Agroforestry

Agroforestry is the synergistic blend of agricultural, rangeland, and forestry practices and concepts as a means to diversify traditional and non-traditional goods, services, markets, and revenue. Common agroforestry practices include:

• Alley Cropping – growing crops between rows of shrubs and/or trees
• Riparian Forest Buffers – planting trees/shrubs adjacent to bodies of water
• Silvopasture – sustainable integration of grazing and forestry
• Special Forest Products – Forest Farming
  • Culinary – mushrooms, leaks (ramps), persimmons, pecans, syrup
  • Wood-based – walking sticks, carvings, baskets, novelties
  • Medicinal – ginseng, goldenseal, black cohosh, bloodroot
• Windbreaks – planting of trees/shrubs to manage the effect of wind on erosion and soil moisture in addition to other benefits

For more information on agroforestry practices, please visit the USDA National Agroforestry Center, University of Missouri Center for Agroforestry, and Non-Timber Forest Products web sites.

Useful Links

Alley Cropping (Agriculture Crops with Tree Crops)

Forest Farming (Edibles, Medicinals, Ornamentals, Decoratives)

Riparian Forest Buffers (Design, Maintenance and Establishment)

Silvopasture (Grazing and Forestry)

Special Applications

Windbreaks (Design, Maintenance and Establishment)

Additional Links