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The rubber tree is an economically important tree planted in many tropical countries. While rubber planting has improved the livelihoods of growers, it has also resulted in soil degradation. However, systematic studies on assessment of soil health and its management in rubber plantations are limited. The present study explored whether intercropping of Michelia macclurei (an ornamental evergreen tree) in rubber plantation could help conserve soil health compared to traditional monoculture practice with randomised complete block design. The rubber tree density was the same in monoculture and intercropping, with the addition of Michelia macclurei in intercropping. The effects of soil properties and microbial communities was used to analyse two different planting patterns of rubber monoculture and rubber intercropping using soil sampling from field plots. The study investigated variation in soil physical structure, soil moisture, soil nutrients, soil microbes, and enzyme activities in two types of rubber plantations viz. a monoclonal plantation without intercrop (RM) and a plantation with Michelia macclurei as an intercrop (RAS). The results from above study showed an increase in soil organic carbon (SOC), total nitrogen (TN), ammonium nitrogen (AN), available phosphorus (AP), nitrate nitrogen (NN) and total potassium (TK) in plantation with intercrop as compared to monoclonal plantation without intercrop. When comparing the corresponding values of RM to RAS, bacteria and total microbial abundance of RAS increased on average by 75.51% and 48.42%, respectively. In addition, after the transition from rubber monoculture to rubber agroforestry, the annual average of SOC, TN, AP, TK nutrients and pH in soil increased by 10.94%, 4.25%, 14.53%, 1.34% and 9.74%, respectively. Soil water content, soil bulk density and soil porosity were not significantly different between RM and RAS treatments. Sucrase activity and cellulase activity also increased in the RAS intercropping system. These results show that intercropping promotes soil organic matter and microbial communities and enhances soil enzyme activities. These findings indicate that rubber intercropping creates healthy soil environments conducive to tree growth and improves the ecosystem sustainability of rubber plantations. Healthier and stronger rubber trees may increase rubber production and provide sustainable management of plantations in the future. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper theoretically models and empirically assesses the sociotechnical transition process experienced by a group of producers in southern Bahia State (Brazil). Driven by the search for economic sustainability in cocoa production, this group has achieved full sustainability through production chain upgrading, enabling the agroforestry system's (cabruca) continuity in their properties. In order to understand how and why this process happened, our conceptual model advances on the Multi-Level Perspective (MLP) framework, as it is an applied way of analyzing different niche transformations within the same regime, a typical situation in agrifood systems in emerging markets. Our analyses and empirical evidence suggest that interpersonal relationships play a crucial role in this process, particularly developing concepts and strategies, and in establishing operational structures. Rules and structure formalization may replace interpersonal relationships, as observed when the transition goes forward. Our findings evidence knowledge gathering, cooperation among actors, and information and support exchanging as critical factors to trigger the niche transition process. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Paulownia spp. comes from South-East Asia, where there is a tradition of its cultivation. Social pressure, in favour of the use of renewable sources of energy and sustainable agriculture, is on the rise. In this context, agroforestry has become a significant topic of interest. Paulownia spp. could be one of the species utilized in this field. That is why, in 2014, the experimental agroforestry system, which was intended for the production of fodder for farm animals, and also for the production of saw timber, was established in one of the warmest areas of the Czech Republic. The aim of this research was to evaluate the production potential of Paulownia Bellissia®. The measuring of the heights and thicknesses, and the determination of the extent to which the plants were damaged, were conducted during 2017–2020. The plantation consisted of two plots, where the plants on the first plot (treated plants) were regularly irrigated and annually pruned and those on the second (reference plants) were not. The treated plants reached a mean annual increment of 1.6 m in height and 2.8 cm in diameter at breast height, but almost 80 % were sunscalded, whereas the reference plants reached only 1.1 m and 2.0 cm but remained undamaged. Most of the damaged plants were also infested with parasitic fungi Schizophyllum commune and Trametes hirsuta, while the occurrence of S. commune on plantations of Paulownia was found as one of the first discoveries in the Czech Republic.

It is widely recognized that the input of organic matter in tropical agriculture is essential to maintain productivity and soil quality. This study aimed to investigate the dynamics of organic C pools and CO2 emission influenced by organic compost fertilization and leucaena biomass in an area of 6 years under organic farming. The system consisted of 5 treatments based on 5 levels of fertilization with organic compost (0, 10, 20, 30, and 40 t ha−1). Each block was surrounded by leucaena and their pruning's were distributed in equal proportions for all treatments. Two rotating crops were performed per year, cabbage/corn. Soil samples were collected in the 0–10 and 10–20 cm layers in 2-year seasons. TOC and N stocks were between 23.1 and 51.6 t ha−1, and 2.1 and 5.4 t ha−1, respectively. The highest compost doses increased the microbial biomass C and N. The increase in microbial biomass was followed by higher emissions of C-CO2. Increased microbial quotient values indicated C accumulation in the system by a higher amount of active metabolic C. The microbial biomass was less efficient in the use of the high organic compost doses. The dose of compost should be reduced and applied constantly by the farmers to attend the plant demand by nutrients and increase the efficiency of C sequestration in the soil. This C sequestration will also improve biological activity and soil quality in tropical regions, increasing food production. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The cultivation of Hevea brasiliensis (rubber) is promoted as a productive and ecological alternative, especially in agroforestry systems, although research is still required to address its impact on soil chemical conditions. This study aimed evaluate the possible effects of five types of land use on the chemical properties of horizons A and B in soils of the Colombian Amazon: agroforestry system of H. brasiliensis with timber and fruit trees, agroforestry system of H. brasiliensis associated with stubble, H. brasiliensis monoculture, secondary forest as positive control and native grass as negative control. The conditions of pH, exchangeable aluminum, organic carbon, potassium, phosphorus, calcium, magnesium, base saturation and cationic exchange capacity were evaluated. Similarities in soil chemical properties were found between secondary forest, agroforestry systems with fruit trees and agroforestry systems associated with stubble. The H. brasiliensis monoculture did not present significant differences with the native pasture. The pH was the only variable affected by soil use, while the percentage of organic carbon and the contents of phosphorus, calcium, magnesium and potassium changed depending on the A and B horizons, demonstrating that the variability of the chemical fertility of the clay soils of the Amazon are more related to the characteristics of their horizons than to the type of land use. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The potential of soil organic carbon fractions for agroforestry systems (AFSs) is not well understood. Five distinct AFSs were tested for its impact on soil organic carbon fractionation, carbon index, and microbial activity in North Eastern Himalayas, India. The mean labile carbon (LC) ranged from 4.55 to 5.43 kg soil−1 across the land use systems. Napier system observed the lowest very labile carbon (VLC) 12.36 kg soil−1 in 60–75-cm depth. The mean non labile carbon (NLC) ranged from 15.67 to 16.83 g kg soil−1 across the land use. Highest less labile carbon (LLC) was observed in agri-horti-silviculture (AHS) followed by agri-silvi-horticulture (ASH) land use system. The black gram + mandarin + Alnus nepalensis land use recorded higher lability index (1.66) followed by maize + Schima wallichii (1.65) in 0–15-cm depth. Among the different land use systems, carbon pool index increased in all the depths over buckwheat + mandarin. The mean carbon management index (CMI) value ranged from 167.02 to 210.12 among the land use system. The mean CMI was highest in black gram + mandarin + Alnus nepalensis (210.12) followed by soybean + Ficus hookerii + guava (191.56), maize + Schima wallichii (281.71), and lowest in buckwheat + mandarin (167.02). Among the AFSs, black gram + mandarin + Alnus nepalensis showed greater amount of carbon pool index, lability index, and carbon management index and, hence, considered the best sustainable agroforestry system to sequester more carbon in the Sikkim Himalaya. Such system also retained more different organic carbon fractions. The mean CMI value ranged from 167.02 to 210.12 among AFSs. Acid phosphatase activity was more during the rainy season followed by winter and summer season. Similar trends were followed by the urease activity in all the three seasons. Overall conclusion from this investigation is that SOC fractions, carbon index, and microbial activity levels are strongly influenced by the prevailing agroforestry systems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article compares different production, economic, and selected environmental aspects of agroforestry systems in a standard (alley cropping) and a newly proposed design with fast-growing trees grown in short-rotation coppice. Our models of agroforestry systems (AFSs) are as follows: (i) alley cropping AFS with cherry and walnut trees in single rows (tree strips) with 28 m-wide arable fields between them (crop strips), and (ii) coppiced tree belt AFS with poplars and willows and 25 m-wide arable fields between them (crop strips). To evaluate the production characteristics of trees, we used yield curves from experimental plantations in conditions of the Czech Republic from previous research projects. Cost data were collected from long-term experimental plantations and combined with current operation and energy prices. The article presents an economic methodology for assessing the competitiveness of biomass production in AFSs under the current identified market conditions. Our results show that AFSs with short-rotation coppice can have similar economic and production results as annual crops if grown on suitable sites and with appropriate quality of agronomy. In comparison, alley cropping AFSs with fruit trees would not be economically viable for farmers without a significant subsidy for establishment and maintenance in the first years after establishment. Concerning the latest economic and political developments, the product from SRC (energy woodchips) can be evaluated as strategic, increasing the producer's independence from purchased energy fuels. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the agroforestry system, the organic matter in the farmland and natural ecosystem enters the farmland soil in a mixed form to improve soil fertility and carbon pool quality. However, it is unclear how soil microbial carbon-degrading enzyme activity responds to carbon dynamics in this process. Therefore, we took farmland in the Loess Plateau as the research object, combining the application of corn straw and Robinia pseudoacacia leaves in a mass ratio of 4:0, 3:1, 2:2, 1:3, and 0:4 for returning to the field. We measured corn grain yield, carbon emission, organic carbon pool component content, and carbon-degrading enzyme activity of the farmland. The results showed that combining corn straw and Robinia pseudoacacia leaves had a significant impact on soil organic carbon components (readily oxidizable organic carbon and recalcitrant organic carbon), carbon-degrading enzymes (polyphenol oxidase, peroxidase, and cellobiohydrolase), and cumulative carbon emissions. The trend of different indicators in different treatments during the corn growth period was similar. We found that soil carbon emissions were closely related to ROC and soil oxidase activity, while soil carbon content was closely related to soil hydrolase activity. Compared to not returning straw to the field, the corn straw and Robinia pseudoacacia leaves returned to the field in a mass ratio of 1:3(Y1C3) can increase corn grain yield by 32.04%. The Y1C3 treatment has the highest soil carbon content and the lowest crop carbon emission efficiency. Soil water content plays a crucial role in the process of carbon pool transformation driven by soil carbon-degrading enzymes. In conclusion, soil carbon dynamics are closely related to the activity of soil carbon-degrading enzymes. Combining the application of corn straw and Robinia pseudoacacia leaves may be a more suitable farming measure for fragile habitats in the Loess Plateau than other solutions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In arid and semi-arid regions of China, effective irrigation management and agronomic strategies are essential for enhancing the soil water environment and optimizing water productivity. A three-year (2020–2022) field experiment was conducted in the Ningxia Water Saving Agriculture Science and Technology Park, a semi-arid region in northwest China, to assess the impact of planting patterns, watermelon irrigation quotas and their interaction on soil moisture status, yield and quality. The experiment encompassed: (1) two planting patterns: Apple-watermelon agroforestry and watermelon sole-cropping; and (2) three irrigation quotas (W1: 105 mm, W2: 210 mm, and W3: 315 mm). As the years progress, there is a decreasing trend in the average soil water content (SWC) of the 0–100 cm soil layer within the agroforestry system. During the flowering and fruit setting stage and expansion stage in 2022, the soil water content (SWC) in the agroforestry planting pattern is significantly lower than that in the watermelon sole-cropping pattern. Within the agroforestry planting pattern, the W1 and W2 irrigation quotas increase the average fruit weight, soluble solids content, and sugar content but reduce watermelon yield. The interaction between the W3 irrigation quota and agroforestry planting pattern promotes leaf photosynthesis, and extends the watermelon fruit expansion stage and maturity stage to compensate for the decrease in yield. In summary, the agroforestry planting pattern improves the quality of watermelon fruit, increases soil water utilization, and reduces yield. For those seeking sustainable solutions to enhance land productivity and water use efficiency, apple-watermelon agroforestry emerges as a more promising alternative. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BACKGROUND: This study explored the impact of Leucothyreus femoratus, a previously unreported folivorous pest in cacao cultivation, on cacao tree survival, development, and yield. The study was conducted in an experimental cacao plot in the Colombian plains, it featured 20 cacao genotypes in an agroforestry system, with plantain and Mexican sunflower providing temporary shade, and yopo offering permanent shade. RESULTS: We found an infestation rate of 2.9 ± 0.3 adult beetles per cacao tree. L. femoratus larvae were discovered in association with the roots of all plants within the agroforestry arrangement; however, yopo and plantain exhibited the highest incidence of root‐feeding larvae among these associated plants. Interestingly, male and female L. femoratus displayed distinct leaf consumption patterns in the laboratory, with females consuming more foliage relative to their body weight. Moreover, field observations highlighted the detrimental impact of L. femoratus herbivory on cacao tree survival and growth, leading to leaf skeletonization, reduced plant height, and stem diameter. Trees with over 50% leaf consumption suffered more than 20% mortality. Additionally, herbivory negatively affected cacao yield, correlating higher leaf surface damage with a decrease in harvested pods. The study also identified varying antixenotic resistance in different cacao genotypes, with some consistently displaying resistance while others showed variable levels during tree establishment and production stages. CONCLUSION: This research underscores the significant role of L. femoratus as a cacao pest, emphasizing its adverse effects on cacao tree survival, development, and yield. Consequently, implementing effective control measures is vital for ensuring sustainable cacao cultivation. © 2023 Society of Chemical Industry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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This study tested the hypothesis that cocoa monoculture (MS) and cocoa-açai agroforestry systems (AFS) may influence the microbial community structure and populations of plant growth-promoting bacteria (PGPR). Accordingly, the aim was to analyze the microbial community structure and PGPR populations in different agroecosystems in the Brazilian Amazon. To achieve this, the rhizosphere microbial community of cocoa and açai plants in both Amazonian seasons (dry and rainy) was analyzed using culture-dependent (PGPR screening) and -independent methods [PCR-DGGE based on rrs, alp, nifH gene, and intergenic region (ITS) of fungi]. Concerning PGPR screening, out of 48 isolated bacterial strains, 25% were capable of siderophore production, 29% of mineralized organic phosphate, 8% of inorganic phosphate solubilization, and 4% of indole acetic acid production. Moreover, 17% of isolates could inhibit the growth of various phytopathogenic fungi. Statistical analyses of DGGE fingerprints (p < 0.05) showed that bacterial and fungal community structures in the rhizosphere were influenced by the seasons, supporting the results of the physicochemical analysis of the environment. Furthermore, as hypothesized, microbial communities differed statistically when comparing the MS and AFS. These findings provide important insights into the influence of climate and cultivation systems on soil microbial communities to guide the development of sustainable agricultural practices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The research addressed the technical-forestry procedure for the design of an agroforestry system in the Quincha Caranqui community. The property under study does not have a technical agroforestry design and presents a decrease in its expected regular productive capacity due to inadequate agricultural practices and inappropriate spatiotemporal arrangements. The objective of the study was to characterize and design an Andean agroforestry system, according to the property. A methodology with a qualitative approach, descriptive scope and non-experimental design was proposed. For this, Somarriba's theory of Agroforestry Diagnosis and Design was applied, adapted to the local context, considering three dimensions: a) biophysical, b) social and c) economic diagnosis to finally design and propose a structure of the Andean agroforestry system that respects the traditional and incorporates current techniques and practices adapted to the Andean region. As a result, the biophysical diagnosis was described as having plots with different sizes, of irregular shape, for each subplot and the existing Andean biocultural diversity was recorded, as demonstrated by the types of crops, species of fruit trees, forest species and the inclusion of animals. In socioeconomic terms, the family showed a willingness to invest and improve the performance and diversify the productivity of the property. Two agroforestry systems were proposed: one agroforestry, with the practice of mixed live fences at a distance between plants of 1.5 meters with the forest species of Alnus acuminata, Buddleja incana and Erythrina edulis and another silvopastoral, where the tree practice was applied. in pastures with a distance of 8 meters between rows and a space of 10 meters between plants, with the species Erythrina edulis. It is concluded that these practices will benefit both the family and the fertility of the soil, thanks to the characteristics and benefits of forest species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Monitoring the spatial variability of soil attributes is an important tool in crop management. Multivariate statistical methods and geostatistics were jointly applied to evaluate the influence of different attributes on spatial variability in the soil. The aim of this research was to apply multivariate principal component analysis to map the spatial variability of the soil in an area subjected to different methods of conservation management and identify the most relevant physical and chemical attributes. Disturbed and undisturbed soil samples were collected and georeferenced at 99 different points in the study area at depths of 0.00-0.10 m and 0.10-0.20 m to measure the physical and chemical attributes of the soil; multivariate principal component analysis (PC) was then applied to the data. Geostatistics was applied to the PCs showing greater explanatory capacity, evaluating spatial dependence, and generating maps of spatial variability. The variance in the soil attributes was explained by the first eight PCs. Soil density, particle density and pH had the greatest influence on the spatial variability of the soil since they showed the highest correlation with the PC with the greatest explanatory power. The PCs that correlated with at least two of the soil attributes showed moderate (PC1 and PC6) and strong (PC2, PC4 and PC5) spatial dependence. The generated maps helped identify the joint influence of the variability of the most relevant attributes, making it possible to characterise regions under different methods of conservation management. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study delves into the impact of contrasting management practices on epiphytic bryolichenic communities, shedding light on their divergent responses to management regimes on Castanea sativa Mill. orchards. Lichens and bryophytes were sampled in managed and abandoned plots, in 95 trees, in north and south sides and at two heights in Galicia (NW Spain). The studied groups exhibited opposing reactions to these management practices; bryophytes suffered adverse effects in managed stands, experiencing reduced cover and species richness compared to abandoned orchards, while lichens displayed heightened cover and species diversity. The size of trees, included as a covariate in our analyses, displayed no significant impact on the overall species richness of lichens or bryophytes, although it did influence the cover of specific functional traits. These differing outcomes may be linked to alterations in environmental conditions brought by management interventions. Furthermore, the study uncovered divergent responses within the taxonomic and functional composition of epiphytic communities. Different species and functional groups exhibited varying reactions to changing environmental conditions, making predictions a complex endeavour. In conclusion, this research emphasizes the need for management strategies that account for the diverse ecological requirements of different species and functional groups since no single management regime will suit all species or functional groups. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

ABSTRACT Monitoring the spatial variability of soil attributes is an important tool in crop management. Multivariate statistical methods and geostatistics were jointly applied to evaluate the infl uence of different attributes on spatial variability in the soil. The aim of this research was to apply multivariate principal component analysis to map the spatial variability of the soil in an area subjected to different methods of conservation management and identify the most relevant physical and chemical attributes. Disturbed and undisturbed soil samples were collected and georeferenced at 99 different points in the study area at depths of 0.00 - 0.10 m and 0.10 - 0.20 m to measure the physical and chemical attributes of the soil; multivariate principal component analysis (PC) was then applied to the data. Geostatistics was applied to the PCs showing greater explanatory capacity, evaluating spatial dependence, and generating maps of spatial variability. The variance in the soil attributes was explained by the first eight PCs. Soil density, particle density and pH had the greatest infl uence on the spatial variability of the soil since they showed the highest correlation with the PC with the greatest explanatory power. The PCs that correlated with at least two of the soil attributes showed moderate (PC1 and PC6) and strong (PC2, PC4 and PC5) spatial dependence. The generated maps helped identify the joint infl uence of the variability of the most relevant attributes, making it possible to characterise regions under different methods of conservation management.

Unplanned and invasive use of natural resources can have irreversible implications for the environment. Appropriate strategies for adequate management could have utmost importance for the conservation of biodiversity. Environments that harbor a huge structural complexity, such as agroforestry systems, even the simplest ones, may host a high species diversity and may therefore ensure the provision of important ecological services. To examine the effect of vegetation structure loss by land use simplification on biodiversity, we evaluate dung beetle (Scarabaeidae: Scarabaeinae) diversity in different land uses, considering: Brazilian Atlantic Forest, cacao-rubber agroforestry, and rubber monoculture. We found a decreasing gradient of dung beetle diversity from forest to monoculture, as cacao-rubber agroforestry maintaining an intermediate level of dung beetle diversity that is lower than that of the native forest but significantly higher than rubber monoculture. Species composition is rather similar when comparing forest and agroforestry, whereas monoculture holds a different assemblage. Although monoculture farming is still encouraged by the agribusiness market, our results support the idea that agroforestry is a reasonable option to be considered and adapted to compensate the deleterious effects of agriculture intensification on dung beetle diversity. We suggest that such land use would be the best choice to ensure dung beetle diversity maintenance in agricultural landscapes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Soil hydrological properties play a key role in the balance of water and heat, as well as the stability of ecosystems. Understanding the differences in soil hydrological properties between rubber-woody plant and rubber-herb agroforestry systems (RW and RH) is important to construct suitable rubber-based agroforestry systems. Soil physical and hydrological properties from 105 soil cores were measured in three types of rubber plantations in Xishuangbanna, Southwest China. Results showed that at depth of 0–10 cm, the soil bulk density was highest in rubber monoculture (RM), which also had the lowest soil porosity. Soil initial gravimetric water content in different types of plantations followed the order RH > RW > RM at depth of 0–10 cm. Coefficient of variation among soil saturated water capacity, capillary holding capacity, field water capacity and initial gravimetric water content in different plantations followed the order RM > RW > RH. Correlation coefficients among soil saturated water capacity, capillary holding capacity and field water capacity were 0.882–0.990, whereas those between initial gravimetric water content and them were 0.290–0.547. These results indicate that the soil water retention capacity in different types of plantations followed the order RH > RW > RM. Intercropping can improve soil structure and hydrological properties of topsoil, particularly intercropping herbs with rubber was better than woody plants for improving the soil hydrological functions in rubber plantation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Effective management of understory vegetation is crucial for forest biodiversity conservation and ecosystem functions. However, the impact of various understory management practices on key ecosystem processes, such as soil nutrient cycling in tree crop plantations, remains poorly understood. This study quantified the 7-year cumulative effects on soil organic carbon (SOC) and total nitrogen (STN) stocks in rubber plantations under four understory management practices: (i) conventional management (RC) as the control, (ii) herbicide application (RH), (iii) natural regeneration (RN), and (iv) replacement with leguminous shrub (RA). Compared to RC, RN and RA increased the average number of native and invasive species and produced high above- and belowground biomass. Conversely, RH decreased the species number and belowground biomass. More SOC and STN were stored in 0.0–0.2 m topsoil in both RN (+ 9.6 Mg C ha–1; + 0.7 Mg N ha–1) and RA (+ 10.7 Mg C ha–1; + 0.6 Mg N ha–1) than RC, while they remained stable in RN but declined in RA from deeper layers of 0.2–1.0 m. Across the entire 1 m soil profile, the annual increment of SOC stocks in RN and RA reached 1.7 and 1.0 Mg C ha–1 yr–1, respectively, and of STN stocks reached 0.02 and − 0.14 Mg N ha–1 yr–1. However, RH decreased SOC and STN stocks and corresponding annual increments for the entire profile. The variations in SOC and STN stocks in the topsoil were attributed primarily to aboveground biomass and determined by belowground biomass in the deeper soil. Moreover, litter depth also effectively reflected SOC and STN dynamics. These results suggest that the implementation of natural regeneration and agroforestry system in the understory of rubber plantations offers significant potential for increasing soil C and N stocks. Our findings imply that sustainable understory management practices, especially natural regeneration and agroforestry system, will benefit for understory plants conservation and soil nutrient supply in tree crop plantations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Biodiversity in agroforestry systems contributes to diversified socio-economic and cultural dimensions and to managing biodiversity. Agroforestry is one of Ethiopia's highest conservation priorities to promote forest-based ecosystem services and environmental incentive programs that minimize deforestation. This study was carried out across intensively cultivated areas of Midakegn district to assess the woody species diversity potential of agroforestry systems managed by farmers. Out of 114 plots laid down on transect lines, 33 (30 × 30 m), 44 (50 × 50 m), and 9 (10 × 10 m) plots belonged to grazing land, cropland, and woodlots, respectively, and 28 representative homegardens were systematically selected. For each sample of data encountered, the diameter and height of woody species were measured. Species richness, Shannon diversity, and evenness indices were used for diversity analysis and the mean values/land unit were calculated using a one-way ANOVA, and Tukey's pairwise comparison was done through SPSS statistics at (P

This article compares different production, economic, and selected environmental aspects of agroforestry systems in a standard (alley cropping) and a newly proposed design with fast-growing trees grown in short-rotation coppice. Our models of agroforestry systems (AFSs) are as follows: (i) alley cropping AFS with cherry and walnut trees in single rows (tree strips) with 28 m-wide arable fields between them (crop strips), and (ii) coppiced tree belt AFS with poplars and willows and 25 m-wide arable fields between them (crop strips). To evaluate the production characteristics of trees, we used yield curves from experimental plantations in conditions of the Czech Republic from previous research projects. Cost data were collected from long-term experimental plantations and combined with current operation and energy prices. The article presents an economic methodology for assessing the competitiveness of biomass production in AFSs under the current identified market conditions. Our results show that AFSs with short-rotation coppice can have similar economic and production results as annual crops if grown on suitable sites and with appropriate quality of agronomy. In comparison, alley cropping AFSs with fruit trees would not be economically viable for farmers without a significant subsidy for establishment and maintenance in the first years after establishment. Concerning the latest economic and political developments, the product from SRC (energy woodchips) can be evaluated as strategic, increasing the producer’s independence from purchased energy fuels.

ABSTRACT The insertion of the tree component in coffee production is a strategy from an economic and environmental perspective. Thus, the objective of this study was to evaluate the temporal influence on the agronomic and productive performance of the coffee crop under the interference of different tree species as a function of spacing. The experiment was set in the municipality of Santo Antônio de Amparo-MG, in 2012, and conducted in a randomized block design with four replications. The treatments were: cultivar ‘Catuai Vermelho IAC 99’ in monoculture (3.40 m x 0.65 m) and intercropped with African mahogany, teak and pink cedar, in two spacings (9 x 13.6 m and 18 x 13.6 m), in coffee rows. Three coffee rows were fixed between rows, totaling 13.6 m. The following variables were evaluated: height (m), stem diameter (cm), crown diameter (m), productivity (bags ha-1) and yield (l/sc) for coffee. From the evaluations, there is a significant effect of height, productivity and yield for the coffee crop. The system intercropped with tree species did not influence coffee productivity and yield until the 3rd harvest and, for the 5th harvest, intercropping with mahogany favored productivity, although the accumulated productivity did not show any treatment effect.

The degraded areas in Southern Brazil are undergoing rapid conversion from abandoned fields into agroforestry system. Our focus was to investigate the impact of land use and soil properties on soil fauna and quality in an agroforestry system and a natural ecosystem. The agroforestry system had the presence of Cicadidae (0.1 ind trap−1), Diplura (0.01 ind trap−1), Gryllidae (0.2 ind trap−1), Gyrinidae (0.07 ind trap−1), and Larvae (0.3 ind trap−1), and it presents lower SOC (less 44.3%) and higher total N (more 29.8%) and P contents (more 68.8%) when compared with the natural ecosystem. Richness and diversity declined (less than 16.3 and 31.8%, respectively) with increasing soil pH. Natural ecosystem showed the greatest diversity (H' = 2.44) of soil fauna. A negative correlation was observed between diversity and soil pH (−0.91), and positive correlations among diversity and SOC (0.97), richness (0.88), and dominance (0.93). In conclusion, fauna abundance, precipitation, and soil pH played essential roles in soil quality through ecosystem services, habitat, and energy provision, which in turn promoted the entire soil food web. Thus, the findings in the agroforestry system and natural ecosystem help us to understand how land uses impact soil fauna, and soil quality. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Agroforestry systems are considered effective methods of carbon sequestration. In these systems, most of the carbon is stored in the soil, and the pattern of tree planting can influence the spatial distribution of organic matter input into the soil. However, limited information is available about the extent of this influence. In this study, the horizontal and vertical distributions of soil organic carbon (SOC) and labile fractions were investigated in four planting systems: a pure poplar (Populus deltoides cv. "35") planting system, a wide-row (14 m spacing) poplar and wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) agroforestry system, a narrow-row (7 m spacing) poplar and wheat agroforestry system, and a pure wheat field. The results showed that although the poplar system had the highest vegetation biomass (147.50 t ha−1), the agroforestry systems overall had higher SOC contents than the pure poplar system and wheat fields. Especially in the wide-row agroforestry system, the SOC, readily oxidizable carbon, and dissolved organic carbon contents were, respectively, 25.3%, 42.4%, and 99.3% higher than those of the pure poplar system and 60.3%, 148.7%, and 6.3% higher than those of the wheat field in a 1 m soil profile, and it also had the highest fine root biomass. However, the microbial biomass carbon content was highest in the pure poplar system. The SOC of the three poplar planting systems was spatially heterogeneous, with the highest values occurring at 1.5 m in the narrow-row systems and within the tree rows in the wide-row system, similar to the distribution of fine root biomass. Additionally, we found that the larger the diameter at the breast height of the trees, the greater their positive effect on SOC at greater distances. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Strumigenys Smith, 1860 is a megadiverse ant genus with 858 species distributed worldwide. These ants forage and nest in leaf litter, rotten wood, dried leaves or twigs and are specialized predators. Here we present the first records of the pantropical Strumigenys rogeri Emery, 1890 in Brazil. The information was obtained from specimens conserved in the Formicidae Collection of the Cocoa Research Center. We recovered data of occurrence of S. rogeri in six locations in southern Bahia, Brazil. The specimens were found in remnants, secondary growths or agroforest areas within the Atlantic Brazilian rainforest biome. Interestingly, areas of cocoa agrosystems shaded with Eritryna legume trees seem allowing this ant to be relatively easy to find. It is reasonable to think that many specimens of S. rogeri were accumulated in entomological collections throughout Brazil or were misidentified due to the complicated taxonomy of the genus.

The current growing demand for resources, food production, and agricultural crops leads to a drastic reduction in biodiversity and ecosystem services. One of the options to mitigate the recurring effects of land use changes is the adoption of wildlife-friendly systems, such as cacao agroforestry systems, which integrates production with biodiversity conservation. Cacao management involves the frequent use of pesticides, such pesticides are comprised of heavy metals that are considered non-point sources of pollution. Animal hair is considered an excellent cumulative bioindicator of contamination. Small mammals are known as bioindicators of pollution, as they provide a warning of adverse effects on ecosystems. The main objective was to determine the concentrations of six heavy metals (Pb, Ni, Cr, Cd, Mn, and Cu) in hair of small mammals in traditional cacao agroforests and Atlantic Forest fragments in the southern region of Bahia, Brazil. The study covered 12 traditional cacao agroforests and 12 Atlantic Forest fragments. A total of 34 small mammals were captured in the traditional cacao agroforests, representing 12 species, while 18 were captured in the Atlantic Forest fragments, representing 6 species. We found that small mammals in both habitats had similar levels of lead in their hair. Heavy metals concentrations in the hair of small mammals were higher in individuals from traditional cacao agroforests than the Atlantic Forest fragments (Cacao agroforest (mg/Kg): Pb - 26.42 ± 16.42; Ni - 5.31 ± 4.3; Mn - 1.64 ± 2.63; Cu - 1.13 ± 1.15; Cd - 1.42; Atlantic Forest (mg/Kg): Pb - 19.28 ± 14.46; Ni - 0.18; Mn - 0.34 ± 0.40; Cu - 1 ± 2.05). Marsupials exhibited higher lead concentrations compared to rodents (Didelphimorphia (mg/Kg): Pb - 28.66 ± 18.73; Rodentia (mg/Kg): Pb - 18.44 ± 9.85), likely due to their distinct eating habits and habitat use. Body condition of the small mammals did not differ between the two habitat types, and there was no relationship between the bioaccumulation of heavy metals in small mammals and body condition. This is the first study to evaluate heavy metal contamination in small mammals in traditional cacao agroforests and Atlantic Forest fragments, thus providing important data that indicate the presence of heavy metals in the hair of the small mammals sampled, and consequently, the presence of these heavy metals in the environment where these small mammals lived.

Studies about nitrogen (N) mineralization and nitrification in deep soil layers are rare because N processes are considered to occur mainly in topsoil that hosts active and diverse microbial communities. This study aimed to measure the soil potential net N mineralization (PNM) and nitrification (PNN) down to 4 m depth and to discuss factors controlling their variability. Twenty‐one soil cores were collected at the Restinclières agroforestry experimental site, where 14‐year‐old hybrid walnut trees were intercropped with durum wheat. Soil cores were incubated in the dark in the laboratory at both 6 and 25°C. The soil was a deep calcic fluvisol with a fluctuating water table. It featured a black layer that was very rich in organic matter and permanently water saturated at depths between 3.0 and 4.0 m. The mean soil mineral N content was 3 mg N kg−1 soil in the upper 0.0–0.2 m layer, decreasing until a depth of 2 m and increasing to the maximum value of 25.8 mg N kg−1 soil in the black layer. While nitrate (NO3−) was the dominant form of mineral N (89%) in the upper 0.0–0.2 m layer, its proportion progressively decreased with depth until ammonium (NH4+) became almost the only form of mineral N (97%) in the saturated black layer. Laboratory soil incubation revealed that PNM and PNN occurred at all depths, although the latter remained low at 6°C. The soil nitrate content in the black layer was multiplied by 48 times after 51 days of incubation at 25°C, whereas it was almost inexistent at the sampling date. While the soil total N, the pH and the incubation temperature explained 84% of the variation in PNM, only 29% of the percent nitrification variance was explained by the incubation temperature (Tinc) and the soil C‐to‐N ratio. These results point out the necessity to consider soil potential net N mineralization and nitrification of deep soil layers to improve model predictions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Teak has been planted extensively by smallholders in Central America within reforestation programmes and has become one of the most valuable timbers. The five-year growth and mortality of teak cultivated in a plantation in central Nicaragua, representing sites at the low limit of teak ecological valence, were evaluated. From 2006 to 2010, 72 pure teak stands were established, with 48.93 ha in total. For afforestation, planting stock from five provenances was used and planted at 1 m × 1 m spacing to stimulate the height growth and reduce broad crowns formed by self-pruning. In the pure teak stands, 144 permanent sample plots of 0.01 ha in size were established in 2011. From 2011 until 2015, the tree height and stem girth of all individuals in the studied sample plots were measured, and mortality based on the stand density was assessed. Significant differences between the provenances were observed. The highest growth was noted in the Local provenance originated from the studied area, whereas the Semilla provenance from Costa Rica, characterised by the lowest growth ability, was characterized by lower radial increment and mean tree height with high mortality.

In the agroforestry system, the organic matter in the farmland and natural ecosystem enters the farmland soil in a mixed form to improve soil fertility and carbon pool quality. However, it is unclear how soil microbial carbon-degrading enzyme activity responds to carbon dynamics in this process. Therefore, we took farmland in the Loess Plateau as the research object, combining the application of corn straw and Robinia pseudoacacia leaves in a mass ratio of 4:0, 3:1, 2:2, 1:3, and 0:4 for returning to the field. We measured corn grain yield, carbon emission, organic carbon pool component content, and carbon-degrading enzyme activity of the farmland. The results showed that combining corn straw and Robinia pseudoacacia leaves had a significant impact on soil organic carbon components (readily oxidizable organic carbon and recalcitrant organic carbon), carbon-degrading enzymes (polyphenol oxidase, peroxidase, and cellobiohydrolase), and cumulative carbon emissions. The trend of different indicators in different treatments during the corn growth period was similar. We found that soil carbon emissions were closely related to ROC and soil oxidase activity, while soil carbon content was closely related to soil hydrolase activity. Compared to not returning straw to the field, the corn straw and Robinia pseudoacacia leaves returned to the field in a mass ratio of 1:3(Y1C3) can increase corn grain yield by 32.04%. The Y1C3 treatment has the highest soil carbon content and the lowest crop carbon emission efficiency. Soil water content plays a crucial role in the process of carbon pool transformation driven by soil carbon-degrading enzymes. In conclusion, soil carbon dynamics are closely related to the activity of soil carbon-degrading enzymes. Combining the application of corn straw and Robinia pseudoacacia leaves may be a more suitable farming measure for fragile habitats in the Loess Plateau than other solutions.

This study tested the hypothesis that cocoa monoculture (MS) and cocoa-açai agroforestry systems (AFS) may influence the microbial community structure and populations of plant growth-promoting bacteria (PGPR). Accordingly, the aim was to analyze the microbial community structure and PGPR populations in different agroecosystems in the Brazilian Amazon. To achieve this, the rhizosphere microbial community of cocoa and açai plants in both Amazonian seasons (dry and rainy) was analyzed using culture-dependent (PGPR screening) and -independent methods [PCR-DGGE based on rrs, alp, nifH gene, and intergenic region (ITS) of fungi]. Concerning PGPR screening, out of 48 isolated bacterial strains, 25% were capable of siderophore production, 29% of mineralized organic phosphate, 8% of inorganic phosphate solubilization, and 4% of indole acetic acid production. Moreover, 17% of isolates could inhibit the growth of various phytopathogenic fungi. Statistical analyses of DGGE fingerprints (p < 0.05) showed that bacterial and fungal community structures in the rhizosphere were influenced by the seasons, supporting the results of the physicochemical analysis of the environment. Furthermore, as hypothesized, microbial communities differed statistically when comparing the MS and AFS. These findings provide important insights into the influence of climate and cultivation systems on soil microbial communities to guide the development of sustainable agricultural practices.

Describing the hydrological pathways and quantifying the water balance are essential to understand the dynamics of phosphorus in terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems of small watersheds. This study aimed to describe seasonal variations and to estimate the annual balance of dissolved inorganic phosphorus (PO43−), dissolved organic phosphorus (DOP), and particulate organic phosphorus (POP) in two tropical small watersheds with contrasted land-uses in the south of Bahia/Brazil (secondary forest—PF and cocoa agroforestry system—cocoa AFS). Twenty-four weekly sample collections were conducted from January to March and July to October 2019. The water samples were collected from different hydrological pathways (precipitation, throughfall, surface runoff, and surface water) allowing to calculate the concentration, flow, and consequent mass balance of the phosphorus forms. The behavior of both areas showed that concentrations were higher during the dry season. In the AFS, the enrichment of throughfall and surface runoff were most responsible for the higher P concentrations in the stream, when compared to the PF, as a consequence of the steady decomposition of organic material. The AFS presented a negative balance for P–PO43− and DOP (−0.013 and −0.001 kg ha−1 yr−1) and a positive balance for POP (0.003 kg ha−1 yr−1). In the secondary forest positive balances were found for P–PO43− and DOP (0.004 and 0.010 kg ha−1 yr−1) and a negative balance for POP (−0.001 kg ha−1 yr−1). Despite the negative balances found in the AFS and the increase of phosphorus in throughfall and surface runoff, we did not evidence any differences between the two watersheds for the P flows in the streams. These results indicate that the cocoa AFS is efficient in the maintenance of phosphorus cycling in aquatic ecosystems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Agroforestry systems are an increasingly implemented alternative for coffee production in Colombia due to the multiple socioeconomic and environmental benefits. They generate an ideal habitat for soil macrofauna. The objective of this research was to evaluate the incidence of two coffee production systems on the population behavior of edaphic macroinvertebrates. In order to do this, the composition, richness, abundance and vertical distribution of soil macroinvertebrate families in Secondary Forest (Bs), Coffee Agroforestry Systems (SAFc) and Coffee Monoculture (Mc) systems were evaluated in four strata (leaf litter, 0-10 cm, 10-20 cm and 20-30 cm). 22 orders and 53 families of edaphic macroinvertebrates were identified, presenting the highest abundance of Lumbricidae, Formicidae, Porcellionidae and the lowest of Forficulidae, Geophilidae and Polydesmidae, with Bs > SAFc > Mc, except Forficulidae, Polydesmidae and Porcellionidae, which were found in greater abundance in Mc than in SAFc; in all systems the abundance was higher in the first 10 cm of the soil (p<0.05). Wealth showed a similar behavior, although without statistically significant effects. Although there are soil macroinvertebrates that are tolerant to the disturbances caused by forest cover changes to establish coffee production systems, some families of macroinvertebrates are susceptible to these cover changes, which makes them potential indicators of soil disturbances. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A study was undertaken in the Vaishali district of Bihar, India, in 2020 to assess the effect of various agroforestry systems (AFS) on the distribution of different pools of soil organic carbon (fraction I - very labile, fraction II - labile, fraction III - less labile and fraction IV - non-labile), carbon stocking and soil microbial activity. The mean (0-45 cm) total organic carbon (TOC) in different AFS ranged from 5.55 to 6.64 Mg C ha-1, with the highest under poplar-based AFS (PB-AFS). Across the AFS studied, the C stocks (0-45 cm) varied from 36.24 (mango-based AFS) to 41.43 Mg C ha-1 (PB-AFS). Overall, the magnitude of C fractions showed the order: fraction I > fraction IV > fraction III > fraction II. Significantly higher soil microbial biomass carbon was recorded under PB-AFS (219.36 μg g-1) in 0-15 cm depth. Basal respiration was also the highest under PB-AFS (0.54 μg CO2-C g-1 h-1), followed by TB-AFS (0.50 μg CO2-C g-1 h-1) in 0-15 cm depth. Principal component analysis result showed that PC 1 and PC 2 represented about 97% of the total variation. TOC and active carbon pool had the maximum loading in PC 1, while microbial metabolic quotient and bulk density had the maximum value in PC 2. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Gliricidia (Gliricidia sepium) is a tree legume that has great potential for use in agriculture because of its multiple-use characteristics. However, there is little information in the literature about the effect of agrisilvicultural systems on nitrogen (N) cycling. This study evaluated the effect of densities of gliricidia on N cycling under an agrisilvicultural system. The treatments were composed of different densities of gliricidia: 667, 1000 and 1333 plants ha−1, with a fixed spacing of 5 m between the alleys. The efficiency of N use was investigated by using the 15N isotope tracer. In each plot, a transect perpendicular to the tree rows was established in two positions: (i) in the corn (Zea mays) row adjacent to the trees, and (ii) in the corn row in the center of the alley. The N fertilizer recovery efficiency ranged from 39% in the density of 667 plants ha−1 to 89% with 1000 plants ha−1. The effect of gliricidia on the N uptake by corn was higher in the central position of the alley with 1000 plants ha−1. The agrisilvicultural system with 1000 plants ha−1 was highly efficient in the recovery of mineral N, representing an excellent option for integrated production systems in tropical regions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Incorporating trees into agricultural systems, including grasslands, increases the soil organic carbon sequestration and contributes to climate change mitigation. Site preparation for tree establishment is a common practice that can involve a variety of techniques and agricultural implements such as subsoiling. This study aimed to evaluate the long-term effects of subsoiling on soil organic carbon (SOC) concentrations and stocks in a Mediterranean grassland afforested with holm oaks 22 years ago and now converted into a Dehesa agroforestry system. The study was conducted in a dehesa farm in Southwest Spain. Soil samples were taken at six depths under 10 tree canopies within and outside the original subsoiling line. Subsoiling significantly decreased SOC concentration. Mean SOC concentration in the first 20 cm was 30% lower at the subsoiling line. SOC stocks for the first 60 cm were 2660 g m−2 within the subsoiling line and 4320 g m−2 outside the line. There was a clear reduction in SOC concentration and stock with increasing depth. Root abundance and deeper rooting increased with subsoiling but did not translate into sufficient carbon accumulation in the soil, which is moderate even after 22 years. This study reveals that, in the long term, there is a trade-off in CO2 sequestration between tree planting and soil subsoiling, highlighting the need for further research into the potential benefits and detriments of subsoiling. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study examines the impacts of coffee agroforestry system and sustainability certification on farmers’ livelihood in Sumatra-Indonesia. The study applies farm-income analysis and quasi-experimental impact evaluations by interviewing 408 coffee farm-households in Lampung Province. Propensity score matching (PSM) adopted here compares some matching characteristics of adopters of coffee agroforestry system and sustainability certification and the control groups. The results show that both coffee agroforestry systems and sustainability certification have positive significant impacts in improving economic benefits and environmental benefits, although the magnitudes slightly differ. Future policy shall provide better alternatives for farmers’ land-use systems that could ensure a better livelihood.

The insertion of the tree component in coffee production is a strategy from an economic and environmental perspective. Thus, the objective of this study was to evaluate the temporal influence on the agronomic and productive performance of the coffee crop under the interference of different tree species as a function of spacing. The experiment was set in the municipality of Santo Antônio de Amparo-MG, in 2012, and conducted in a randomized block design with four replications. The treatments were: cultivar 'Catuai Vermelho IAC 99' in monoculture (3.40 m x 0.65 m) and intercropped with African mahogany, teak and pink cedar, in two spacings (9 x 13.6 m and 18 x 13.6 m), in coffee rows. Three coffee rows were fixed between rows, totaling 13.6 m. The following variables were evaluated: height (m), stem diameter (cm), crown diameter (m), productivity (bags ha-1) and yield (l/sc) for coffee. From the evaluations, there is a significant effect of height, productivity and yield for the coffee crop. The system intercropped with tree species did not influence coffee productivity and yield until the 3rd harvest and, for the 5th harvest, intercropping with mahogany favored productivity, although the accumulated productivity did not show any treatment effect. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Agroforestry benefits farmers, making it a sustainable alternative to monoculture. To create a viable Eucalyptus clone-based agroforestry system, a field experiment was carried out in Tamil Nadu, India. The economics and changes in the soil qualities were evaluated by growing agricultural and horticultural crops, namely pearl millet, sorghum, maize, sesame, small onions, green gram, and red gram, as intercrops under eight-month-old eucalyptus clone trees using a randomised block design in three replications at a spacing of 3 m × 1.5 m. The plots for the intercrops and the eucalyptus clones were kept apart for comparison. Maize showed the greatest drop in plant height during all the phases, including 30 DAS, 60 DAS, and harvest, while small onions showed the least reduction in plant height. Sesame and small onions showed the greatest drop in dry matter production, whereas sorghum showed the least. In terms of the intercrop yield reduction, maize had the biggest reduction and green gram had the lowest. Red gram had the largest crop equivalent yield, whereas maize had the lowest. The volume of the trees was generally increased more favourably by red gram than by green gram. The intercrops had some effects on the nutrients in the soil. Red gram intercropping had the highest levels of EC, soil organic carbon, available soil nitrogen, available soil phosphorus, and available soil potassium, while the sole tree treatment had the lowest levels. Small onions, red gram, and sesame were the crops; tree + small onion, tree + red gram, and tree + sesame were the intercrop combinations with the highest gross income, net income, and B:C in the intercropping treatment alone. Tree + green gram had the highest land equivalent ratio (LER) and the red gram, sesame, and small onion intercrops were shown to be the most profitable. Although the present study supports a complementary relationship, the lack of awareness among farmers of Eucalyptus allelopathy formed the major limitation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Teak has been planted extensively by smallholders in Central America within reforestation programmes and has become one of the most valuable timbers. The five-year growth and mortality of teak cultivated in a plantation in central Nicaragua, representing sites at the low limit of teak ecological valence, were evaluated. From 2006 to 2010, 72 pure teak stands were established, with 48.93 ha in total. For afforestation, planting stock from five provenances was used and planted at 1 m × 1 m spacing to stimulate the height growth and reduce broad crowns formed by self-pruning. In the pure teak stands, 144 permanent sample plots of 0.01 ha in size were established in 2011. From 2011 until 2015, the tree height and stem girth of all individuals in the studied sample plots were measured, and mortality based on the stand density was assessed. Significant differences between the provenances were observed. The highest growth was noted in the Local provenance originated from the studied area, whereas the Semilla provenance from Costa Rica, characterised by the lowest growth ability, was characterized by lower radial increment and mean tree height with high mortality. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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The objective of this study was to improve cacao (Theobroma cacao) production through its association with a woody species, such as Ricinodendron heudelotii, in western Côte d'Ivoire. To do this, a design of two transects (10 m and 20 m) was installed around the species in 5 localities (Buyo, Duekoué, Guéyo, San-Pedro, and Soubré). The diameter at the breast height of the tree, the height, the number of fruits, the above biomass, and its carbon stock were measured. Results showed morphological variability of R. heudelotii according to the localities. The presence of the species within cacao trees reduces the rate of pod rot, stabilizes the rate of pods eaten away, and increases the biomass production and the carbon storage of cacao trees. The distance between the two species had no impact on the vigor and the yield of cacao trees. However, cacao density in the 10 m line was reduced compared to that of the 20 m. Therefore, the integration of R. heudelotii into cacao agroforestry systems could improve cacao production. That is why the reduction of cacao density, as well as the use of more suitable varieties of cacao, should be considered for the sustainability of this system. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In Africa, banana is mainly produced by smallscale farmers under complex production systems for both home consumption and income generation. Low soil fertility continually constraints its production and farmers are embarking on emerging technologies such as improved fallow, cover crops, integrated soil fertility management, agroforestry with fast growing tree species to address this challenge. This study aims at assessing the sustainability of grevillea-banana agroforestry systems by investigating the variability in their soil physico-chemical properties. Soil samples were collected in banana sole stands, Grevillea robusta sole stands and grevillea-banana intercrops in three agro-ecological zones during the dry and rainy seasons. Soil physico-chemical properties significantly differed among agroecological zones, cropping systems and between seasons. Soil moisture, total organic carbon (TOC), P, N, Mg decreased from the highland to the lowland zone, through the midland zone whereas soil pH, K and Ca showed the opposite trend. Soil bulk density, moisture, TOC, NH4+-N, K and Mg were significantly higher in the dry season compared to the rainy season but total N was higher in the rainy season. Intercropping banana with grevillea trees significantly decreased soil bulk density, TOC, K, Mg, Ca and P. Soils under banana sole stands accumulated higher potassium, magnesium, calcium, phosphorus with a higher soil bulk density and pH compared to grevillea-banana intercrops and grevillea sole stands. This suggests that intercropping banana and grevillea trees increases the competition for these nutrients and requires careful attention for the optimization of their interactive benefits.

Abstract The cocoa cabruca is as an agroforestry system with a density of trees equal to or greater than twenty individuals of native species per hectare cultivated in association with native or exotic trees in a discontinuous and random way in the Atlantic Forest biome.It is difficult to separate areas of cabruca cacao from the Dense Ombrophilous Forest by existing satellite imaging techniques.The study was developed in the southern region of Bahia, on two properties in the municipalities of Ilhéus and Uruçuca.The image processing methodology involved the Agisoft Photoscan software, with the multiresolution algorithm, the analysis of digital image data was performed to extract the objects and with the Feature Space Optimization tool, the set of variables that presented the best separation between land use classes.The use of UAVs was effective in classifying the mapped areas, and its use was proposed as an auxiliary tool in the application of the Decree.

The article discusses research which analyzed the economic performance of agricultural crops under Ailanthus excelsa or mahaneem based agroforestry system (AFS). The study recorded the yield, net return or profit and benefit cost ratio of agricultural crops including corn, potato and wheat intercropped with Ailanthus excelsa based AFS compared to sole crop in semi-arid ecosystem in Haryana, India.

The paper deals with the analysis of economic efficiency of innovative agroforestry systems (AFS) using coppiced tree belts (CTB), which combine the advantages of traditional alley cropping with the short rotation coppice (dense plantation of fast-growing trees for biomass — SRC) on an agricultural field. We have analyzed and compared such innovative agroforestry system (AFS-CTB) with conventional food crops production in conventional 4 crop year rotation (winter barley, winter wheat, rapeseed and corn). The minimum price of production, (based on net present value criterion), was performed to enable simultaneous assessment of annual and perennial crops over time in order to obtain also economic evaluation and comparison. Our results show that AFS-CTB generate similar income and profits as from conventional annual crops when cultivating on suitable sites and adhering to good farming principles.

Background: Cocoa is an important tropical tree crop that is mainly cultivated in agroforestry systems (AFS). This system, known as cabruca in northeastern Brazil, holds promise to reconcile biodiversity conservation and economic development. However, since cocoa AFS alters forest structure composition, it can affect litter dynamics in riparian zones and streams. Thus, our objective was to determine litter inputs and standing stocks in riparian zones and streams under three types of forest: managed cocoa AFS, abandoned cocoa AFS, and secondary forest. Methods: We determined terrestrial litter fall (TI), vertical (VI) and lateral (LI) litter inputs to streams, and litter standing stocks on streambeds (BS) in the Atlantic Forest of northeastern Brazil. Litter was collected every 30 days from August 2018 to July 2019 using custom-made traps. The litter was dried, separated into four fractions (leaves, branches, reproductive organs, and miscellaneous material) and weighed. Results: Terrestrial litter fall was similar in all forests, ranging from 89 g m-2 month-1 in secondary forest (SF) to 96 g m-2 month-1 in abandoned cocoa AFS (AC). Vertical input were higher in AC (82 g m-2 month-1) and MC (69 g m-2 month-1) than in SF (40 g m-2 month-1), whereas lateral input were higher in MC (43 g m-2 month-1) than in AC (15 g m-2 month-1) and SF (24 g m-2 month-1). Standing stocks followed the order SF > AC > MC, corresponding to 425, 299 and 152 g m-2. Leaves contributed most to all litter fractions in all forests. Reproductive plant parts accounted for a larger proportion in managed AFS. Branches and miscellaneous litter were also similar in all forests, except for higher benthic standing stocks of miscellaneous litter in the SF. Despite differences in the amounts of litter inputs and standing stocks among the forests, seasonal patterns in the abandoned AFS (AC) were more similar to those of the secondary forest (SF) than the managed AFS, suggesting potential of abandoned AFS to restore litter dynamics resembling those of secondary forests. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]