region.展开更多
In this paper, the biomass productivity and nutrient cycling in an agroforestry system of coconut (Cocus nucifera) interplanted with pineapple (Ananas comosus) had been studied. The result showed that the biomass prod...In this paper, the biomass productivity and nutrient cycling in an agroforestry system of coconut (Cocus nucifera) interplanted with pineapple (Ananas comosus) had been studied. The result showed that the biomass productivity of this ecosystem was 47 460 kg...hm2...a?1, which was 4.3 times as much as that of pure coconut plantation. In the biological cycling of N, P. K elements, the total annual retention was 559.470 kg...hm?2, the annual return was 410.745 kg...hm?2, the annual uptake was 970.475 kg...hm?2, respectively. The average circulation rate in three nutrient elements (N, P, K) was 42.32%, which was 27.53% more than that in pure coconut stands. Coconut interplanted with pineapple was proved to be one of optimum cultural patterns, which had the higher biomass productivity, and better usage efficiency of environment resources in tropical areas.展开更多
Azadirachta indica A. Juss, Dalbergia, sissoo Roxb., and Melia azedarach L. are little studied species in nutrient return capabilities from leaf litter decomposition to maintenance of the soil fertility despite their ...Azadirachta indica A. Juss, Dalbergia, sissoo Roxb., and Melia azedarach L. are little studied species in nutrient return capabilities from leaf litter decomposition to maintenance of the soil fertility despite their importance in agroforestry practices of Bangladesh. A leaf litter decomposition experiment was conducted using a litterbag teeh7 nique to assess the nutrient reaun efficiency of these species. The de- composition rate of leaf litter was highest for M. azedarach and lowest for D. sissoo. Rainfall and temperature of study sites showed a significant （p〈0.05） positive relationship with the rate of leaf litter decomposition. The highest decay constant was observed for M. azedarach （6.67）. Nitrogen and Phosphorus concentration in leaf litter showed a decreased trend sharply at the end of the first month, whereas rapid decrease of Potassium concentration was reported within 10 days. Conversely, higher concentration of nutrient was observed at the later stages of decomposition. All three species showed a similar pattern of nutrient release （K 〉 N 〉 P） during the decomposition process of leaf litter. Among the studied species, D. sissoo was best in terms of N and P return and A. indica was best in terms of K return.展开更多
This study was performed in five villages of Sandwip Upazila, Chittagong district with a view to identify the tree resources, utilization pattern and economic return of major fruit and timber tree species. Information...This study was performed in five villages of Sandwip Upazila, Chittagong district with a view to identify the tree resources, utilization pattern and economic return of major fruit and timber tree species. Information collected from a total of 60 households ranging from marginal, small, medium and large categories. Number of plant species increased with the increase of homestead area. A total of 33 plant species were recorded from the homegarden, of which 19 were fruit and 14 were timber tree species. Considerable number of vegetables was also planted under the shade of the homestead trees. The investment analysis showed that average benefit-cost ratios were greater than one, net present values were positive and internal rate of returns were more than 10%. Long term investment on horticulture and timber tree species is highly profitable if species like Artocarpus heterophyllus, Cocos nucifera, Tectona grandis and Swietenia macrophylla are planted.展开更多
Himalayan alder species are proven to be very useful in traditional as well as contemporary agroforestry practice. These nitrogen-fixing trees are also useful in the land restoration. Therefore, understanding the dist...Himalayan alder species are proven to be very useful in traditional as well as contemporary agroforestry practice. These nitrogen-fixing trees are also useful in the land restoration. Therefore, understanding the distribution of Himalayan alder and the potential zone for plantation is meaningful in the agroforestry sector. Suitable climatic zones of Alnus spp. were modelled in Max Ent software using a subset of least correlated bioclimatic variables for current conditions(1950 -2000), topographic variables(DEM derived) and Landuse Landcover(LULC) data. We generated several models and selected the best model against random models using ANOVA and t-test. The environmental variables that best explained the current distribution of the species were identified and used to project into the future. For future projections, ensemble scenarios of climate change projection derived from the results of 19 Earth System Models(ESM) were used. Our model revealed that the most favorable conditions for Alnus nepalensis are in central Nepal in the moist north-west facing slope, whereas for Alnus nitida they are in western Nepal.The major climatic factor that contributes to Alnus species distribution in Nepal appears to be precipitation during the warmest quarter for A. nepalensis and precipitation during the driest quarter for A. nitida. Future projections revealed changes in the probability distribution of these species, as well as where they need conservation and where they can be planted. Also, our model predicts that the distribution of Alnus spp. in hilly regions will remain unchanged, and therefore may represent sites that can be used to revitalize traditional agroforestry systems and extract source material for land restoration.展开更多
In the Forest Department of Bangladesh, a Participatory Agroforestry Program （PAP） was initiated at a denuded Sal forests area to protect the forest resources and to alleviate poverty amongst the local poor populati...In the Forest Department of Bangladesh, a Participatory Agroforestry Program （PAP） was initiated at a denuded Sal forests area to protect the forest resources and to alleviate poverty amongst the local poor population. We explored whether the PAP reduced poverty and what factors might be responsible for poverty alleviation. We used three poverty measurement methods： the Head Count Index, the Poverty Gap Index and the Foster-Greer-Thorbecke index to determine the extent poverty reduction. We used a linear regression model to determine the possible differences among factors in poverty reduction. Data were collected through semi structured questionnaires and face to face interviews within the study area. PAP proved effective at poverty alleviation, considerably improving the local situation. The linear regression model showed that PAP output explained the income differences in poverty reduction. Participants identified bureaucracy and illegal money demands by forest department officials, an uncontrolled market system, and underdeveloped road infrastructure as the main obstacles to reduction of poverty. Overall, PAP is quite successful in alleviating poverty. So this program might be of interest at other degraded forest areas as a tool to alleviate poverty.展开更多
The studies show that in the whole community, P is deficient, and N and K are basically balanced. N, P and K are accumulated in plant tissues and litters, but depleted in soil. N and P contents in surface soil(0—20 ...The studies show that in the whole community, P is deficient, and N and K are basically balanced. N, P and K are accumulated in plant tissues and litters, but depleted in soil. N and P contents in surface soil(0—20 cm) are the main factors affecting crop growth, and P contents in 20 80 cm soil layer is the major affecting Paulownia elongata growth. The absorption coefficients of N, P and K in the communities are 0 078, 0 014 and 0 052 respectively, their utilization coefficients are 0 95, 0 90 and 0 94, and the recycling coefficients are 0 042, 0 05 and 0 063 respectively.展开更多
This study developed allometric models to estimate aboveground biomass and carbon of Prosopis africana and Faidherbia albida. The destructive method was used with a sample of 20 trees per species for the two parkland ...This study developed allometric models to estimate aboveground biomass and carbon of Prosopis africana and Faidherbia albida. The destructive method was used with a sample of 20 trees per species for the two parkland sites. Linear regression with log transformation was used to model aboveground biomass according to dendrometric parameters. Error analysis, including mean absolute percentage of error(MAPE) and root mean square of error(RMSE), was used to select and validate the models for both species. Model 1(biomass according to tree diameter) for P. africana and F. albida were considered more representative. The statistical parameters of these models were R2 = 0.99, MAPE 0.98% and RMSE1.75% for P. africana, and R2 = 0.99, MAPE 1.19%,RMSE 2.37% for F. albida. The average rate of carbon sequestered was significantly different for the two species(P ≤ 0.05). The total amount sequestered per tree averaged0.17 × 10-3 Mg for P. africana and 0.25 × 10-3 Mg for F. albida. These results could be used to develop policies that would lead to the sustainable management of these resources in the dry parklands of Niger.展开更多
Non destructive methods for quantification of carbon seques- tration in tropical trees are inadequately developed. We described a stan- dardized method for estimating carbon stock in teak （Tectona grandis Linn. F.）....Non destructive methods for quantification of carbon seques- tration in tropical trees are inadequately developed. We described a stan- dardized method for estimating carbon stock in teak （Tectona grandis Linn. F.）. We developed linear allometric equations using girth at breast height （GBH）, height and age to quantify above ground biomass （AGB）. We used AGB to estimate carbon stock for teak trees of different age groups （1.5, 3.5, 7.5, 13.5, 18.5 and 23.5 years）. The regression equation with GBH, y = 3.174x - 21.27, r2=0.898 （p 〈0.01）, was found precise and convenient due to the difficulty in determination of height and age in dense natural forests of teak. The equation was evaluated in teak agroforestry systems that included Triticum aestivum （wheat）, Cicer arietinum （gram）, Withania somnifera （ashwagandha）,展开更多
文摘Agricultural intensification has led to an increase in monoculture and the use of chemical pesticides,resulting in a decline in biodiversity and a reduction in ecosystem services,particularly biological pest management.However,studies have shown that agroforestry can not only improve land productivity and biodiversity but also regulate some ecosystem services.This study reviews the impacts of physical and biological factors on herbivorous pests,parasites,and predatory natural enemies in fruit-crop agroforestry systems.Fruit-crop agroforestry systems provide high spatial heterogeneity by altering crop layouts,regulating the microclimate and soil quality,and offering food resources and shelter for natural enemies,thus promoting biological pest control.This enhances biological control and makes the agrocomplex system an effective tool for sustainable agriculture.Our research shows that volatile plant substances attract or repel pests and natural enemies based on the characteristics of the insects themselves.When scientifically designed,fruit-crop agroforestry systems provide high spatial heterogeneity and favorable microclimatic conditions,which enhance biological pest control and make the agroforestry system an effective tool for sustainable agriculture.Our research shows that fruit-crop agroforestry systems can provide richer food resources and habitat,enhancing biological pest control and improving pest management.
文摘Agroforestry systems,as composite ecosystems,possess dual characteristics of both forest and agricultural ecosystems.They have been widely recognized as an important land-use approach in agriculture and play a significant role in changing the climate.However,they also face limitations,including uncertainties related to future global climate change,land use,and land cover.This paper summarized the important role of agroforestry systems in the global carbon cycle and carbon balance from the methods and means used in the research on carbon storage and carbon balance and the research status of carbon storage and carbon balance in agroforestry ecosystems at home and abroad,and pointed out the problems that need to be paid attention to in future research.
文摘Burundi faces major agricultural constraints, including land fragmentation, soil erosion, limited access to inputs, inadequate infrastructure and demographic pressures that exacerbate food insecurity. In order to address the multiple challenges faced by farmers in rural areas, a study on improving agricultural productivity and food security in Burundi through optimized land use and diversified farming practices in agroforestry systems has been carried out. The study area is the communes of Giheta and Rutegama, all located in Burundi’s humid plateau livelihood zone, and involved 164 households grouped in coffee growing cooperatives supervised by the cooperative consortium COCOCA. The study uses a mathematical programming model to determine optimal crop selection based on factors such as production costs, yields and market demand. The findings of the study revealed significant insights into the demographic and socio-economic characteristics of the sampled population. Notably, 98.8% of respondents were engaged in agriculture, confirming the predominantly agricultural nature of Burundi. The results indicated that maize is the most important crop, occupying 33.9% of the average total cultivated area, followed by cassava at 26.5% and bananas at 19.4%. Together, these three crops accounted for a substantial portion of the total cultivated area, highlighting their significance in local agriculture. Beans and potatoes also play a role, occupying 14.4% and smaller areas, respectively. In terms of profitability, the study provides a detailed analysis of profit margins by crop. Bananas emerges as the most profitable crop, with a profit margin of 97.3%, followed closely by cassava at 96.1% and rice at 90.5%. These crops not only offered substantial yields relative to their production costs but also benefited from strong market demand. Other crops, such as beans (71.3%), coffee (70.3%), and vegetables (54.5%), also demonstrated considerable profitability, although they occupied smaller cultivated areas. Conversely, crops like pigeon peas (4.1%), potatoes (7.6%), and sweet potatoes (7.6%) exhibited the lowest profit margins, which may discourage farmers from investing in them unless other incentives, such as ecological benefits or local consumption needs, are present. Regarding the results, we therefore recommend to promote policies supporting agroforestry, improve market access and develop infrastructure to exploit these benefits.
基金financed by Debre Markose University Burie Campus.
文摘Agroforestry,as a platform for harmonizing agriculture and forestry is a win-win approach for the farming community and environmental sustainability.However,its potential is not well studied and quantified in Northwestern highland.Thus,this study aimed to investigate the woody species diversity,and carbon stock potential of traditional agroforestry practices in Northwestern Highlands(NWH)of Ethiopia.A total of 120 households were selected using stratified sampling for household(HH)surveys,and vegetation inventory was conducted in the winter season of 2023 on systematically laid 400 m2 sample quadrats.Shannon-Weiner diversity index(H’),Simpson’s diversity index(1-D)and Shannon evenness(E)were calculated to estimate woody species diversity.Variation in species diversity and carbon stock within and between agroforestry practices was assessed by 1-way ANOVA and rank differences were separated by post-hoc,Tukey HSD multiple comparison test.The result showed that four different agroforestry practices were identified,consisting of 44 woody species belonging to 23 families.Homegarden was the richest in terms of woody species composition(30),followed by boundary planting(25),while parkland agroforestry had the poorest species composition(12).The total carbon stock of the agroforestry practices in the study ranged from 92.51±29.21 to 143.52±47.83 Mg/ha),with soil organic carbon accounting for about 57.66%,followed by aboveground biomass carbon with 32.1%.Homegardens agroforestry had contributed more to the total carbon stocks than the other agroforestry practices.The total CO_(2)sequestration by above and below ground biomass of woody species in the traditional agroforestry practices of the NWH was estimated to be 519.97 and 104.01 Mg/ha,respectively.The study confirmed that the traditional agroforestry practices of the NWH of Ethiopia maintain a high diversity of woody species and are remarkably important for biodiversity conservation and climate change mitigation.
文摘Climate change has been a global pandemic with its adverse impacts affecting environments and livelihoods. This has been largely attributed to anthropogenic activities which generate large amounts of Green House Gases (GHGs), notably carbon dioxide (CO2), methane (CH4), and nitrous oxide (N2O) among others. In the Upper East of Ghana, climate change manifests in erratic rainfalls, drought, high temperatures, high wind speeds, high intensity rainfall, windstorms, flooding, declining vegetation cover, perennial devastating bushfires etc. Practices such as burning farm residues, use of dung as fuel for cooking, excessive application of nitrogenous fertilizers, and deforestation that are prevalent in the region exacerbate the situation. Although, efforts made by governmental and none-governmental organizations to mitigate climate change through afforestation, agroforestry and promotion of less fuelwood consuming cook stoves, land management practices antagonize these efforts as more CO2 is generated than the carrying capacity of vegetation in the region. Research findings have established the role of trees and soil in carbon sequestration in mitigating climate. However, there is limited knowledge on how the vegetation and soil in agroforestry interplay in mitigation climate change. It is against this background that this review seeks to investigate how vegetation and soil in an agroforestry interact synergistically to sequester carbon and contribute to mitigating climate change in Upper East region of Ghana. In this review, it was discovered soil stored more carbon than vegetation in an agroforestry system and is much effective in mitigating climate change. It was found out that in order to make soil and vegetation in an agroforestry system interact synergistically to effectively mitigate climate change, Climate Smart Agriculture practice which integrates trees, and perennials crops effectively mitigates climate. The review concluded that tillage practices that ensure retention and storage of soil organic carbon (SOC) could be much effective in carbon sequestration in the Savannah zones and could be augmented with vegetation to synergistically mitigate climate change in the Upper East region of Ghana.
文摘Rubber agroforestry systems positively impact soil microbial communities. This study employed a bibliometric approach to explore the research status, hotspots, and development trends related to these effects. Using CiteSpace software, we visually analyzed research literature from the Web of Science (WOS) core database, spanning 2004 to 2024. The focus was on the impact of rubber agroforestry ecosystems on soil microbial communities. The results indicate significant attention from Chinese researchers, who have published numerous influential papers in this field. Authors Liu Wenjie have contributed the most papers, although no stable core author group exists. The Chinese Academy of Sciences is the leading research institution in terms of publication volume. While there is close collaboration between different institutions and countries, the intensity of researcher cooperation is low. The most cited literature emphasizes soil nutrients and structure in rubber agroforestry, laying a foundation for soil microorganism studies. Most cited journals are from countries like Netherlands and the United Kingdom. Key research areas include the effects of rubber intercropping on soil microbial communities, agroforestry management, and soil health. Research development can be divided into three stages: the initial stage (2010-2015), the development stage (2015-2020), and the mature stage (2020-2024). Current studies show that rubber intercropping and rubber-based agroforestry systems enhance soil microbial communities, positively impacting soil health. This paper provides a theoretical basis for the sustainable development of rubber agroforestry systems and improved management plans. Future research could explore the effects of species composition on soil microbiological characteristics and develop methods for species interactions. An in-depth study of the soil microbial community’s structure and function, and its relationship with rubber trees, is crucial. Developing effective, rationally designed rubber agroforestry systems and underground soil microbiome technology will promote sustainability and improve plantation productivity.
文摘Nigeria’s deforestation rate is at an alarming level due to weak forest governance, losing about 80 kha of natural forest cover per annum every year to agricultural land expansion, conflicts, and illegal logging. The expansion of agricultural land over other land use is over 50% and it is increasing. Agroforestry, as an option, offers a dynamic, ecologically based, natural resource management system that integrates forest trees into the agricultural landscape for the benefit of land users at all levels. This research aimed to assess the diversity and abundance of agroforestry tree species between the forest and farm zones at Edun Forest Reserve to improve agrobiodiversity by identifying tree species richness around farms in the reserve. A systematic sampling technique was used to sample plots, and relative dominance and important value index were determined. Results showed a significant difference between the species richness between the forest zone and farm zone of Edun Forest Reserve. On the important value index, Gmelina arborea (25.04) has the highest in the forest zone, while Cedrela odorata (0.661) is the least, and Tectona grandis (39.37) is the species with the highest in the farm zone Terminalia ivorensis (2.91) recorded the least. Combretaceae was identified as the most dominant family across the two zones. This research showed that appraisal of tree stand structure on farmlands is crucial for sustainable agroforestry management decisions in the forest zones of Nigeria.
文摘The UN International Panel Environment Programme (“UNEP”), 2023 Emissions Gap Report urgently presses the global community to adopt a two-pronged approach to reduce atmospheric concentration of CO2—expedite efforts to reduce annual CO2 emissions;and increase investment in large-scale carbon dioxide removal (“CDR”) projects. The Gap Report sets a 2050 target of six-gigatons annual land-based CDR. Our proposed agroforestry project will convert thirty-five-million acres of rangeland in the American Great Plains to silvopasture, combining growing trees and raising livestock. Employing agroforestry interests 61% of Great Plaints farmers/ranchers recently surveyed. The Project plans to annually collect + six-gigatons CO2 equiv. of fallen leaves and store the stable carbon-rich biomass underground for centuries. The purpose of this paper is to describe the framework for formation of a global partnership at the local, regional, and international levels to coordinate public and private financing mechanisms, implement, and operate a large-scale CDR Project that will meaningfully impact the global effort to mitigate climate change.
基金Project partly supported by the Natural Science Foundation of Fujian Province.
文摘A trial of interplanting and non-interplanting villous amomum (Amomum villosum Lour.) under the canopy of Chinese fir (Cunninghamia lanceolata Hook.) at age 22 was established in Sanming, Fujian of China, and a survey on soil fertility was carried out 10 years after its establishment. Compared with the control (non-interplanting), the properties of soil humus in agroforestry system were ameliorated, with a higher level of humification and resynthesis of organic detritus. The soil microbial population and enzymatic activities were both higher under the influence of villous amomum. Both the nutrient supplying and nutrient conserving capacities of the soil were improved. This agroforestry system exhibited an advantage of improved soil fertility as well as an accelerated growth of Chinese fir, it was, therefore, a sustainable management system suited for Chinese fir in South China.
基金the research funding provided by the National Basic Research Program (973 Program No. 2007CB407206) of Chinathe National Natural Science Foundation of China (40771027)the National Supporting Plan of Science and Technology of China (2008BAD98B04)
文摘Soil erosion in hilly areas of the Sichuan Basin is a serious concern over sustainable crop production and sound ecosystem. A 3-year experiment was conducted using the method of runoff plots to examine the effects of terracing and agroforestry in farmland systems on soil and water conservation of slope fields in the hilly areas in Jianyang County, Sichuan Province, Southwestern China. A power function (Y = aXb) can statistically describe the relationship between water runoff (Y) and rainfall (X). The regression equation for the treatment of sloping terraces with crops (Plot 2) is remarkably different from that for the treatment of sloping terraces with grasses and trees (Plot 1) and the conventional up- and down-slope crop system (Plot 3) regarding equation coefficients, while regression equations are similar between Plot 1 and Plot 3. Water runoff amount and runoff coefficient of slope fields increased by 21.5～41.0 % and 27.5～69.7 % respectively, compared to those of sloping terraces, suggesting that terracing notably reduced the water runoff in the field. In the case of sloping terraces, lower amount of water runoff was observed on sloping terraces with crops than on sloping terraces with grasses and trees. Sediment yields on the slope fields in the normal year of rainfall distribution were notably higher (34.41～331.67 % and 37.06～403.44 % for Plot 1 and Plot 2, respectively) than those on sloping terraces, implying that terracing also plays a significant role in the reduction in soil erosion. It is suggested that terracing with crops is significantly effective for soil and water conservation in cultivatedfarmland, while the conventional practice of up- and down- slope cultivation creates high rates of water runoff and soil sediment transport. Terracing with grasses and fruit trees shows a less reduction in water runoff than terracing with crops, which was observed in the 3-year experiments.
基金Project supported by the Innovation Project of the Chinese Academy of Sciences (Nos. KZCX3-SW-330 and KZCX2-413) and the National Natural Science Youth Foundation of China (No. 40201029).
文摘A study was conducted in a hilly area of Sichuan Province,Southwestern China, to compare the streamflow and soil moisture in two upland watersheds with different land use patterns. One was an agroforestry watershed, which consisted mainly of trees with alder (Alnus cremastogyne Burkill) and cypress (Cupressus funebris Endl.) planted in belts or strips with a coverage of about 46%, and the other was a grassland primarily composed of lalang grass (Imperata cylindrica var. major (Nees) C. E. Hubb.), filamentary clematis (Clematis filamentosa Dunn) and common eulaliopsis (Eulaliopsis binata (Retz.) C. E. Hubb) with a coverage of about 44%. Streamflow measurement with a hydrograph established at the watershed outlet showed that the average annual streamflow per 100 mm rainfall from 1983 to 1992 was 0.36 and 1.08 L s-1 km-2 for the agroforestry watershed and the grass watershed, respectively. This showed that the streamflow of the agroforestry watershed was reduced by 67% when compared to that of the grass watershed. The peak average monthly streamflow in the agroforestry watershed was over 5 times lower than that of the grass watershed and lagged by one month. In addition, the peak streamflow during a typical rainfall event of 38.3 mm in August 1986 was 37% lower in the agroforestry watershed than in the grass watershed. Results of the moisture contents of the soil samples from 3 slope locations (upper, middle and lower slopes) indicated that the agroforestry watershed maintained generally higher soil moisture contents than the grass watershed within 0-20 and 20-80 cm soil depths for the upper slope, especially for the period from May through July. For the other (middle and lower) slopes, soil moisture contents within 20-80 cm depth in the agroforestry watershed was generally lower than those in the grass watershed, particularly in September, revealing that water consumption by trees took place mainly below the plow layer. Therefore, agroforestry land use types might offer a complimentary model for tree-annual crop water utilization.
基金This research is a part of the German-Chinese Project of Agroforestry in Coastal Region supported by the BMBF
文摘Some environmental problems, especially soil salinity hinder the regional sustainable development of eastern China coastal region. Salinity mainly comes from tide weave, seawater flooding and seawater intrusion. Over exploitation of groundwater, which is the result of unfitful land use systems, leads to seawater intrusion and salt concentration increase. Agroforestry systems can enrich soil fertility and prevent soil salinization, furthermore help maintain biodiversity and enhance productivity. For the intergrated multiple ecosystems the most critical issue is to select optimum tree species and rationally arrange these plants. The basics of this multiple ecosystem is that different plants will occupy variable ecological niches within an area, both in space and in soil depth. Shelterbelts and trees intercropping with agricultural crops are major types of the multiple ecosystem. Shelterbelts can reduce wind speed and consequently lessen evaporation and erosion of the soil, increase pasture growth by up to 60% on exposed sites, increase crop yields by up to 25%. Besides intercropping with jujube, other agroforestry multiple ecosystem such as forestry plus agriculture, forestry plus agriculture plus fishery, and forestry plus animal husbandry are the most appropriate ways to utilise land resource in this region.
文摘In this paper, the biomass productivity and nutrient cycling in an agroforestry system of coconut (Cocus nucifera) interplanted with pineapple (Ananas comosus) had been studied. The result showed that the biomass productivity of this ecosystem was 47 460 kg...hm2...a?1, which was 4.3 times as much as that of pure coconut plantation. In the biological cycling of N, P. K elements, the total annual retention was 559.470 kg...hm?2, the annual return was 410.745 kg...hm?2, the annual uptake was 970.475 kg...hm?2, respectively. The average circulation rate in three nutrient elements (N, P, K) was 42.32%, which was 27.53% more than that in pure coconut stands. Coconut interplanted with pineapple was proved to be one of optimum cultural patterns, which had the higher biomass productivity, and better usage efficiency of environment resources in tropical areas.
基金supported by Bangladesh Academy of Science and University Grants Commissions of Bangladesh
文摘Azadirachta indica A. Juss, Dalbergia, sissoo Roxb., and Melia azedarach L. are little studied species in nutrient return capabilities from leaf litter decomposition to maintenance of the soil fertility despite their importance in agroforestry practices of Bangladesh. A leaf litter decomposition experiment was conducted using a litterbag teeh7 nique to assess the nutrient reaun efficiency of these species. The de- composition rate of leaf litter was highest for M. azedarach and lowest for D. sissoo. Rainfall and temperature of study sites showed a significant （p〈0.05） positive relationship with the rate of leaf litter decomposition. The highest decay constant was observed for M. azedarach （6.67）. Nitrogen and Phosphorus concentration in leaf litter showed a decreased trend sharply at the end of the first month, whereas rapid decrease of Potassium concentration was reported within 10 days. Conversely, higher concentration of nutrient was observed at the later stages of decomposition. All three species showed a similar pattern of nutrient release （K 〉 N 〉 P） during the decomposition process of leaf litter. Among the studied species, D. sissoo was best in terms of N and P return and A. indica was best in terms of K return.
文摘This study was performed in five villages of Sandwip Upazila, Chittagong district with a view to identify the tree resources, utilization pattern and economic return of major fruit and timber tree species. Information collected from a total of 60 households ranging from marginal, small, medium and large categories. Number of plant species increased with the increase of homestead area. A total of 33 plant species were recorded from the homegarden, of which 19 were fruit and 14 were timber tree species. Considerable number of vegetables was also planted under the shade of the homestead trees. The investment analysis showed that average benefit-cost ratios were greater than one, net present values were positive and internal rate of returns were more than 10%. Long term investment on horticulture and timber tree species is highly profitable if species like Artocarpus heterophyllus, Cocos nucifera, Tectona grandis and Swietenia macrophylla are planted.
基金RBGE Edinburg databasethe National Herbarium and Plant Laboratories(KATH),Godawari+5 种基金Tribhuvan University Central Herbarium(TUCH),Kirtipur,KathmanduNepal for facilitating with herbarium studyMs.Banu Ojaentire Cornell Nepal Study Programme family for partial financial supportCGIAR research programs on‘Forests,Trees and Agroforestry’(CRP6.2)programCenter for Mountain Ecosystem Studies to be a part of research on species distribution in Asian Highlands
文摘Himalayan alder species are proven to be very useful in traditional as well as contemporary agroforestry practice. These nitrogen-fixing trees are also useful in the land restoration. Therefore, understanding the distribution of Himalayan alder and the potential zone for plantation is meaningful in the agroforestry sector. Suitable climatic zones of Alnus spp. were modelled in Max Ent software using a subset of least correlated bioclimatic variables for current conditions(1950 -2000), topographic variables(DEM derived) and Landuse Landcover(LULC) data. We generated several models and selected the best model against random models using ANOVA and t-test. The environmental variables that best explained the current distribution of the species were identified and used to project into the future. For future projections, ensemble scenarios of climate change projection derived from the results of 19 Earth System Models(ESM) were used. Our model revealed that the most favorable conditions for Alnus nepalensis are in central Nepal in the moist north-west facing slope, whereas for Alnus nitida they are in western Nepal.The major climatic factor that contributes to Alnus species distribution in Nepal appears to be precipitation during the warmest quarter for A. nepalensis and precipitation during the driest quarter for A. nitida. Future projections revealed changes in the probability distribution of these species, as well as where they need conservation and where they can be planted. Also, our model predicts that the distribution of Alnus spp. in hilly regions will remain unchanged, and therefore may represent sites that can be used to revitalize traditional agroforestry systems and extract source material for land restoration.
文摘In the Forest Department of Bangladesh, a Participatory Agroforestry Program （PAP） was initiated at a denuded Sal forests area to protect the forest resources and to alleviate poverty amongst the local poor population. We explored whether the PAP reduced poverty and what factors might be responsible for poverty alleviation. We used three poverty measurement methods： the Head Count Index, the Poverty Gap Index and the Foster-Greer-Thorbecke index to determine the extent poverty reduction. We used a linear regression model to determine the possible differences among factors in poverty reduction. Data were collected through semi structured questionnaires and face to face interviews within the study area. PAP proved effective at poverty alleviation, considerably improving the local situation. The linear regression model showed that PAP output explained the income differences in poverty reduction. Participants identified bureaucracy and illegal money demands by forest department officials, an uncontrolled market system, and underdeveloped road infrastructure as the main obstacles to reduction of poverty. Overall, PAP is quite successful in alleviating poverty. So this program might be of interest at other degraded forest areas as a tool to alleviate poverty.
文摘The studies show that in the whole community, P is deficient, and N and K are basically balanced. N, P and K are accumulated in plant tissues and litters, but depleted in soil. N and P contents in surface soil(0—20 cm) are the main factors affecting crop growth, and P contents in 20 80 cm soil layer is the major affecting Paulownia elongata growth. The absorption coefficients of N, P and K in the communities are 0 078, 0 014 and 0 052 respectively, their utilization coefficients are 0 95, 0 90 and 0 94, and the recycling coefficients are 0 042, 0 05 and 0 063 respectively.
基金supported by the project stocks and potential of carbon sequestration under agroforestry parklands in Niger funded by African Forest Forum(AFF)and International Foundation for Science(IFS),Grant No.D/563-1
文摘This study developed allometric models to estimate aboveground biomass and carbon of Prosopis africana and Faidherbia albida. The destructive method was used with a sample of 20 trees per species for the two parkland sites. Linear regression with log transformation was used to model aboveground biomass according to dendrometric parameters. Error analysis, including mean absolute percentage of error(MAPE) and root mean square of error(RMSE), was used to select and validate the models for both species. Model 1(biomass according to tree diameter) for P. africana and F. albida were considered more representative. The statistical parameters of these models were R2 = 0.99, MAPE 0.98% and RMSE1.75% for P. africana, and R2 = 0.99, MAPE 1.19%,RMSE 2.37% for F. albida. The average rate of carbon sequestered was significantly different for the two species(P ≤ 0.05). The total amount sequestered per tree averaged0.17 × 10-3 Mg for P. africana and 0.25 × 10-3 Mg for F. albida. These results could be used to develop policies that would lead to the sustainable management of these resources in the dry parklands of Niger.
基金financially supported by Indian Council of Forestry Research and Education,Dehradun,India
文摘Non destructive methods for quantification of carbon seques- tration in tropical trees are inadequately developed. We described a stan- dardized method for estimating carbon stock in teak （Tectona grandis Linn. F.）. We developed linear allometric equations using girth at breast height （GBH）, height and age to quantify above ground biomass （AGB）. We used AGB to estimate carbon stock for teak trees of different age groups （1.5, 3.5, 7.5, 13.5, 18.5 and 23.5 years）. The regression equation with GBH, y = 3.174x - 21.27, r2=0.898 （p 〈0.01）, was found precise and convenient due to the difficulty in determination of height and age in dense natural forests of teak. The equation was evaluated in teak agroforestry systems that included Triticum aestivum （wheat）, Cicer arietinum （gram）, Withania somnifera （ashwagandha）,
