Ecological benefits provided by alley cropping systems for production of woody biomass in the temperate region: a review

Abstract

In temperate Europe alley cropping systems which integrate strips of short rotation coppices into conventional agricultural fields (ACS) are receiving increasing attention. These systems can be used for crops and woody biomass production at the same time, enabling farmers to diversify the provision of market goods. Adding trees into the agricultural land creates various additional benefits for the farmer and society, also known as ecosystem services. However, tree-crop interactions in the temperate region have not been adequately substantiated which is identified as a drawback to the practical implementation of such systems. In order to bridge this gap, the current paper aims to present a comprehensive overview of selected ecosystem services provided by agroforestry with focus on ACS in the temperate region. The literature indicates that compared with conventional agriculture ACS have the potential to increase carbon sequestration, improve soil fertility and generally optimize the utilization of resources. Furthermore, due to their structural flexibility, ACS may help to regulate water quality, enhance biodiversity, and increase the overall productivity. ACS are shown as suitable land use systems especially for marginal sites. Based on the available data collected, we conclude that ACS are advantageous compared to conventional agriculture in many aspects, and therefore suggest that they should be implemented at a larger scale in temperate regions.

Soil Degradation and Soil Quality in Western Europe: Current Situation and Future Perspectives

“…In a modeling study of the environmental benefits in the Mediterranean and Atlantic regions of Europe, soil erosion and nitrogen leaching were found to be lower than in conventional cropping land, and carbon sequestration was enhanced [157]. In a review of the benefits of alley cropping systems combining agriculture and short rotation coppices by growing trees in agricultural sites in temperate Europe, these systems proved efficient for soil carbon sequestration, improving fertility, controlling erosion, storing water and regulating its quality, and increasing the overall productivity compared to conventional farming [158]. In a review of alley cropping agroforestry systems in Europe, other authors also reported overall increases in the soil organic C stocks [159].…”

Impact of spatio-temporal shade dynamics on wheat growth and yield, perspectives for temperate agroforestry

“…In this context, research on agroforestry systems aims at quantifying and analyzing the spatiotemporal patterns of resource capture between species. However, papers covering temperate agroforestry systems reveal contrasting results (Luedeling et al, 2016;Smith et al, 2013;Tsonkova et al, 2012). This is probably due to the fact that the interactions between two different species may depend on multiple factors such as the design of the mixture (e.g.…”

Exploring the potential of edible forest gardens: experiences from a participatory action research project in Sweden

“…Meta-analyses from temperate areas present compelling evidence that an increase in the complexity in the agricultural landscape through agroforestry systems delivers more supporting and regulating ecosystem services, such as carbon sequestration, maintenance of biodiversity, water quality, nutrient recycling, soil fertility and erosion, than conventional land use (Tsonkova et al 2012;Kim et al 2016;Torralba et al 2016;Wilson and Lovell 2016).…”