What is Agroforestry?

Agroforestry is the integration of trees and shrubs into animal or crop farming systems. Agroforestry systems use natural ecosystems as role-models. By mimicking natural ecosystems farmers are able to create more productive and resilient systems that are less dependent on external inputs. 

​

Usually, the main focus of agroforestry is to integrate trees in agriculture. However, agroforestry principles can also be adapted to forestry or gardening. In forestry, the goal is to introduce a crop that thrives in an environment with more shade and moisture. This practice is called forest farming. In gardening, you want to create a forest-like ecosystem that produces food. These systems are called forest gardens.

​

There are many different spatial configurations and species compositions in temperate agroforestry systems. However, agroforestry systems are usually categorized in the 6 following systems:

​

1. Riparian buffers

2. Hedges & windbreaks

3. Alley-cropping

4. Silvopasture

5. Forest gardens 

6. Forest farming