Are syntropic agroforestry systems microclimatically similar to tropical forests?

Abstract

One possible way to make agricultural systems more sustainable is to mimic natural ecosystems. In this regard, syntropic agroforestry systems are agroecosystems that imitate, to some extent, the structure and natural dynamics of forests. This study aims to address the following question: Are SAS microclimatically similar to tropical forests? To investigate, climate variables such as canopy coverage, relative air humidity, air temperature, soil temperature, and illuminance were measured in both a tropical forest area and an adjacent Syntropic Agroforestry System. The results showed significant differences in relative humidity, air temperature, and illuminance compared to the forest. These differences may be attributed to the higher density of tree individuals and the number of strata, which are greater in the tropical forest compared to the syntropic agroforestry system. It is concluded that, despite resembling a tropical forest in appearance, syntropic agroforestry systems do not have microclimatic conditions similar to tropical forests.