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Agroforestry Systems: The Role of Trees in Ecosystem Services—A Special Issue in Collaboration with the 4th World Congress on Agroforestry

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A special issue of Forests (ISSN 1999-4907). This special issue belongs to the section "Forest Ecology and Management".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (8 October 2019) | Viewed by 57815

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Special Issue Editors

Dr. Yi Cheng

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Guest Editor

School of Geographic Science, Nanjing Normal University, No.1, Wenyuan Road, Xianlin University District, Nanjing, China
Interests: plant and soil interaction; the effects of global change factors on soil N availability in terrestrial ecosystems; soil gross N transformation processes and their functional microorganisms; application of 15N tracing technique in forest, grassland and agroecosystem research; methods to enhance soil NO3-immobilization: The linkage between soil NO3- immobilization and organic matter quality; mitigation of N2O and NO emissions

Prof. Dr. Scott X. Chang

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Guest Editor

Department of Renewable Resources, Faculty of Agricultural, Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Alberta, 442 Earth Sciences Building, Edmonton, AB T6G 2E3, Canada
Interests: forest soils; soil nutrient cycling and plant nutrition and the application of soil science in land reclamation, agriculture, forestry and rangeland management
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Planting trees in the agricultural landscape in the form of establishing agroforestry systems has a significant role to play in potentially improving ecosystem services, such as increased biodiversity, reduced soil erosion, increased soil carbon storage, improved food security and nutrition, and reduced greenhouse gas emissions. While the role of trees in agroforestry systems in improving ecosystem services has been researched, studies in new systems/regions and new agroforestry system designs are still emerging. This Special Issue will include selected papers presented at the 4th World Congress on Agroforestry, Montpellier, France 20-22 May 2019, and other volunteer papers. The scope of articles will include all aspects of agroforestry systems.

Prof. Scott X. Chang
Dr. Yi Cheng
Guest Editors

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Keywords

adoption of agroforestry practices
agroforestry policies
agroforestry system
air and water quality
biodiversity conservation
carbon sequestration
climate change
ecosystem services
food security and nutrition
greenhouse gas emission
mitigation
modeling
resource use efficiency
restoration of degraded land
soil enrichment
soil conservation

Published Papers (10 papers)

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Research

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25 pages, 8920 KiB

Open AccessFeature PaperArticle

A Slash-And-Mulch Improved-Fallow Agroforestry System: Growth and Nutrient Budgets over Two Rotations

by Aaron H. Joslin, Steel S. Vasconcelos, Francisco de Assis Oliviera, Osvaldo R. Kato, Lawrence Morris and Daniel Markewitz

Forests 2019, 10(12), 1125; https://doi.org/10.3390/f10121125 - 10 Dec 2019

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 4070

Abstract

Agroforestry systems are important, globally affecting 1.2 billion people and covering 0.6 billion hectares. They are often cited for providing ecosystem services, such as augmenting soil fertility via N accumulation and increasing soil C stocks. Improved-fallow slash-and-mulch systems have the potential to do both, while reducing nutrient losses associated with burning. In the absence of burning, these systems also have the potential to grow trees through multiple rotations. This project collected soil, mulch, and biomass data over the course of one 9-year crop-fallow rotation and the first two years of the second rotation. A split-plot design was used to assess the effects of P + K fertilization and inclusion of an N-fixing tree species, Inga edulis, on crop and tree biomass production. Fertilization increased growth and nutrient accumulation during Rotation 1 by an average of 36%, ranging from 11% in Parkia multijuga to 52% in Ceiba pentandra. Residual P + K fertilization improved tree and crop growth 20 months into Rotation 2 by an average of 50%, ranging from 15% in Cedrela odorata to 73% in Schizolobium amazonicum. The improved-fallow slash-and-mulch system increased the rates of secondary succession biomass accumulation (11−15 Mg ha⁻¹ yr⁻¹) by 41–64% compared to natural succession (7–8 Mg ha⁻¹ yr⁻¹). Furthermore, P + K fertilization increased secondary-succession biomass accumulation by 9–24%. Nutrient accumulation through biomass production was adequate to replace nutrients exported via crop root and timber stem harvests. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Agroforestry Systems: The Role of Trees in Ecosystem Services—A Special Issue in Collaboration with the 4th World Congress on Agroforestry)

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13 pages, 1249 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Phosphorus Availabilities Differ between Cropland and Forestland in Shelterbelt Systems

by Mihiri C.W. Manimel Wadu, Fengxiang Ma and Scott X. Chang

Forests 2019, 10(11), 1001; https://doi.org/10.3390/f10111001 - 08 Nov 2019

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1965

Abstract

Shelterbelt systems play pivotal roles in providing goods and services to the rural community and the society at large, but phosphorus (P) cycling in shelterbelt systems is poorly studied, while P cycling and availability would be linked to the ecological function and services of shelterbelt systems. This study was conducted to understand how long-term (>30 years) land-use between cropland and forestland in shelterbelt systems affect soil P status. We investigated modified Kelowna (P_Kelowna) and Mehlich-3 (P_Mehlich) extractable P, P fractions (by sequential chemical fractionation), P sorption properties in the 0–10 and 10–30 cm soils and their relationship in six pairs of the cropland areas and adjacent forestland (each pair constitutes a shelterbelt system) in central Alberta. Both P_Kelowna and P_Mehlich in the 0–10 cm soil were greater in the cropland than in the forestland. The P_Kelowna ranged from 10 to 170 and 2 to 57 mg kg⁻¹ within the cropland areas and forestland, respectively. The inorganic P fraction in the 0–30 cm depth was significantly related to P_Kelowna (R² = 0.55) and P_Mehlich (R² = 0.80) in cropland, but organic P fraction was not significantly related with neither P_Kelowna nor P_Mehlich. The iron (Fe) and aluminum (Al) associated P (Fe/Al-P) explained ~50% and ~45% of the variation of P_Kelowna in the 0–30 cm soil in the cropland and forestland, respectively. The Fe/Al-P and organic P fractions in the 0–10 cm soil were greater in the cropland than in the forestland. The differences in availability and P forms depending on the land use type in shelterbelts suggest that P management needs to be land-use type-specific for shelterbelt systems. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Agroforestry Systems: The Role of Trees in Ecosystem Services—A Special Issue in Collaboration with the 4th World Congress on Agroforestry)

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16 pages, 1023 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Assessment of the Diverse Roles of Home Gardens and Their Sustainable Management for Livelihood Improvement in West Java, Indonesia

by Jeong Ho Park, Su Young Woo, Myeong Ja Kwak, Jong Kyu Lee, Sundawati Leti and Trison Soni

Forests 2019, 10(11), 970; https://doi.org/10.3390/f10110970 - 02 Nov 2019

Cited by 13 | Viewed by 2958

Abstract

Home garden is a traditional agroforestry system, which is an ecologically and socio-economically sustainable land use system in West Java, Indonesia. It plays a fundamental role in providing subsistence food and income to local people through a multi-strata structure. Despite the importance of the home garden, which is strongly linked with quality of living, there is still a lack of quantitative data and information. Therefore, we quantified the economic and ecological characteristics of home gardens in the present study to evaluate their diverse roles. In addition, general strategies that are applicable to home gardens in West Java were developed for sustainable management. The results of this study indicated that: (1) large landholding size showed a significantly higher Net Present Value (NPV) than small landholding size when the home gardens were dominated by fruit tree species, (2) species richness, species diversity, and carbon stock did not differ significantly among the different types and sizes of home gardens in West Java, and (3) multi-layered and diverse species composition is considerable for sustainable management of home gardens in terms of income generation and against urbanization and commercialization in West Java, Indonesia. Further studies should be considered for developing a standardized and generalized model that is able to evaluate and quantify the various ecosystem values that are generally acceptable and applicable in rural areas. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Agroforestry Systems: The Role of Trees in Ecosystem Services—A Special Issue in Collaboration with the 4th World Congress on Agroforestry)

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16 pages, 3108 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Ecosystem Services and Importance of Common Tree Species in Coffee-Agroforestry Systems: Local Knowledge of Small-Scale Farmers at Mt. Kilimanjaro, Tanzania

by Sigrun Wagner, Clement Rigal, Theresa Liebig, Rudolf Mremi, Andreas Hemp, Martin Jones, Elizabeth Price and Richard Preziosi

Forests 2019, 10(11), 963; https://doi.org/10.3390/f10110963 - 01 Nov 2019

Cited by 21 | Viewed by 4414

Abstract

Research Highlights: Global coffee production, especially in smallholder farming systems, is vulnerable and must adapt in the face of climate change. To this end, shaded agroforestry systems are a promising strategy. Background and Objectives: Understanding local contexts is a prerequisite for designing locally tailored systems; this can be achieved by utilizing farmers’ knowledge. Our objective is to explore ecosystem services (ESs) provided by different shade tree species as perceived by farmers and possible factors (elevation, gender, and membership in local farmers groups) influencing these perceptions. We related these factors, as well as farmers’ ESs preferences, to planting densities of tree species. Materials and Methods: During interviews with 263 small-scale coffee farmers on the southern slope of Mt. Kilimanjaro, they ranked the most common shade tree species according to perceived provision of the locally most important ESs for coffee farmers. We asked them to estimate the population of each tree species on their coffee fields and to identify the three ESs most important for their household. Results: Food, fodder, and fuelwood emerged as the most important ESs, with 37.8% of the respondents mentioning all three as priorities. Density of tree species perceived to provide these three ESs were significantly higher for farmers prioritizing these services compared to farmers that did not consider all three ESs in their top three. Albizia schimperiana scored the highest for all rankings of regulatory ESs such as coffee yield improvement, quality shade provision, and soil fertility improvement. Influence of elevation, gender, and farmer group affiliation was negligible for all rankings. Conclusions: This study shows the need to understand factors underlying farmers’ management decisions before recommending shade tree species. Our results led to the upgrade of the online tool (shadetreeadvice.org) which generates lists of potential common shade tree species tailored to local ecological context considering individual farmers’ needs. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Agroforestry Systems: The Role of Trees in Ecosystem Services—A Special Issue in Collaboration with the 4th World Congress on Agroforestry)

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17 pages, 2680 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Intercropping the Sharp-Leaf Galangal with the Rubber Tree Exhibits Weak Belowground Competition

by Junen Wu, Huanhuan Zeng, Chunfeng Chen, Wenjie Liu and Xiaojin Jiang

Forests 2019, 10(10), 924; https://doi.org/10.3390/f10100924 - 20 Oct 2019

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 2812

Abstract

Intercropping the sharp-leaf galangal with the rubber tree could help to improve the sustainability of the rubber tree planting industry. However, our understanding of belowground competition in such agroforestry systems is still limited. Therefore, we used stable isotope methods (i.e., water δ²H and δ¹⁸O and leaf δ¹³C) to investigate plant water-absorbing patterns and water use efficiency (WUE) in a monocultural rubber plantation and in an agroforestry system of rubber trees and sharp-leaf galangal. We also measured leaf carbon (C), nitrogen (N), and phosphorus (P) to evaluate the belowground competition effects on plant nutrient absorption status. Through a Bayesian mixing model, we found that the monocultural rubber trees and the intercropped sharp-leaf galangal absorbed much more surface soil water at a depth of 0–5 cm, while the rubber trees in the agroforestry system absorbed more water from the shallow and middle soil layers at a depth of 5–30 cm. This phenomenon verified the occurrence of plant hydrologic niche segregation, whereas the WUE of rubber trees in this agroforestry system suggested that the competition for water was weak. In addition, the negative correlation between the leaf P concentration of the rubber trees and that of the sharp-leaf galangal demonstrated their competition for soil P resources, but this competition had no obvious effects on the leaf nutrient status of the rubber trees. Therefore, this study verified that the belowground competition between rubber trees and sharp-leaf galangal is weak, and this weak competition may benefit their long-term intercropping. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Agroforestry Systems: The Role of Trees in Ecosystem Services—A Special Issue in Collaboration with the 4th World Congress on Agroforestry)

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12 pages, 1354 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Effects of Changing Temperature on Gross N Transformation Rates in Acidic Subtropical Forest Soils

by Xiaoqian Dan, Zhaoxiong Chen, Shenyan Dai, Xiaoxiang He, Zucong Cai, Jinbo Zhang and Christoph Müller

Forests 2019, 10(10), 894; https://doi.org/10.3390/f10100894 - 10 Oct 2019

Cited by 15 | Viewed by 3312

Abstract

Soil temperature change caused by global warming could affect microbial-mediated soil nitrogen (N) transformations. Gross N transformation rates can provide process-based information about abiotic–biotic relationships, but most previous studies have focused on net rates. This study aimed to investigate the responses of gross rates of soil N transformation to temperature change in a subtropical acidic coniferous forest soil. A ¹⁵N tracing experiment with a temperature gradient was carried out. The results showed that gross mineralization rate of the labile organic N pool significantly increased with increasing temperature from 5 °C to 45 °C, yet the mineralization rate of the recalcitrant organic N pool showed a smaller response. An exponential response function described well the relationship between the gross rates of total N mineralization and temperature. Compared with N mineralization, the functional relationship between gross NH₄⁺ immobilization and temperature was not so distinct, resulting in an overall significant increase in net N mineralization at higher temperatures. Heterotrophic nitrification rates increased from 5 °C to 25 °C but declined at higher temperatures. By contrast, the rate of autotrophic nitrification was very low, responding only slightly to the range of temperature change in the most temperature treatments, except for that at 35 °C to 45 °C, when autotrophic nitrification rates were found to be significantly increased. Higher rates of NO₃⁻ immobilization than gross nitrification rates resulted in negative net nitrification rates that decreased with increasing temperature. Our results suggested that, with higher temperature, the availability of soil N produced from N mineralization would significantly increase, potentially promoting plant growth and stimulating microbial activity, and that the increased NO₃⁻ retention capacity may reduce the risk of leaching and denitrification losses in this studied subtropical acidic forest. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Agroforestry Systems: The Role of Trees in Ecosystem Services—A Special Issue in Collaboration with the 4th World Congress on Agroforestry)

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16 pages, 1590 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Modeling Experiments for Evaluating the Effects of Trees, Increasing Temperature, and Soil Texture on Carbon Stocks in Agroforestry Systems in Kerala, India

by Ann E. Russell and B. Mohan Kumar

Forests 2019, 10(9), 803; https://doi.org/10.3390/f10090803 - 14 Sep 2019

Cited by 7 | Viewed by 3217

Abstract

Research Highlights: Agroforestry systems in the humid tropics have the potential for high rates of production and large accumulations of carbon in plant biomass and soils and, thus, may play an important role in the global C cycle. Multiple factors can influence C sequestration, making it difficult to discern the effect of a single factor. We used a modeling approach to evaluate the relative effects of individual factors on C stocks in three agricultural systems in Kerala, India. Background and Objectives: Factors such as plant growth form, management, climate warming, and soil texture can drive differences in C storage among cropping systems, but the relationships among these factors and their effects are complex. Our objective was to use CENTURY, a process-based model of plant–soil nutrient cycling, in an experimental mode to evaluate the effects of individual factors on C stocks in soil and biomass in monocultures (annuals or trees) and agroforestry systems. Materials and Methods: We parameterized the model for this region, then conducted simulations to investigate the effects on C stocks of four experimental scenarios: (1) change in growth form; (2) change in tree species; (3) increase in temperature above 20-year means; and (4) differences in soil texture. We compared the models with measured changes in soil C after eight years. Results: Simulated soil C stocks were influenced by all factors: growth form; lignin in tree tissues; increasing temperature; and soil texture. However, increasing temperature and soil sand content had relatively small effects on biomass C. Conclusions: Inclusion of trees with traits that promoted C sequestration such as lignin content, along with the use of best management practices, resulted in the greatest C storage among the simulated agricultural systems. Greater use and better management of trees with high C-storage potential can thus provide a low-cost means for mitigation of climate warming. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Agroforestry Systems: The Role of Trees in Ecosystem Services—A Special Issue in Collaboration with the 4th World Congress on Agroforestry)

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Review

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20 pages, 1371 KiB

Open AccessReview

Temperate Agroforestry Systems and Insect Pollinators: A Review

by Gary Bentrup, Jennifer Hopwood, Nancy Lee Adamson and Mace Vaughan

Forests 2019, 10(11), 981; https://doi.org/10.3390/f10110981 - 05 Nov 2019

Cited by 54 | Viewed by 18074

Abstract

Agroforestry can provide ecosystem services and benefits such as soil erosion control, microclimate modification for yield enhancement, economic diversification, livestock production and well-being, and water quality protection. Through increased structural and functional diversity in agricultural landscapes, agroforestry practices can also affect ecosystem services provided by insect pollinators. A literature review was conducted to synthesize information on how temperate agroforestry systems influence insect pollinators and their pollination services with particular focus on the role of trees and shrubs. Our review indicates that agroforestry practices can provide three overarching benefits for pollinators: (1) providing habitat including foraging resources and nesting or egg-laying sites, (2) enhancing site and landscape connectivity, and (3) mitigating pesticide exposure. In some cases, agroforestry practices may contribute to unintended consequences such as becoming a sink for pollinators, where they may have increased exposure to pesticide residue that can accumulate in agroforestry practices. Although there is some scientific evidence suggesting that agroforestry practices can enhance crop pollination and yield, more research needs to be conducted on a variety of crops to verify this ecosystem service. Through a more comprehensive understanding of the effects of agroforestry practices on pollinators and their key services, we can better design agroforestry systems to provide these benefits in addition to other desired ecosystem services. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Agroforestry Systems: The Role of Trees in Ecosystem Services—A Special Issue in Collaboration with the 4th World Congress on Agroforestry)

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18 pages, 1187 KiB

Open AccessReview

A Natural Capital Approach to Agroforestry Decision-Making at the Farm Scale

by Zara E. Marais, Thomas P. Baker, Anthony P. O’Grady, Jacqueline R. England, Dugald Tinch and Mark A. Hunt

Forests 2019, 10(11), 980; https://doi.org/10.3390/f10110980 - 05 Nov 2019

Cited by 28 | Viewed by 7195

Abstract

Background: Agroforestry systems can improve the provision of ecosystem services at the farm scale whilst improving agricultural productivity, thereby playing an important role in the sustainable intensification of agriculture. Natural capital accounting offers a framework for demonstrating the capacity of agroforestry systems to deliver sustained private benefits to farming enterprises, but traditionally is applied at larger scales than those at which farmers make decisions. Methods: Here we review the current state of knowledge on natural capital accounting and analyse how such an approach may be effectively applied to demonstrate the farm-scale value of agroforestry assets. We also discuss the merits of applying a natural capital approach to agroforestry decision-making and present an example of a conceptual model for valuation of agroforestry assets at the farm scale. Results: Our findings suggest that with further development of conceptual models to support existing tools and frameworks, a natural capital approach could be usefully applied to improve decision-making in agroforestry at the farm scale. Using this approach to demonstrate the private benefits of agroforestry systems could also encourage adoption of agroforestry, increasing public benefits such as biodiversity conservation and climate change mitigation. However, to apply this approach, improvements must be made in our ability to predict the types and amounts of services that agroforestry assets of varying condition provide at the farm or paddock scale. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Agroforestry Systems: The Role of Trees in Ecosystem Services—A Special Issue in Collaboration with the 4th World Congress on Agroforestry)

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17 pages, 1016 KiB

Open AccessReview

Above- and Below-Ground Carbon Sequestration in Shelterbelt Trees in Canada: A Review

by Rafaella C. Mayrinck, Colin P. Laroque, Beyhan Y. Amichev and Ken Van Rees

Forests 2019, 10(10), 922; https://doi.org/10.3390/f10100922 - 19 Oct 2019

Cited by 21 | Viewed by 5306

Abstract

Shelterbelts have been planted around the world for many reasons. Recently, due to increasing awareness of climate change risks, shelterbelt agroforestry systems have received special attention because of the environmental services they provide, including their greenhouse gas (GHG) mitigation potential. This paper aims to discuss shelterbelt history in Canada, and the environmental benefits they provide, focusing on carbon sequestration potential, above- and below-ground. Shelterbelt establishment in Canada dates back to more than a century ago, when their main use was protecting the soil, farm infrastructure and livestock from the elements. As minimal-and no-till systems have become more prevalent among agricultural producers, soil has been less exposed and less vulnerable to wind erosion, so the practice of planting and maintaining shelterbelts has declined in recent decades. In addition, as farm equipment has grown in size to meet the demands of larger landowners, shelterbelts are being removed to increase efficiency and machine maneuverability in the field. This trend of shelterbelt removal prevents shelterbelt’s climate change mitigation potential to be fully achieved. For example, in the last century, shelterbelts have sequestered 4.85 Tg C in Saskatchewan. To increase our understanding of carbon sequestration by shelterbelts, in 2013, the Government of Canada launched the Agricultural Greenhouse Gases Program (AGGP). In five years, 27 million dollars were spent supporting technologies and practices to mitigate GHG release on agricultural land, including understanding shelterbelt carbon sequestration and to encourage planting on farms. All these topics are further explained in this paper as an attempt to inform and promote shelterbelts as a climate change mitigation tool on agricultural lands. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Agroforestry Systems: The Role of Trees in Ecosystem Services—A Special Issue in Collaboration with the 4th World Congress on Agroforestry)

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