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With about 46% of global production, Côte d’Ivoire is the world’s leading producer of cocoa beans. However, this production contributes to deforestation, exacerbating the effects of climate change. In response to this observation, this study aims to deepen knowledge on the contribution of agroforestry systems in cocoa production areas in Côte d’Ivoire to atmospheric carbon storage. These main areas are the Centre-West, South-West, and West. In these areas, floristic richness was determined in 115 plots. Carbon stocks in living biomass, dead matter, and soil were evaluated. The dynamics of carbon stocks with age were also determined. The results revealed that the West area contains the most diversified cocoa agroforests, with 161 species compared to 71 and 119 in the Centre-West and South-West, respectively. Entandrophragma angolense, Nesogordonia papaverifera, and Sterculia oblonga, common to these areas, are on the IUCN Red List. Carbon stock varies by area, its history, the practices present, and especially the associated species. Thus, in the former cocoa production zone (Centre-West) and the current main production zone (South-West), Elaeis guineensis is the main carbon reservoir, with 25.576 tC.ha⁻1 in the Centre-West and 36.862 tC.ha⁻1 in the South-West. In the West, local trees form the main carbon reservoir with 11.701 tC.ha⁻1. The dynamics of total carbon stocks show heterogeneous changes in production areas according to the different stages of development of agroforestry systems. This is evidence of the complexity of carbon flow and the dynamics of cocoa systems, which are strongly influenced by the sociology of the producers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The contamination of heavy metals in agroforestry soils around the industrial area, Bangladesh is drawing more and more attention. This study investigates the concentration of chromium (Cr), nickel (Ni), copper (Cu), arsenic (As), cadmium (Cd), lead (Pb), manganese (Mn), and zinc (Zn) in soils of three agroforestry systems and their role on the soil ecology in a tropical moist deciduous forest in Tangail, Bangladesh. Heavy metals in soil samples were analysed by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometer following acid digestion. The soils in the agroforestry practiced field increased organic matter content. In soil samples, the pH was ranged from 5.33 to 6.35, the electrical conductivity was ranged from 0.89 to 1.22 dS/m, CEC was ranged from 12.1 to 23.5 (Cmol kg−1) and the range of organic carbon was 1.05–2.02%. Average value of trace elements (mg/kg) in soil samples were listed in decreasing order of Mn (121.7) > Zn (80.9) > Cu (42.0) > Ni (28.6) > Cr (18.1) > Pb (16.0) > As (9.7) > Cd (1.9). The ecological risk index indicates that soils in the agroforestry systems had considerable to high ecological risk. Therefore, it is essential to develop functional concepts of urban-agroforestry systems with land-uses soils adapted to Bangladesh's current circumstances and ecosystem services to protect the ecology of the largest shal forest. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Agricultural production in arid areas struggles to meet modern environmental management challenges. Unsustainable practices under drought conditions have led to soil fertility loss, structural damage, erosion, and deflation, negatively affecting crop yields. The solution lies in adopting resource-efficient, nature-based technologies. Agroforestry systems effectively combat drought and land degradation in arid regions, mitigating these issues and enhancing agricultural productivity. To identify the role of protective forest plantations in the economy of agricultural production, an assessment was carried out on the gross wheat harvest and net income from its sale with minor and active wind activity under various agroforestry strategies. A comparison of various options for afforestation of fields in the steppe zone of the Volgograd region (Russia) showed that the greater the protection of fields due to the convergence of distances between protective plantations, the higher the efficiency of agroforestry. The cost of mitigating the effects of drought and soil degradation in agroforestry systems with low intensity is USD 12- USD 25 per 1 ha of forested land use. With an increase in the intensity of degradation to the level of a dust storm, the cost of mitigating its consequences is USD 171-USD 280. This indicates the great relevance and economic feasibility of forest reclamation measures in the region. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mountainous environments are particularly vulnerable to land degradation due to steep slopes, fragile soils, increasing population, severe shortages of pastureland, and climate change. This situation results in a loss of ecosystem services (ES), which unequally affects vulnerable groups who rely on access to ES closer to their homes. This study assesses the extent to which vulnerable groups access agroforestry systems' ES in the Northern Mountains of Tanzania. A socioeconomic survey and descriptive and inferential statistics were employed to identify individual households with vulnerabilities and analyze their attributes and access to ES. Correlation analysis was employed to determine the relationships between the different types and levels of vulnerability and access to different ES from agroforestry. The results showed that the main types of vulnerabilities identified were single-headed households, including female-headed households, widowed-headed households, and households with one or more people living with a cognitive or physical disability. The results revealed that across the studied agroforestry systems, female-headed households are facing problems in accessing food (92%), timber (86%) and energy (75%). People living with disabilities indicated that they were problematic in accessing food (90%) and energy (76%). Among the studied Agroforestry systems, female-headed households in Miraba faced more difficulties in accessing the most important ES, that is, food (60%), timber (53%), and energy (50%). Our study can be of interest to future policy interventions for vulnerable groups, including special needs inclusivity in society. Finally, we discuss the potential implications of social support and welfare programmes in the northern mountainous environments of Tanzania. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Legumes trees have the potential to provide diverse ecosystem services in different cropping systems. The objective of this study was to evaluate the dendrometric, productive characteristics and nutritional value of Mimosa caesalpiniifolia Benth. in monocrop and a silvopastoral system, in Brazil. The treatments were distributed under a randomized block design, with three replications, and consisted of M. caesalpiniifolia monocrop system and silvopasture (signal grass + M. caesalpiniifolia). At 38 months after planting, evaluations were carried out every 56 days for two years. The data were analyzed using repeated measures over time using SAS on demand (2021) and the treatment means were compared using PDIFF with Tukey's test (P < 0.05). There was no effect of cropping systems on plant height (~ 5.2 m). The greatest values for diameter at breast height (16.32 cm), basal diameter (20.54 cm), and dry matter production per plant (36 g DM plant−1) were observed in the silvopasture system. Higher content of crude protein (221 g kg−1), acid detergent fiber (449 g kg−1), and digestibility (383 g kg−1) were observed in the rainy season, while the highest dry matter content (426 g kg−1) occurred in the dry season. Mimosa caesalpiniifolia showed appropriate dendrometric characteristics in the silvopasture system. The silvopasture provides greater forage production per plant of M. caesalpiniifolia and better nutritional value of the forage than the legume monocrop. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Agroforestry practices in eastern Ethiopia are renowned for their multifunctional landscapes, contributing significantly to biodiversity conservation and enhancement. However, there is a lack of comprehensive studies on the diversity and structure of woody species within coffee-based and parkland agroforestry systems documented in a single study. This research aimed to evaluate the composition, diversity, and structure of woody species in these agroforestry systems. Conducted in the Habro district of eastern Ethiopia, the study involved randomly selecting sixteen plots for each agroforestry system. Inventory assessments of woody species were carried out using 40×40 and 20 m*20-meter plots for parkland and coffee-based systems respectively, and 5×5-meter plots for coffee shrubs. For trees with a diameter at breast height (DBH) of ≥2.5 cm, measurements of tree heights were taken. The study computed basal area, stem density, diameter, and height class distribution to characterize the structure of woody communities, and species diversity was also assessed. The findings revealed a total of 57 woody species across 31 families. Specifically, 38 woody species were recorded in parkland agroforestry, while 43 species were found in coffee-based agroforestry systems. Significant differences were observed in species diversity indices and structural parameters between the two agroforestry systems. The Shannon diversity index and richness were higher in coffee-based agroforestry compared to parkland systems. Additionally, the density and basal area of woody species were greater in coffee-based systems than in parkland agroforestry. Overall, both agroforestry systems were found to conserve a significant number of woody species, highlighting their potential to contribute to biodiversity conservation and informing future agroforestry management strategies in national programs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study focused on the phenology of Coffea arabica var. Esperanza L4A5, an F1 interspecific hybrid obtained by crossing commercial varieties with wild genotypes from Ethiopia and Sudan. Most phenological studies on C. arabica have been conducted in traditional high-altitude regions, leaving a gap in the understanding of its behavior in non-traditional areas such as the Caribbean region of Costa Rica. To establish a baseline on the phenological behavior of the Esperanza L4A5 hybrid in this region, we conducted a four-year study examining the effects of different agroforestry associations: (1) Albizia saman; (2) Hymenaea courbaril and Erythrina poeppigiana; (3) Anacardium excelsum and Erythrina poeppigiana; and coffee plots under full sun. Additionally, the phenology of the coffee plants was evaluated under differentiated fertilizations (physical, chemical, and without fertilization), considering meteorological factors such as temperature, humidity, and rainfall. The observed variables included the development of floral nodes, pre-anthesis, anthesis, and fruiting stages. To analyze the relationships between environmental factors, tree cover, fertilization, and the phenological stages, we employed multiple linear regression (MLR), which revealed that both tree cover and physical and chemical fertilizations had significant effects on the presence of developed floral nodes and, consequently, on fruit production. Furthermore, the random forest (RF) model was applied to capture complex interactions between variables and to rank the importance of meteorological factors, tree cover, and fertilization practices. These analyses demonstrated that the Esperanza L4A5 hybrid exhibited viable phenological development under the atypical conditions of the Caribbean region of Costa Rica, suggesting its potential to adapt and thrive in non-traditional coffee-growing areas. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Climate change threatens established agricultural systems and production, driving the need for adaptation and mitigation strategies. Vitiforestry, an alternative cultivation system combining trees and shrubs in the vineyard, promotes environmental sustainability and offers a possible adaptation strategy to climate change. This work scrutinizes the impact of shading on vineyards using an Integrated Model of Vineyard Shading and Climate Adaptation (IMVSCA), supported by a system dynamics approach. This model estimates solar radiation and computes daily and annual trends of insolation, air temperature, and relative humidity to shading and its influence on vineyard growth stages. It also assesses the effects of shading-related extreme weather events and the occurrence of grapevine disease development driven by daily weather conditions and zoning adaptations. The pilot results depict the effects of tree shading on vineyards, namely the impacts of solar radiation and air temperature on vine phenology, pollination, pollen germination, fungal diseases, and the complimentary indicators of grape production and quality. Our modeling framework and findings suggest that vitiforestry could be an interesting climate change adaptation technique, providing a starting point for further studies in this scope. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Traditional-homegardens are important for the food security, economy, and culture of rural communities, but also contributing to biodiversity conservation. The objective of this study was to evaluate the role of traditional-homegardens as a refuge for birds, how the birds used them, and which of their attributes were associated with the frequency of bird visits. We compared the percentage of visits among groups of birds by habitat preference. Also, we compared the frequency of visits to different vegetation strata and the use that birds made within traditional-homegardens (forage, perching or nesting). Finally, we analyzed the relationship between the number of visits and some characteristics of the traditional-homegardens (size area, richness of large plants and distance to the nearest forest fragment). Birds visited different vegetation stratum of traditional-homegardens to perch, to forage, and even to nest. In general, we found that larger traditional-homegardens area increased the number of bird visits, while distance to the native forest fragments and the species richness of large plants did not have significant effects. Insectivores and frugivores had a similar pattern to the general; to the granivores, the distance to the forest fragment had a positive effect on the number of visits; to the omnivores, the species richness of large plants had negative effect, to the nectarivores, none of the variables had a significant effect. Overall, this study sheds light on the significance of traditional-homegardens not only for human communities but also for biodiversity conservation by providing valuable habitats for a variety of bird species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Agroforestry is an alternative to unsustainable agricultural practices, aiding in the mitigation of greenhouse gas emissions and climate change. However, accurately assessing the carbon sequestration potential of agroforestry tree species remains challenging due to reliance on destructive, time-consuming, and resource-intensive methods that hinder forest cover restoration in Côte d'Ivoire. Commonly used pantropical allometric equations lack specificity and precision, complicating carbon sequestration estimates. To address this, our study focused on four agroforestry species in Côte d'Ivoire: Theobroma cacao, Hevea brasiliensis, Coffea canephora, and Anacardium occidentale. We compared aboveground biomass estimates obtained using general and specific allometric equations for these species, collecting dendrometric measurements from 655T. cacao, 69 H. brasiliensis, 90 C. canephora, and 73 A. occidentale individuals. No concordance was found between generic and specific allometric equations using a linear regression model. The general equation significantly underestimated aboveground biomass by 20.06 kg, 1.10 kg, 7.28 kg, and 11.50 kg per tree for T. cacao, H. brasiliensis, C. canephora, and A. occidentale, respectively. The differences indicated a carbon sequestration potential 17.2% to 18.7% higher when using specific equations in cocoa-based agroforestry systems. This study underscores the urgency of developing customized allometric equations for more precise carbon sequestration assessments, enhancing the accuracy of agroforestry's contribution to climate change mitigation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Microbial biomass (MB) is an important indicator of soil quality, being responsive to changes resulting from soil management and use. Although there are studies that evaluate changes in soil microbiological attributes in coffee growing systems, the effects of these systems on MB and its relationship with other soil attributes have rarely been investigated, especially in tropical climate conditions at altitude. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate the effect of different coffee growing systems on biomass and microbial activity and how these responses relate to other soil and litter attributes. Our study was carried out in soils under three Coffea arabica cultivation systems (CCM—monoculture, CCB—consortium with banana, AFS—agroforestry system with Grevillea robusta) and under native forest (NF). Soil samples were collected at a depth of 0–10 cm and subjected to analysis to determine the microbial biomass carbon content (MB-C) by the fumigation-extraction method, accumulated respiration through released CO2, soil organic carbon (SOC) and labile carbon by wet oxidation. There was a 45% reduction in SOC in coffee growing systems and a 75% reduction in MB-C in CCM compared to NF. The AFS is closer to native forest conditions due to its positive influence on the SOC content and the efficiency of converting this carbon into microbial carbon. The presence of the forestry component is positive and should be encouraged to mitigate the impacts of coffee growing on the soil. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study focused on evaluating the growth and productivity of Coffea arabica var. Esperanza L4A5 in different agroforestry systems in the Caribbean region of Costa Rica, a non-traditional area for coffee cultivation due to its low altitude and challenging climatic conditions. Three tree coverages were investigated, in combination with two types of differentiated fertilization (physical and chemical), comparing the results with full sun coffee plots as a control: (1) Albizia saman, (2) Hymenaea courbaril + Erythrina poeppigiana, and (3) Anacardium excelsum + Erythrina poeppigiana. The results showed that tree associations significantly reduced the mortality of coffee plants and increased both the height and mature cherry production compared to full sun treatments. In particular, the tree coverages associated with chemical and physical fertilization achieved the highest growth and production rates, with A. excelsum + E. poeppigiana and H. courbaril + E. poeppigiana standing out with maximum mature cherry productions of 3.35 t/ha and 3.28 t/ha, respectively. Growth analysis revealed that rapid initial growth, especially under chemical fertilization, is crucial for maximizing productivity, although a rapid slowdown in growth was also observed after reaching the peak. These findings underscore the importance of combining tree coverages with appropriate fertilization strategies to optimize coffee production in agroforestry systems, particularly in low-altitude areas like the Costa Rican Caribbean. This study concludes that agroforestry systems not only improve the resilience of coffee crops to adverse environmental conditions but can also be a viable strategy for increasing productivity in non-conventional regions. This suggests the need for further research to assess the long-term impacts on soil health, biodiversity, and the economic viability of these systems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Agroforestry integrates woody perennials with crops and/or animals, fostering ecological and economic interactions. This study examined litter accumulation and decomposition in seven agroforestry systems such as Teak (Tectona grandis), Mahogany (Swietenia mahagoni), Malabar Neem (Melia dubia) Pongam (Pongamia pinnata), Mango (Mangifera indica), Cashew (Anacardium occidentale) and Jamun (Syzygium cumini). at GKVK, Bengaluru, India, over one year. Litter was collected monthly using traps and analyzed for decomposition rates using litter bags. Results indicated that most of the tree species follow an unimodal pattern of litterfall and have peak litterfall during the months of late rainy and dry seasons. The litter production was significantly higher in S. mahagoni and lower in P. pinnata. Among the tree species, litter from P. pinnata was found to decompose faster with a low half-life period. Litter from S. mahagoni and S. cumini observed slow rate of decomposition where small portions of litter remained undecomposed. Seasonal fluctuations influenced decomposition, with higher rates in June-August. The study underscores the importance of species selection in agroforestry for effective nutrient cycling and soil fertility. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Agroforestry is widely promoted to mitigate climate change and strengthen agricultural systems; this study thus evaluates various agroforestry systems practiced in South Asian countries based on the sustainability parameters for the agriculture sector. A hierarchical model for sustainable development in agriculture is formulated considering four criteria, twenty sub-criteria, and seven alternatives. Four pillars of sustainability, namely economic, environmental, social, and human, have been considered as the criteria in this study. The proposed model is evaluated using the multi-criterion decision-making technique fuzzy analytical hierarchical process (FAHP). The investigation of the results shows that environmental and economic criterion holds the utmost value implying the need to consider both ecology and economy while formulating a sustainable system. Among the sub-criteria, farm income, timber produce, watershed protection, and carbon sequestration obtained the highest weightage. Alley cropping system and silvopastoral system have been identified to be the most sustainable agroforestry system among the considered alternatives; as they are found to possess immense potential to boost farm income and transform the animal husbandry sector, respectively. The findings of this study will assist stakeholders such as farmers and policymakers at various levels of decision-making to formulate policies regarding the adoption, development, and promotion of agroforestry interventions. The outcomes of this study will also assist researchers working in the domain of agricultural sustainability in devising a system that is sustainable, taking into account the key attributes identified in this study. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The objective was to evaluate nutrient absorption in Marandu grass influenced by levels of eucalyptus shading in a silvopastoral system (SSP) and N doses, during two years of cultivation. The experimental design adopted was randomized blocks, with four replications. The experiment was conducted in a 3 x 7 factorial arrangement, corresponding to three nitrogen doses (0, 100, and 200 kg ha-1 year-1 in the form of ammonium sulfate), six shading intensities of Marandu grass in SSP (SSP 40-45, SSP 35-40, SSP 30-35, SSP 25-30, SSP 20-25, SSP 15-20%), and one treatment with Marandu grass cultivated in full sun (monoculture). Chemical analyzes were performed to obtain macro and micronutrient concentrations in the Marandu grass material. The adoption of the integrated SSP system and N doses showed interaction (P

In the Hotan region of Xinjiang, where arable land is scarce, an agroforestry system integrating walnut trees with crops has been implemented to maximize land-use efficiency. While this dense planting enhances land use, it also limits the availability of light to the understory crops, potentially impacting their yield and quality. To address this issue and enhance the system's sustainability and productivity, precise delineation of the planting structure is critical. This study proposes a novel framework that leverages multi-source remote sensing data combined with advanced deep learning techniques to analyze the agroforestry planting structure. The methodological approach consists of three key phases. First, an instance segmentation model was employed to extract farmland parcels from high-resolution imagery, providing a basis for vegetation classification. Next, a time series model using irregular satellite image time series (irSITS) tracked the growth dynamics of the vegetation. Finally, the spatial planting structure of the walnut trees was quantified using the d-LinkNet model, integrated with a template filling algorithm.The results demonstrated a classification accuracy of 97.85 % in extracting parcel-level planting structures, identifying 42,955 farmland parcels, including 21,153 intercropped parcels. The temporal and spatial characteristics of the agroforestry system were then analyzed, leading to a grading of canopy cover and walnut tree density within the intercropped areas. This comprehensive spatiotemporal planting structure offers a valuable foundation for informed local agricultural policy adjustments. In conclusion, this approach advances the understanding of complex agroforestry systems and provides a robust scientific basis for optimizing intercropping practices, contributing to sustainable agricultural development in arid regions.

Coffee (Coffea arabica L.) is a globally important agricultural crop with increasing quality requirements. However, the challenges posed by climate change impact cup quality. Therefore, the objective was to evaluate the influence of tree diversity and crop segmentation under agroforestry systems on the sensory characteristics of coffee. The study employed a 4A*3B factorial design, with factor A: agroforestry systems (mixed system, shade-free system, system with Erythrina edulis and system with Inga edulis) and factor B: segmented harvest (upper, middle, and lower third cherries). Fragrance/aroma, flavor, residual flavor, acidity, body, uniformity, balance, clean cup, sweetness, cupper's score, and final score were evaluated. The results suggest that coffee trees planted in mixed systems provide the best sensory characteristics of coffee in the cup since the highest averages were obtained in most of the variables evaluated. Likewise, it is concluded that the diversity of trees (mixed system and system with Erythrina edulis) has a positive influence on the sensory quality of the coffee, reaching a score of 82.86 and 82.64 for the mixed system and the system with Erythrina edulis respectively; categorizing them as specialty coffees. Agroforestry systems constitute an option for developing sustainable agriculture while improving the sensory quality of coffee in the Peruvian Amazon.

In Peru, the diversity of ecosystems contributes to producing high-quality coffees, generating important economic opportunities for small producers thanks to the growing value of coffee in expanding markets. This study analyzed the influence of forest species on bean yield and cup quality in agroforestry systems (AFS) located at three altitudinal levels: 500–1500 m.a.s.l., 1500–1800 m.a.s.l. and more than 1800 m.a.s.l. The characterization of these systems, the register of pests and diseases (Hemileia vastatrix and Hypothenemus hampei), the green gold bean yield, and cup quality according to altitude were evaluated. At altitudes of 1500–1800 m.a.s.l., in localities such as Rodríguez de Mendoza and Camporredondo, shade levels of up to 60 % were recorded, with 100 % incidence of H. vastatrix on leaves and 100 % infestation of H. hampei in grains, resulting in yields of less than 70 % and cup quality of 59 points. In Pisuqia, above 1800 m.a.s.l., an H. vastatrix intensity index of 40 % was observed, but the presence of H. hampei was not detected; yields of 97 % and a cup quality of 83.54 points were achieved, highlighting the advantages of agroclimatic conditions at higher altitudes. Integrating shade trees in AFS is an effective strategy to improve coffee's yield and sensory quality. Farmers are encouraged to adopt mixed AFS as a sustainable alternative that optimizes economic and environmental benefits.

Low adoption of agroforestry and other sustainable agriculture practices presents a pressing issue for both policy makers and practitioners in Sub-Saharan Africa. The inefficiency of extension advisory services partly contributes to low adoption of these practices in this region. Using survey data collected from Mzimba and Dedza districts in Malawi, this study applies an Ordered Probit model to assess the effect of ICT-enabled knowledge acquisition on the adoption of multipurpose tree species (MPTS). The results show that radio and WhatsApp messenger are key ICT-based platforms facilitating MPTS adoption. On the other hand, community-based farmer advisors (CBFAs) are an important form of face-to-face extension approach for promoting the adoption of MPTS. From a gender perspective, the results indicate that women farmers might be more inclined to adopt MPTS than their male counterparts, although this effect is not statistically significant. The findings highlight the importance of strengthening ICT-enabled extension advisory services to complement in-person extension services in an era when the number of extension agents is dwindling and the available extension officers are constrained to reach millions of farmers. Additionally, there is a need to scale digital extension services by developing appropriate content suitable for specific digital platforms and the type of agroforestry practices being promoted. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study delves into the diversity and composition of agroforestry species in Rwanda's Eastern Plateau and Eastern Savannah agro-ecological zones. Examining these systems across diverse landscapes is crucial for selecting species adapted to local conditions. We surveyed four landscapes with varying tree cover levels, using stratified random sampling to allocate 240 plots for detailed field inventory. We analyzed dendrometric characteristics of woody vegetation, focusing on plants with ≥ 4 cm diameter at breast height (DBH). Exotic tree species comprised over 75% of trees across all landscapes. Diversity indices indicated significant differences in plant communities between the Eastern Savannah and Eastern Plateau, with higher diversity in the former. Sørensen's similarity coefficient for woody species between the two regions showed a moderate level of similarity (approximately 53%). However, there was a significant difference in the equitability of on-farm tree species between the zones, suggesting non-identical distribution patterns. The most common and dominant tree species were Grevillea robusta, Mangifera indica, and Persea americana, primarily used for timber and fruit production. Most encountered trees were small and scattered, with nearly 80% having a DBH below 20 cm, highlighting the prevalence of young trees. The dominance of exotic species emphasizes the need for further research on their impact on agricultural biodiversity, informing sustainable land management practices in Rwanda and similar contexts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The expansion of agroforestry has immense potential in mitigating and curbing regional and/or global climate change. In the present study, agroforestry systems, viz., agrihorticulture (AH), agrisilviculture (AS), and agrihortisilviculture (AHS), were explored for biomass production and carbon density in vegetation as well as in soil in two different climatic conditions, viz., high hills, dry temperate (C1) and high hills, dry and cold temperate (C2). The results revealed that production of above-ground biomass (AGB) and below-ground biomass (BGB) were found to be maximum in AS followed by AHS and minimum under AH systems. A similar trend was also observed for litter biomass production. Moreover, the maximum soil organic carbon (SOC; 1.26%) was recorded in the AHS system and minimum (1.14%) in AS system whereas vegetation carbon density displayed its maximum value (63.09 t ha−1) in AS system, followed by AHS (56.20 t ha−1) and AH system (40.85 t ha−1). Litter carbon density and total carbon density (vegetation + soil) followed the trend: AS ~ AHS > AH. Unlike agroforestry systems, climatic conditions failed to exert any significant influence on different biomass components. However, the SOC and total carbon increased with a change in climatic conditions from C1 to C2 but declined with an increase in soil depth. Contrary to leaf litter and soil organic carbon for which a reverse trend was observed for climatic conditions. Overall, the study establish that the various agroforestry land use systems had a substantial impact on the capacity for biomass production and carbon storage; however, the influence of climatic conditions was confined to soil and total C density. Thus, agroforestry in temperate regions could be considered one of the potential natural-based climate solutions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study examines the importance of cupuassu, a tropical fruit native to the Amazon, to Brazil's biodiversity, the Amazon biome, and its potential for economic development. Cupuassu is a Non-Timber Forest Product and a fruit of the Theobroma genus, which also includes cocoa. Just in the state of Pará alone, cupuassu production in 2019 was over 4100 t with a gross value of 2.6 million USD produced. However, cupuassu cultivation still needs investment through technological advances to overcome threats such as witches' broom disease and mycotoxin contamination. Cupuassu fruit is composed of pulp, seeds, and a shell; all these parts have a chemical composition with numerous bioactive compounds, especially the seeds, which also contain stimulant compounds, besides lipids and proteins. The processing of the whole cupuassu fruit has its economic value in the commercialization of the pulp, the extraction of cupuassu butter, and a product called Cupulate®. However, in this process, the cake resulting from the oil pressing, often considered a waste product, has potential as a source of proteins, peptides, lipids, and bioactive molecules with functional and nutritional properties. Recycling this fruit processing waste can create high-value-added products for various industries and promote a circular economy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Agroforestry systems have significant potential for development in increasing coffee production in Indonesia. Besides providing economic benefits, agroforestry can also have ecological impacts, such as improving soil structure, reducing erosion, and other environmental services. There is a complex interaction between trees, soil, and crops in agroforestry systems, making modeling a valuable approach to unraveling these processes. We utilized the spatial and temporal explicit model WaNuLCAS to (i) evaluate the model's performance in depicting actual events (through coffee production and soil water content), (ii) assess the dynamic processes influencing coffee production and the environmental impact of management patterns, (iii) formulate and simulate optimal scenarios for coffee production optimization. Data from a one-year period involving five agroforestry management patterns for coffeepine in UB Forest were used as input for the model. The model validation results showed satisfactory and acceptable outcomes for coffee production and groundwater dynamics. WaNuLCAS simulation results indicated that pruning and thinning management are crucial factors in increasing coffee production and are related to creating optimal conditions for coffee plants (light, humidity, and inter-plant competition). Additionally, fertilization management can be combined as a supporting factor to meet the nutritional needs of coffee plants. WaNuLCAS simulation results also suggested that pruning and thinning can improve soil physical properties, but thinning increases surface runoff within the system. This research provides insights into how modeling can be used as a decision-making tool. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Despite silvopastoral systems' environmental and production benefits, their adoption in forest ecosystems has been moderated. Identifying a silvopastoral farm typology combining farm size and management practices can help explore the constraints to their adoption and guide technical support initiatives. We investigated farms adopting silvopastoral systems in the Upper Atlantic Forest of Argentina and whether their management practices are related to the farms structural characteristics. We analysed 60 surveys that covered 3428 ha under silvopastoral management. First, we group the farms according to size and land use using the factor analysis mixed data and group with hierarchical clustering. Second, we performed two correspondence analyses with variables related to management practices in the silvopastoral area to explore the relationship between the practice management adopted and the cluster farm. Our results summarised the variability of farms and management practices in three groups: Specialist silvopastoral farms, Agricultural farms with silvopastoral management and forest plantation, and Livestock farms with silvopastoral management sectors. Specialist silvopastoral farms adopted most of the technical recommendations for this land use. Despite this work contributions, some information gaps still need to be addressed to have an integrated vision of how silvopastoral systems in the Upper Atlantic Forest of Argentina can be adopted in an extended manner. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Most studies of agroforestry system biodiversity focus on assessing visible, aboveground biodiversity, largely ignoring soil biodiversity. To fill this gap, a preliminary assessment of soil biodiversity in an agroforestry system was undertaken based on changes in soil enzyme activity. The study was conducted in the village of Maziarnia, Lubelskie Voivodeship, Poland, Europe. Arable fields with spring wheat, mid-field trees and perennial mixed forest were selected for the study. Soil material for physicochemical analyses (pHH2O, pHKCl, sorption properties, total carbon and total nitrogen) and biochemical analyses (activity of acid phosphatase, alkaline phosphatase, urease and dehydrogenases) was collected in the spring and autumn of 2022. The present study showed that the biochemical properties of the soils of the selected study sites varied depending on the type of ecosystem determining habitat conditions. Each ecosystem that makes up the agroforestry system studied is characterised by a distinctive microbiome composition and its own level of enzymatic activity. The obtained results support the thesis that agroforestry systems significantly increase the functional diversity and overall biodiversity of agricultural landscapes. However, a full, objective characterisation of the processes taking place in agroforestry systems requires long-term monitoring.

Deforestation in the tropics is a critical issue that interacts with global environmental changes, and the mediating role of negative agricultural shocks is ambiguous. We investigate the impact of the massive epidemic of coffee leaf rust (CLR) that affected Mexico from 2012 on deforestation. CLR is a fungal disease that negatively affects coffee production. We exploit the gradual spread of the epidemic across coffee‐growing municipalities and estimate a difference‐in‐differences model. We find that deforestation increased by 32% in CLR‐affected municipalities, but we find no increase in agricultural land. We find evidence of deforestation in cropland area, and our effects are driven by states where rustic coffee systems were predominant. These results suggest that deforestation occurred within coffee cultivation areas and point out the concurrent role of government subsidies and incentives through the PROCAFE program, launched in 2014, that promoted the replacement of traditional coffee trees by CLR‐resistant hybrids. We study the dynamic effects of CLR and exploit the delayed launch of PROCAFE to try to disentangle the impact of the epidemic from that of the policy response. Our results emphasize the vulnerability of agroforestry systems to exogenous shocks and suggest that PROCAFE, as a short‐term response to CLR, contributed to increasing deforestation and accelerating the transition of Mexican traditional coffee landscapes to monoculture. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Most studies of agroforestry system biodiversity focus on assessing visible, aboveground biodiversity, largely ignoring soil biodiversity. To fill this gap, a preliminary assessment of soil biodiversity in an agroforestry system was undertaken based on changes in soil enzyme activity. The study was conducted in the village of Maziarnia, Lubelskie Voivodeship, Poland, Europe. Arable fields with spring wheat, mid-field trees and perennial mixed forest were selected for the study. Soil material for physicochemical analyses (pHH2O, pHKCl, sorption properties, total carbon and total nitrogen) and biochemical analyses (activity of acid phosphatase, alkaline phosphatase, urease and dehydrogenases) was collected in the spring and autumn of 2022. The present study showed that the biochemical properties of the soils of the selected study sites varied depending on the type of ecosystem determining habitat conditions. Each ecosystem that makes up the agroforestry system studied is characterised by a distinctive microbiome composition and its own level of enzymatic activity. The obtained results support the thesis that agroforestry systems significantly increase the functional diversity and overall biodiversity of agricultural landscapes. However, a full, objective characterisation of the processes taking place in agroforestry systems requires long-term monitoring. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: The objective was to characterize the pastures by grazing cycle, as well as to evaluate the performance of buffaloes in intensive rotational grazing in a silvopastoral system in the eastern Amazon supplemented with agro-industry co-products in order to characterize the grazing cycles, the composition of the fractions and the carcass yield. Fifteen non-castrated, crossbred water buffaloes (Murrah × Mediterranean) were used. Forage protein varied: leaves contained 11.4% protein in the leaves and 50% FDA in the stems. The grass had higher amounts of B3/B2 proteins, which are less indigestible in leaves (17.16%). Forage production varied; the second cycle was better (leaf/stem 2.11). Despite a varied supplement intake, daily weight gain (1 kg/day) and carcass yield (49.23%) showed no differences, ensuring cost-effective, sustainable production. Incorporating supplements derived from coconut and palm kernel co-products enhances performance and carcass yield, comparable to standard supplements. This practice lowers production expenses, optimizes forage utilization, and enhances production chain sustainability, making it a recommended approach. The objective was to characterize the pastures by grazing cycle, as well as to evaluate the performance of buffaloes in intensive rotational grazing in a silvopastoral system in the eastern Amazon supplemented with agro-industry co-products in order to characterize the grazing cycles, the composition of the fractions, and the carcass yield. Fifteen non-castrated, crossbred water buffaloes (Murrah × Mediterranean) were used. All animals used in the study were clinically healthy and weighed approximately 458 kg. The animals were grazed in a single group, and supplementation (1% of live weight—LW/day) was divided into three treatments: control (control—conventional ingredients); Cocos nucifera coconut cake (Cocos nucifera) (coconut cake—70%); and palm kernel cake (Guinean elaeis) (palm kernel cake—70% palm kernel cake). The chemical composition of the forage is different in each part of the plant, with higher protein values in the leaves (11.40%) and higher acid detergent fiber (ADF) values in the stems (50.03%). Among the ingredients of the supplement, corn has the highest percentage of indigestible protein (35.57%), most of the protein in palm kernel cake is B3 (49.11%), and in Coco, B2 (51.52%). Mombasa grass has a higher percentage of B3 and B2 proteins; the indigestible fraction is lower in the leaves (17.16%). The leaf/stem ratio also varied between grazing cycles, being better in the second cycle (2.11%) and with an overall average of 1.71. Supplement consumption varied between cycles and was higher in the control treatment, with an overall mean of 4.74. There was no difference in daily weight gain and carcass yield, with an average of 1 kg/day and 49.23%, respectively. Therefore, it can be concluded that including supplements based on by-products from the coconut and palm oil agro-industries promotes performance and carcass yields compatible with conventional supplements. Their use reduces production costs, optimizes the utilization of forage mass, enhances the sustainability of the production chain, and, therefore, is recommended. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The conservation of forest remnants in southern Brazil is closely related to historical land use, for example in systems such as caívas that occur within remnants of the Araucaria Forest and include livestock production and the extraction of yerba mate. Over the last decade, technologies adapted for these systems have been developed that promote a significant increase in animal productivity, without harming forest regeneration or the maintenance of the tree layer. However, the fertilization of pastures proposed in the technology has also promoted greater growth of native trees, with a consequent increase in shade levels. This, in turn, has affected the maintenance of pasture and yerba mate in the understory. Thus, this study sought to develop a methodology to adjust shade levels based on forest management that adheres to the limits permitted by current legislation. The objective was to evaluate the effect of tree management to maintain 50% shade levels on environmental indicators in a caíva that has been implementing pasture improvement technology since 2013. Native tree management occurred in 2020 and 2022 and the results were compared with data from the floristic survey of the area carried out in 2013. The results indicate that although the adoption of forest management to adjust shade levels reduced the density of individuals, it did not affect forest diversity, nor the basal area of the caíva tree layer. As such, it is possible to maintain pasture and yerba mate production in the area. Strategies like this are fundamental so that the forest landscape can continue to offer a source of production while also supporting environmental conservation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims: Current comprehensive meta-analysis study aims to explore how agroforestry practices influence soil quality across different climate zones. Since numerous studies proposed agroforestry as the promising agroecological farming systems over conventional monoculture systems to maintain soil quality and to regenerate disturbed soil to counteract the negative consequences of global extensive agricultural approaches. Methods: By employing the comprehensive meta-analysis technique on data from 125 studies conducted in tropical, temperate, and Mediterranean environments, we quantitatively assessed the effects of agroforestry on physical, chemical, and biological soil quality indicators. Results: Rates of soil erosion, the most important indication of land degradation, were improved in agroforestry systems compared to monocultures, especially in temperate (-138%) and Mediterranean soils (-40%), due to agroforestry-induced improved soil texture, aggregate stability, and soil water regulation. Soil acidification was decreased in tropical (-128%) and Mediterranean soils (-96%), but increased in temperate soils (+ 104%) due to agroforestry practices. Low temperate soil pH suggests high Ca2+ leaching losses as evidenced by decreased Ca2+ (-68%) and increased Fe2+ (+ 129%) and Al3+ (+ 235%) contents. Agroforestry systems increased organic matter accumulation in temperate (+ 86%) and Mediterranean soils (+ 65%), carbon sequestration in all climatic zones (+ 48%: 33–73%), and respiration rates in temperate (+ 119%) and tropical soils (+ 105%). Soil microbial communities, enzyme activities as well as nutrient cycling and availability were generally enhanced in agroforestry systems compared to monocultures. Conclusions: Our results provide compelling evidence that agroforestry practices can contribute substantially to sustainable improvement of global soil quality. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The integration of trees within agricultural systems delivers the opportunity to provide multiple benefts over those aforded by agriculture without trees. The use of windbreaks as a form of agroforestry, in water scarce environments, is primarily used to reduce windspeeds in order to decrease evapotranspiration. Quick growing poplar species such as Populus simonii ((Carrière) Wesm.) are frequently utilised within windbreak structures, but to date, few allometric equations are available to quantify biomass production and to make inferences about carbon storage potential of this species, and none outside the forest. To fll this knowledge gap, we destructively sampled 17 P. simonii growing within a windbreak on a wine estate in the Western Cape Provence, South Africa. Power functions were constructed to explain tree height, whole tree aboveground woody biomass, stem and branch biomass as a function of stem diameter at 1.3 m. Additional functions were developed to predict individual branch length and biomass based on branch stub diameter. The presented models explained each variable with high signifcance. The models could be used to estimate carbon stock per km of windbreak for the given example. Furthermore, bark percentage predicted by stem sectional diameter was modelled to provide a function that can separate wood and bark fractions as a further outlook for the species’ utilisation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Heliconias belong to the group of tropical flowers, which generate economic benefits in the agricultural sector with their agronomic peculiarities. Besides providing the social actors involved with benefits aimed at sustainability in different tropical areas. Therefore, the objective of this study was to compare the physiological and agronomic characteristics of three commercial cultivars of Heliconias in three locations of a community in the municipality of Fortín, in the state of Veracruz, Mexico. Three sites were identified based on the type of agriculture: agroforestry system with Heliconias (site 1), agroforestry system - monoculture, with Heliconias (site 2) and monoculture (only Heliconias, site 3). A randomised complete block design with a split-plot arrangement (A x B) and six replications was used. Factors were: A) In situ cultivation sites, corresponding to three plots (sites) in the municipality of Coapichapan, Mexico, and B) Heliconias cultivars (Heliconia psittacorum, Heliconia wagneriana and H. bihai). The variables evaluated were tillers traits and inflorescence traits. The results show that in an agroforestry system with Heliconia, Heliconia bihai showed better performance in eight variables except for inflorescence number and bract number. In an agroforestry and monoculture system with Heliconia, Heliconia bihai shows better results in leaf length and inflorescence length. In an agroforestry system and monoculture with Heliconia, Heliconia wagneriana performed better in bract number, pseudostem width and leaf length. In monoculture, Heliconia bihai responded best to inflorescence length. Due to the tropical nature of this ornamental, the best growing conditions for Heliconia are in agroforestry systems. Due to its physiological characteristics, Heliconia bihai shows its agronomic potential in this type of agriculture even under monoculture conditions. Therefore, the conditions offered by an agroforestry system have a positive effect on the cultivation of Heliconia.

Given the rapid changes in tropical agricultural production, the evaluation of different management practices has gained interest to determine the effects of land-use change on biodiversity. The conversion of forests into agricultural land is one of the main drivers of diversity loss. Agroforestry systems have been shown as a promising option to provide suitable yields in addition to conserving biodiversity. In this study we compared species richness and community composition of terrestrial ants in six different systems in a long-term experimental site established in 2009 in Bolivia: a full-sun monoculture and an agroforestry system under conventional management, a full-sun monoculture and an agroforestry system under organic management, a highly diverse and dense agroforestry system without external inputs and a secondary forest. Using pitfall traps, we sampled ants four times during a seven-year period (2015-2021). We collected a total of 85 ant species belonging to 6 sub-families and 41 genera. More than 80% of the species were recorded in less than 10% of the traps. Species richness did not significantly differ between the systems. However, species composition mainly differed between the fallow and the production systems, and within the latter, it followed the management intensity gradient, i.e., complex agroforestry, agroforestry and monocultures. The indicator species analysis clearly showed species exclusively associated with one or more production systems, whereas others were only associated with the secondary forest. Species with specialised trophic roles were more frequent in forest and agroforestry systems. Our results showed that the disturbance generated by cultivation was the main driver differentiating ant communities, but also reinforced the importance of the complexity and management intensity of the production system. These results have strong implications for landscape management and highlights the importance of preserving natural patches of forest but also diverse and complex agroforestry systems within the agricultural matrix for ant diversity conservation.

This study focused on the phenology of Coffea arabica var. Esperanza L4A5, an F1 interspecific hybrid obtained by crossing commercial varieties with wild genotypes from Ethiopia and Sudan. Most phenological studies on C. arabica have been conducted in traditional high-altitude regions, leaving a gap in the understanding of its behavior in non-traditional areas such as the Caribbean region of Costa Rica. To establish a baseline on the phenological behavior of the Esperanza L4A5 hybrid in this region, we conducted a four-year study examining the effects of different agroforestry associations: (1) Albizia saman; (2) Hymenaea courbaril and Erythrina poeppigiana; (3) Anacardium excelsum and Erythrina poeppigiana; and coffee plots under full sun. Additionally, the phenology of the coffee plants was evaluated under differentiated fertilizations (physical, chemical, and without fertilization), considering meteorological factors such as temperature, humidity, and rainfall. The observed variables included the development of floral nodes, pre-anthesis, anthesis, and fruiting stages. To analyze the relationships between environmental factors, tree cover, fertilization, and the phenological stages, we employed multiple linear regression (MLR), which revealed that both tree cover and physical and chemical fertilizations had significant effects on the presence of developed floral nodes and, consequently, on fruit production. Furthermore, the random forest (RF) model was applied to capture complex interactions between variables and to rank the importance of meteorological factors, tree cover, and fertilization practices. These analyses demonstrated that the Esperanza L4A5 hybrid exhibited viable phenological development under the atypical conditions of the Caribbean region of Costa Rica, suggesting its potential to adapt and thrive in non-traditional coffee-growing areas.

Climate change threatens established agricultural systems and production, driving the need for adaptation and mitigation strategies. Vitiforestry, an alternative cultivation system combining trees and shrubs in the vineyard, promotes environmental sustainability and offers a possible adaptation strategy to climate change. This work scrutinizes the impact of shading on vineyards using an Integrated Model of Vineyard Shading and Climate Adaptation (IMVSCA), supported by a system dynamics approach. This model estimates solar radiation and computes daily and annual trends of insolation, air temperature, and relative humidity to shading and its influence on vineyard growth stages. It also assesses the effects of shading-related extreme weather events and the occurrence of grapevine disease development driven by daily weather conditions and zoning adaptations. The pilot results depict the effects of tree shading on vineyards, namely the impacts of solar radiation and air temperature on vine phenology, pollination, pollen germination, fungal diseases, and the complimentary indicators of grape production and quality. Our modeling framework and findings suggest that vitiforestry could be an interesting climate change adaptation technique, providing a starting point for further studies in this scope.

This study focused on evaluating the growth and productivity of Coffea arabica var. Esperanza L4A5 in different agroforestry systems in the Caribbean region of Costa Rica, a non-traditional area for coffee cultivation due to its low altitude and challenging climatic conditions. Three tree coverages were investigated, in combination with two types of differentiated fertilization (physical and chemical), comparing the results with full sun coffee plots as a control: (1) Albizia saman, (2) Hymenaea courbaril + Erythrina poeppigiana, and (3) Anacardium excelsum + Erythrina poeppigiana. The results showed that tree associations significantly reduced the mortality of coffee plants and increased both the height and mature cherry production compared to full sun treatments. In particular, the tree coverages associated with chemical and physical fertilization achieved the highest growth and production rates, with A. excelsum + E. poeppigiana and H. courbaril + E. poeppigiana standing out with maximum mature cherry productions of 3.35 t/ha and 3.28 t/ha, respectively. Growth analysis revealed that rapid initial growth, especially under chemical fertilization, is crucial for maximizing productivity, although a rapid slowdown in growth was also observed after reaching the peak. These findings underscore the importance of combining tree coverages with appropriate fertilization strategies to optimize coffee production in agroforestry systems, particularly in low-altitude areas like the Costa Rican Caribbean. This study concludes that agroforestry systems not only improve the resilience of coffee crops to adverse environmental conditions but can also be a viable strategy for increasing productivity in non-conventional regions. This suggests the need for further research to assess the long-term impacts on soil health, biodiversity, and the economic viability of these systems.

Properly designed agroforestry systems (AFS) can generate optimal cocoa bean (BC) yields, produce co-products and provide ecosystem services. This study analyzes the interactions between climate, AFS structure and BC yield in six climatic zones across three natural regions of Colombia. A total of 305 plots of 1,000 m2 each were established in 132 farms where the cocoa-AFS structure, BC yield and climatic variables were determined. Five typologies of cocoa-AFS were obtained based on the characteristics of the shade canopy and the abundance of cocoa trees: "Highly diversified multistratum with high biomass" (HDMHB), "Diversified multistratum with high shade and abundance of Musaceae (DMHSM)," "Diversified multistratum with high abundance of cocoa trees (DMHDC)," "Diversified monostratum with low shade (DMLS)" and "monostratum with minimal shade (MMS)." In the departments of Huila and Caquetá, Andean and Amazonia regions, respectively, the HDMHB typology predominated, while in Meta, the Orinoquia region, it was MMS. In the temperate-humid zone, the DMHDC and DMHSM typologies were not found. A high floristic diversity of the shade canopy was found: 229 species; Caquetá registered the highest number (152). The most frequent canopy companion species were Musa paradisiaca, Cariniana pyriformis, Cedrela odorata, Psidium guajava, Musa sapientum, and Cordia alliodora. The highest abundance of cocoa trees occurs in areas with lower temperature and relative humidity and in AFS with lower abundance of fruit and timber trees. Zones with higher temperature and lower precipitation had higher abundance of timber species (r = 0.23). The BC yield is higher in areas with higher precipitation and is related to the lower abundance of individuals of timber and fruit species, and to the higher abundance of Fabaceae. The BC yield depends on the typology (p < 0.0001) of the cacao systems and was higher in DMHDC (1,148 kg ha-1 yr.-1). These results are key for the design of cocoa-AFS farms that maximize the integral production of BC, co-products and ecosystem services, approaching sustainable cocoa farming. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

There has been substantial research on shade in cacao agroforestry systems, with most studies focusing on the impact of the shade cast by the associated shade trees on microclimate and yield. However, to our knowledge, no cacao agroforestry studies have explored how shade and its microclimate-modifying capacity influence the agrosystem’s pest and disease regulating service. Utilizing thermal hygrometers and hemispherical photographs, we measured temperature and relative humidity during the dry and wet seasons as well as the shade of associated trees (associated shade), combining the latter with cacao self-shade (total shade). This approach enabled us to uncover how each shade type influences microclimate, yields, and pests and diseases beneath cacao trees. Additionally, we developed a novel method to estimate attainable yield, actual yield, and yield loss due to pests and diseases. Using yield loss as a proxy of the pest and disease regulating service and structural equation modeling, we built a model depicting the interaction network between shade types and their role in cacao pest and disease regulation. Our results showed that each shade type uniquely influenced cacao agroecosystem outcomes, with the associated shade negatively impacting attainable yield and total shade having a positive effect. Associated shade also mitigated the dry season microclimate and limited pest and disease occurrence. Notably, shade alone was not the sole pest and disease-related yield loss driver; it is part of a complex interaction network. These innovative shade measurement and yield loss estimation methods have enhanced enhance our understanding of pest and disease regulation. Conclusively, different management approaches for associated shade and total shade are crucial for optimizing yields and pest and disease regulation in cacao agroforestry systems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To generate correct and fair management of hydrographic basins, different perspectives and analyzes must be integrated, with a multidisciplinary vision and a systems approach. The fundamental objective of this work is to propose an organization of the areas in the Santa Rita micro-basin, based on the use of the soil, for its protection and sustainable management, and the awareness of the inhabitants of the area to preserve the resources of this ecosystem. A map was made in a GIS with the proposal to organize the use of land, where it was determined that there were 25 plots, with 52.91 hectares in conflict of use, 14 of them with overexploitation, and 11 underused. To organize these conflicts, it was defined that: 25.45 hectares will be allocated to agroforestry systems; 14.12 ha to fruit forests, 2.01 ha to temporary crops, 6.76 ha to coffee cultivation, and 4.57 ha to catchment basin protection forest. The source of employment, areas for food production, and the forested area and biodiversity of this ecosystem are increased. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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The network of natural forests and shelterbelts is a crucial element of agroforestry systems for the efficient and environmentally sustainable land use in Ukraine. From 2016 to 2021, we studied the quality of black soils structure under steppe wildland herbaceous vegetation, man-made tree plantations of Robinia pseudoacacia L. and Quercus robur L., and native forest vegetation of ravines and floodplains in the steppe zone of Ukraine. According to the visual evaluation of soil structure (VESS) scores, the content of the agronomically valuable fraction (AVF), soil organic carbon (SOC) and earthworm casts, native forest soils (Chernozems and Phaeozems) had a significantly (p < .05) higher soil structural quality in 0-25 cm layer as compared with the Chernozems under the steppe vegetation and shelterbelt plantations. In the conditions of steppe landscapes, VESS methods were shown to provide efficient diagnostics to differentiate the black soil structural quality of low-intensity land use systems, that is steppe wildlands, shelterbelts, native forests: VESS indicators significantly (p < .05) correlated with quantitative characteristics of soil structure. The most significant dependence was found between VESS parameters and earthworm casts content. The need to improve VESS method was demonstrated, that is to assign higher weight to the earthworm bioturbation process as one of the key indicators of soil structural quality. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]