7.1 Trees in crop and grazing land

The most common form of agroforestry is simply to have trees scattered in grazing land or in fields. The trees can supply such useful products as food, fuel, fodder or gum. The trees can also provide shade, improve soil fertility and conserve soil moisture.

Agroforestry trees should have a light crown so that the shade provided is not too great for the agricultural crops. They should tolerate pruning (i.e. the cutting of branches) and regenerate well afterwards (e.g. Grevillea robusta or Cordia species) so that their leaves can be used as fodder and the shading of crops can be controlled. Preferably they should be able to fix nitrogen to improve the soil. The roots should be deep rather than close to the surface. Aggressive species that invade agricultural or growing land with root suckers or abundant regeneration from seed have to be avoided.

Seedlings may be planted or natural regenerated sprouts of desired species can be located and protected. Some simple protection measures for sprouts are shown on the opposite page. Protection of an entire field from grazing for some years will also allow the trees to regenerate naturally. Seedlings may also be planted. The spacing should be wider than in ordinary forestry plantations, maybe 10 x 10 metres.

Trees in crop and grazing land

Good characteristics for trees for agroforestry

Protecting natural generated sprouts from grazing