Agroforestry Management Effects on Plant Productivity Vectors within a Humid–Temperate Hardwood Alley-cropping System

Tree-based intercropping systems increase growth and nutrient status of hybrid poplar: A case study from two Northeastern American experiments

“…Another concern in any TBI system, which has received less attention, is the effect of intercropping on the growth of trees. Indeed, most TBI studies in North America (e.g., von Kiparski and Gillespie, 2008) lack proper control plots (i.e., trees without intercrops), which would allow this effect to be tested experimentally; the few trials performed in Europe have yielded contradictory results (Burgess et al, 2004;Chifflot et al, 2006). In the present study, the effects of TBI on tree growth were evaluated by comparing plots, with and without an intercrop, in two TBI experiments that were designed within mixed plantations of hybrid poplars (Populus spp.)…”