Information about the Kentucky State University Cooperative Extension Program
2020
Agroforestry: An Introduction
Kevin Gurtowski, Governor's Office of Agricultural Policy and Forestry Extension Associate
The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) defines Agroforestry as “the intentional integration of trees or shrubs with crop and animal production to create environmental, economic, and social benefits” (USDA, 2019). Agroforestry practices allow farmers and landowners to produce additional products helping to diversify their operations. Many agroforestry practices are intended to develop healthy soils, improve water quality, and increase biodiversity.
There are four criteria that characterize agroforestry and are used to determine if a practice is considered an agroforestry practice. The criteria are Intentional, Intensive, Integrated and Interactive. If a practice adheres to the 4 ‘I’ criteria, then it may be considered an agroforestry practice (University of Missouri, 2018).
The mixture of trees, plants and/or livestock varieties that is purposefully chosen due to their ability to work together to produce a mutual benefit or be managed collectively is key to successful practices.
Agroforestry practices are typically intensively managed to sustain productivity and meet the intended purpose of the landowner. Maintenance of agroforestry practices could include regular pruning, thinning, irrigation and fertilization to ensure optimal functionality.
The aspects of the practice are physically and functionally joined into a seamless management practice, designed specifically for each site. Sharing the productive capacity of the land among all crops or animals produced is a critical component in resource management and an indicator of a successful agroforestry practice.
The aspects of the agroforestry practices are actively being arranged and manipulated to promote productivity and a healthy ecology among the selected trees, crops and/or animals. Agroforestry practices encourage stewardship, increase biodiversity and provide conservation benefits.