Agroforestry for Sustainability: An Online Resource Collection
Agroforestry, the practice of integrating trees and woodland areas into agricultural land, offers significant ecological and economic benefits. This intersection of forestry and agriculture represents a great opportunity as the necessity for more efficient and ecologically friendly food production systems grows more urgent. It is a fascinating field and one to consider as you plan out your forestry degree. Trees planted among or alongside agricultural crops can provide such benefits as:
Preventing soil erosion
Protecting crops from wind damage
Ensuring proper drainage
Sequestering carbon
Allowing more diverse crops to be grown on the same parcel of land
The ecological benefits alone are enough to justify implementing agroforestry on a larger scale. The economic benefits of increased crop yield and diversity are substantial as well. The sites below have great info on agroforestry, agronomy, tree farming, and other sciences at the intersection of forestry and farming. These sites are not being rated comparatively. They each offer expertise and insight on a different facet of this complex and fascinating topic.
Agroforestry Research & Organizations
Interest in agroforestry is steadily growing as more and more research confirms the ecological and economic benefits of combining forestry and farming.
The Center for International Forestry Research is a nonprofit, global facility dedicated to environmental conservation and equity. Their research enables more informed decision making about the use and management of forests in less-developed countries.
The World Agroforestry Centre (previously known as ICRAF) works through the support of Australia and other developed countries to address global poverty, hunger and environmental needs in developing countries.
CAFNR is the University of Missouri’s College of Agriculture, Food and Natural Resources department, focusing on research, education, and sustainability. Much of their research focuses on horticultural and agroforestry, and the developments in these areas.
The USDA National Agroforestry Center works to promote agroforestry through a national network of partners. They conduct research, develop technologies and tools, coordinate demonstrations and training, and provide useful information to natural resource professionals.
AES Agroforestry research is involved in mapping and forest restoration and enrichment. The UVI-AES Agroforestry Program explores efficient, inexpensive methods for restoring native forests and increasing conservation awareness.
The James Hutton Institute works to deliver evidence-based solutions land and natural resource use both now and in the future. Their scientists contribute knowledge, products and services to help sustain and conserve natural resources.
This site focuses on best practices and principles in organic farming. One section of research and development they focus on is eco-agroforestry and its many benefits, including soil management, microclimate modification, weed control, natural fencing, carbon sequestration and nutrient recycling.
The RUNA foundation’s mission is to look for new ways to create value for tropical forests that benefit local people and forest eco-systems. They conduct scientific and participatory research, engage in community outreach, and promote cultural exchange.
Bobby is a retired field conservationist with 31 years of experience with the United States Department of Agriculture. He helps his clients by implementing livestock grazing systems and other conservation projects.
ASB is focused on reducing emissions from land use change, including forestry, agriculture, while ensuring viable livelihoods and enhancing social and environmental benefits. They work in the Amazon, Congo Basin, South East Asia, and other parts of the globe.
Agroforestry Design LLC does professional agroforestry, agricultural, and permaculture consultation, design, erosion control, habitat restoration, research, education and advocacy for farms, gardeners and homeowners, landowners, and land managers. They serve clients throughout Hawaii with difficult sites, crop diversification, niche crop development and pest problems.
This project builds on recent findings that indicate that modern silvoarable production systems are very efficient in terms of resource use. Their goals include unifying European policy guidelines for implementing agroforestry and reducing the uncertainties concerning the validity of silvoarable systems.
The OSU provides undergraduate and graduate degrees in three departments, Forest Engineering, Resources & Management, Forest Ecosystems & Society, and Wood Science and Engineering. They are known for quality teaching and research programs focused on forests and related resources.
Expert consultants from Four Best Management Inc. are dedicated to high quality agroforestry consultant services. Farmers and woodlot owners use their professional services to implement the best agroforestry.
The Institute for Forest Growth, University of Freiburg, has been one of the leaders in agricultural development. Their original research has inspired various national and international research projects where import agro-forestry concepts have been further developed
The Agroforestry Research Trust is a non-profit charity registered in England, which researches temperate agroforestry and aspects of plant cropping and uses, with a focus on tree, shrub and perennial crops. The organization also produces and sells several publications, a quarterly journal, other relevant books, and even sells plants.
This is a great resource for anyone curious about the intersection of forestry and agriculture. The site provides great definitions and guidelines for agroforestry systems, silvopastoral systems, and more.
CGIAR is a global partnership that unites organizations engaged in research focused on food security. They are dedicated to reducing rural poverty, increasing food security, improving human health and nutrition, and ensuring more sustainable management of natural resources.
This agroforestry glossary was created by the College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences at University of Georgia. The site contains a comprehensive list of definitions related to agroforestry and forest resources.
For over 30 years the Caribbean Agricultural Research and Development Institute (CARDI) has been steadfast in providing sterling contributions to the growth and development of the agricultural sector of Member Countries of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM).
The World Agroforestry Centre is a research organization that focuses on how incorporating trees into agricultural landscapes can reduce poverty, improve productivity and achieve environmental sustainability. This blog is about how research into agroforestry can improve the livelihoods of smallholder farmers in the developing world and benefit the environment.
The Center for Agroforestry strives to establish new and profitable crops for Missouri land and forest owners. They evaluate the production of nut crops, herbs, and non-timber products.
The mission of AFTA is to promote the wider adoption of agroforestry by landowners in temperate regions of North America. AFTA pursues its mission through activities such as networking, information exchange, public education, and policy development.
Agroforestry Net, Inc. is dedicated to providing educational resources about agroforestry, trees, and sustainable stewardship of land and water. They work to promote sustainable, diverse, and thriving agroecosystems, communities, and economies through education and research.
The European Agroforestry Federation (EURAF) aims at promoting the use of trees on farms, as well as any kind of incorporating domesticated animals (silvopastoralism), throughout the different environmental regions of Europe. EURAF has about 250 members from 18 different European countries.
The Farm Woodland Forum (formerly the UK Agroforestry Forum) aims to facilitate the generation and exchange of information that supports best practice in and improves opportunities for farming with trees.
AGFORWARD (AGroFORestry that Will Advance Rural Development) aims to promote agroforestry practices in Europe that will advance rural development i.e. improved competitiveness, and social and environmental enhancement. The project involves two international institutions and over 23 universities, research and farming organizations from across Europe.
Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) promotes agroforestry using multisectoral approaches. They aim to make agriculture, forestry and fisheries more productive and sustainable, and enable inclusive and efficient agricultural and food systems.
PCP-Agroforestry’s primary mission is to increase the competitiveness and sustainability of the agricultural sector of Mesoamerica with perennial crops, in particular coffee and cocoa. This platform is an initiative to bring together scientists from across many disciplines to address this challenge.
The book Farming the Woods emphasizes forest farming strategies for the Eastern forests. It is a comprehensive resource for forest owners and farmers who want to learn about forest farming.
IUFRO is a non-profit, non-governmental international network of forest scientists, which promotes global cooperation in forest-related research and enhances the understanding of the ecological, economic and social aspects of forests and trees.
AGMRC is a national information resource for agriculture related enterprises. They have resources for food production, agricultural marketing, renewable energy, and more.
The Association for Strengthening Agricultural Research in Eastern and Central Africa (ASARECA) is a sub-regional not-for-profit association. Consisting of 10 member countries (Burundi, Democratic Republic of Congo, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Kenya, Madagascar, Rwanda, Sudan, Tanzania, and Uganda), ASARECA aims to be the regional leader in agricultural research and development for improved livelihoods in Eastern and Central Africa.
The purpose of the Mid-American Agroforestry Working Group (MAAWG) is to provide coordination to help advance the science, practice and adoption of agroforestry by natural resource professionals and landowners in the Midwest region of the United States.
Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada’s Agroforestry Development Centre is dedicated to producing new knowledge and better understanding of trees and agroforestry practices. They work on research projects at regional, national and international levels that focus on improving technology to enhance tree health and growth and work to develop diverse, adapted tree genetics.
This research project focuses on forest management and governance. They work towards creating biodiversity conservation, management and conservation of forest and tree resources, and boosting the productivity and sustainability of forestry for anyone involved in agriculture and farming.
The major research happening at NARO includes wood and high value tree production, soil fertility replenishment, and tree fodder production. Their research helps scientists, students, farmers, and others involved in agriculture and forestry.
Permaculture Activist provides important information about permaculture design, edible landscaping, bioregionalism, earthworks, forestry, soils, agriculture and more. Their Agroforestry News periodical focuses on reports on agroforestry research projects, forest gardening, and features regular articles on fruit and nut growing.
Kirk Hanson shares a compelling article about the need to introduce agroforestry systems into wild thyme farming. He reminds anyone interested in forestry, farming, and agriculture that diversifying systems can improve crop quality and maximizes land use.
This site was created by the Macaulay Land Use Research Institute to help farmers and land managers assess the potential of silvopastoral agroforestry as an alternative land use and to provide information on how to manage a silvopastoral agroforestry system. The information on the site is comprised of careful research conducted by number of institutions in the UK Agroforestry Forum.
WRI is a global research organization that spans more than 50 countries, with offices in the United States, China, India, Brazil, and more. They focus on six critical issues at the intersection of environment and development: climate, energy, food, forests, water, and cities and transport.
The website juglans.org (which name derives from the walnut tree plant) contains a wealth of information about agroforestry including silvopasture, windbreaks, sustainability farming and alley cropping.
The Philippine Agroforestry Education and Research Network (PAFERN) is a coalition of 35 agroforestry institutions engaged in agroforestry education, research and development in the Philippines. PAFERN started in 1998 as an informal coalition of state colleges and universities engaged in agroforestry education programs, but became a proper organization in 2003.
Washington Farm Forestry Association (WFFA is) an organization of and for forest landowners in Washington State. Members own from a few acres to a few thousand acres and manage them for timber, other forest products, wildlife, fish, recreation, and aesthetics. Forestry professionals and interested individuals who do not own forest land are welcome to join as Associate members.
VANASIRI is an agriculture consultancy consisting of professional agriculture consultants who are in agriculture farming and development business. They provide expertise to all agro investors to gain good returns in the field of agriculture.
This is a website for a book written by Dave Jacke and Mark Krawczyk about ecological design. Coppice Agroforestry serves as a detailed manual for foresters, farmers, craftspeople, and land managers describing the history, ecology, economics, design, and management of agroforestry systems based on the repeated harvest of small diameter wood products from resprouting tree stumps.
AGFOR is a dynamic multi-disciplinary consultant’s pool of experts in various disciplines related to environment, forestry, agriculture, integrated rural development and poverty alleviation.
The Agroforestry Industry Development Initiative (AIDI) is working to support the development and adoption of agroforestry practices for the benefit of all British Columbians.
Agroecology takes into account the unique ecosystems fostered by various combinations of plant and animal species in agricultural settings. Incorporating elements of agriculture, forestry, and ecology can have incredible effects on the productivity of a particular parcel of land.
This group focuses on sustainable agriculture, ecological agriculture, low-external input agriculture and people-centered agriculture. This kind of agriculture and food production creates strong communities and sustained farming over time.
Community Agroecology Network is an international organization actively working in eight regions of Mexico and Central America. Their programs promote agroecological farming practices that produce healthy food and healthy environments, food security, and more.
This organization works to understand the ecological mechanisms that deliver sustainable crop production. Their research focuses on the areas of weed ecology, soil ecology, insect migration and more.
This laboratory is involved in several field projects in California, testing the effects of biological corridors in annual cropping systems. The research performed by this group provides the basic ecological principles for how to study, design, and manage sustainable agroecosystems that are both productive and natural resource conserving.
This website supplies information and resources for developing sustainable food systems, research, and creates application of agroecological science to solving real world problems. They also conduct training courses and intensive workshops to support activities linking agroecology and sustainability.
The department of sustainable development at Appalachian State University has a Teaching and Research Farm and Agroecology Laboratory that educates students and assists local farmers in researching best practices. Students utilize the farm to enhance their classroom lessons about agroecology, agroforestry, and sustainable farming practices.
The Agroecology and Sustainable Agriculture program resides within the Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Sciences at the University of Illinois. Their current mission is to advance sustainable and organic food and farming systems in Illinois.
The department of Agroecology Research is organized into six research sections. Their research includes crop health, soil fertility, climate and water, soil physics, and plant pathology.
Sepp Holzer’s AgroEcology is a natural form of agriculture based on the cycles and interactions in nature. These strategies have proven to be both ecologically beneficial and economically successful.
Soil quality is deeply affected by the plants that grow in it, and the methods of farming used on it in agricultural settings. Agronomy is the study of how different conditions affect soil quality, and how to optimize soil quality for agricultural purposes using natural, ecological methods.
ASA is a progressive scientific society that reaches its members through publications, recognition and awards, placement service, certification programs, meetings, and student activities. They are dedicated to the conservation and wise use of natural resources to produce food, feed, and fiber crops while maintaining and improving the environment.
The European Journal of Agronomy is the official journal of the European Society for Agronomy and publishes original research papers reporting experimental and theoretical contributions to crop science. They print articles that focus on plant-soil relationships, farming and cropping systems, and more.
The Louisiana Agricultural Experiment Station research is conducted through approved projects that meet specific criteria. Each project is assigned a CRIS number which is used to track the progress of the research and to report the project status to the Louisiana Agricultural Experiment Station and U.S. Department of Agriculture.
Soil Science Society of America is an international scientific society that fosters the knowledge and practices to sustain global soils. They are based in Madison, WI, and currently home for over 6,000 members and 1,000 certified professionals dedicated to advancing the field of soil science.
West Virginia University has an entire department dedicated to plant and soil sciences. Some of their research objectives include nutrient cycling, soil reclamation, methods of crop livestock production under organic management, and weed management in horticultural systems.
Agronomy for Sustainable Development offers scientific research on interactions between cropping systems and other activities in the context of sustainable development. The journal publishes original research articles focused on agroecology, sustainable agriculture, ecological production, and innovation in farming systems, preservation of natural resources and more.
PALS provides access to soil tests, plant tissue, waste and other reports. These reports are key in farming practices, understanding what to plant, and more.
Faculty of the College of Agricultural, Consumer, and Environmental Sciences at the University of Illinois are actively engaged in research that looks to provide solutions to many global food security issues. The Department of Crop Sciences at the University of Illinois encourages producers from around the globe to participate in sharing the latest in agronomy, weed science, crop production, pest management, agricultural economics and more.
Research at the Cook Agronomy Farm involves more than 20 scientists. It focuses on cropping techniques that optimize inputs, such as fertilizer and fuel, and protect natural resources, such as soil, but are productive and profitable.
The Archives of Agronomy and Soil Science are available online for anyone looking to study research related soil, farming, and conservation around the world. Some published studies include the effect of nitrogen fertilization on methane and carbon dioxide production, assessing the depletion of soil in various areas, and much more.
Farm Agronomy and Resource is a soil and crop fertility agronomy consulting agency. They use nutritional, structural and biological components and research to create reports and informational resources for farmers.
The National FFA organization works to create strong leadership in agricultural students. Participants in the Agronomy CDE possess an in-depth knowledge of seeds, insects, soils and crops.
Agronomic Acumen is a consultancy firm that specializes in agronomy and is based in Albany, Western Australia. They manage farms for investors and landowners who want maximum, sustainable profits using the best agronomic techniques.
Some crops are much more productive if they grow under a forest canopy in partial shade. Forest farmers take advantage of this to produce high-value crops while maintaining large swatches of valuable forested land.
This site serves as a statewide analysis of the past, current and projected future conditions of North Carolina’s forest resources. This research is necessary for planning the future of southern forests.
CEFS develops and promotes equitable food and farming systems that conserve natural resources, strengthen communities, improve health outcomes, and provide economic opportunities in North Carolina and beyond. They work to develop technologies that promote a cleaner and healthier environment, as well as engage and educate their communities.
This article discusses the basics of forest farming in America, including what crops can be grown, such as medicinal herbs and mushrooms. It also discusses the economics of forest farming, and how to sell forest crops.
Christine is a permaculturist, herbalist, and biologist who regularly blogs about sustainable living. She regularly writes about herbalism, backyard farming, permaculture projects, simple living, and finding spirit in nature.
This site focuses on conserving and preserving forests and farms using indigenous farming methods. These small scale farming produce unique and rare foods.
Food Forest Farm is a community enterprise that promotes permaculture and the re-learning of small scale agricultural skills and local food production. The organization was founded by a family looking for a way to do something even more productive with their edible forest garden and the diverse, useful plants they were already growing.
Forest Agricultural Enterprises is an organization that promotes the practices of perennial agriculture, permaculture, and agroforestry as sustainable alternatives to the monocropping that produces most foods today. Mark and Jen Shephard practice ecologically sustainable farming on a 110 acre plot in Wisconsin, and they actively promote sustainable farming through writing, consulting, and events.
The Virginia Department of Forestry works closely with landowners, other state and federal agencies, private companies, and universities to develop and manage forest and associated natural resources for multiple benefits. Regarding the emerging field of agro-forestry, the science and practice are just developing here in Virginia. VDOF is working with Virginia Tech, Virginia State University, and the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service and the USDA Forest Service, Chesapeake Bay Program in this area.
Foresting gardening and farming accomplishes the ultimate in diversity and abundance in crops, and is a source of wholesome, efficient, and sustainable farm to food production. The Living Tree Educational Foundation works to promote this model and philosophy by providing education to farmers.
Shiitake mushrooms can easily and profitably be cultivated as a forest grown crop. This guide covers key caveats about tree selection, inoculation, and accounting for environmental factors like shade and humidity of fungi while growing shiitake mushrooms.
For over 30 years, ECHO has operated Regional Impact Centers (Chiang Mai, Arusha, Tanzania, South Africa, etc.), strategically located around the world to bring much-needed agricultural resources within reach of the small-scale farmers that need them.
Alley cropping is the practice of interlacing rows of crops with rows of trees, hedges, or other plants that can provide protection and shelter to the crops. This is an increasingly popular way of increasing the yields and diversity of crops for some farms.
Jack Kertesz spearheaded the alley cropping demonstration at MOFGA’s orchard. This demonstration showed how annual and perennial crops could be interplanted in a young orchard to gain income while waiting for fruit trees to mature.
The mission of Sustainable Harvest International is to provide farming families in Central America with the training and tools to preserve tropical forests while overcoming poverty. One technique they endorse is alley cropping, which restores nitrogen to the top layer of soil so that farmers can use the same piece of land year after year.
The Inga Foundation works to help communities and farmers in Honduras change from slash and burn to the tried and tested alternative system. Their research has provided the solution of Alley Cropping, which restores degraded land, provides food security, and generates sustainable livelihoods for farmers.
This site is maintained by the University of Minnesota, and explains the benefits of alley cropping. These benefits include improved economic stability, improved crop performance, reduced use of pesticides, and environmental stability.
The Boundary Tree Planting project began in 2012 with an intention to replenish native broadleaf hardwood boundary trees. They now plant on privately owned agricultural land, bringing together their rural community and benefiting local agriculture.
Forestry and agriculture have always been deeply linked, and the more that we come to understand how the linkages work, the more we can use that information to both preserve forested land and increase the efficiency of farming efforts in a virtuous cycle that benefits both humanity and our environment.
Windbreaks can improve wildlife habitat as well as reduce heating bills, provide protection from high winds and snow, and enhance landscape aesthetics. This page, maintained by the Missouri Department of Conservation, encourages the building and maintaining of windbreaks for personal and large scale conservation.
The Arbor Day foundation celebrates nature and conservation, and regularly invites any landowner to plant trees to benefit the environment. Their winter windbreak article shares the benefits of planting the right trees in the right places to conserve energy, reduce your energy bills and help fight climate change.
This is a resource from the Ohio Department of Natural Resources that offers support for landowners, professional foresters, and other stewards of natural resources in the state.
This article focuses on instructing interested parties in how to construct a windbreak. Additional topics include energy, fencing, soil, water, and wildlife.
The Rural has a great how-to section for people looking for instructions on crop, resource, or farming related projects. One such how-to discusses the benefits of a shelter belt, including types, size, and how to plant one in different areas.
UW Madison’s Center for Integrated Agricultural Systems offers info on many ways that forests, agricultural land, and food production systems can be integrated for increased production and sustainability
This tool provides helpful information to design, implement and maintain a shelterbelt for an animal feeding operation. It also helps to outlines cost-share opportunities to help fund shelterbelt implementation.
This organizations designs, grows and plants windbreaks. Based out of Iowa, they are experts in creating windbreaks that create long-lasting conservation effects and environmental benefits.
OFS Foresters are available to provide on-site recommendations, information and design for new windbreaks and shelterbelts. They can also provide assistance in renovating existing plantings.
Members use this site to discuss farming, livestock, agriculture and more. This social network is a great place to discuss ideas and techniques, ask questions, and list events.
The college of Agricultural Sciences at Penn State helps to establish and maintain standards of use for windbreaks. Understanding the ideal windbreak structure — height, density, number of rows, species composition, length, orientation, and continuity – determines the effectiveness of a windbreak in reducing wind speed and altering the microclimate.
Texas A&M Forest Service provides statewide leadership to assure the state’s trees, forests and related natural resources are protected and sustained for the benefit of all.
The purpose of this website is to promote the preservation and reestablishment of Riparian Forest Buffers along the rivers and streams of New Jersey, and to inform citizens about the benefits of promoting and preserving these areas.
Virginia Cooperative Extension brings the resources of Virginia’s land-grant universities, Virginia Tech and Virginia State University, to the people of the commonwealth. This particular piece of research discusses the effects of water quality on riparian boundaries or floodplains, and why forest buffers should be considered in these areas.
This is a portion of the Forestry Landowner Assistance, telling Iowans about Forested Riparian Buffers, how they can incorporate them into their property and why this technique is effective.
ForestConnect, as a program and philosophy, emphasizes the interconnectedness of a land-grant university with society’s need for sustainable forests. Research questions originate from stakeholders who have practical needs and from staff who interact with multiple stakeholders. The Cornell Cooperative Extension system provides the vehicle to deliver research and experienced-based knowledge back to stakeholders.
Learn about forestry careers. From detailed descriptions of the most common careers, to the skills needed for success, to certification requirements, learn all about a career in forestry and environemental management.
Search our database of campus and online forestry degree programs, request information about tuition, transfer credits and admissions from colleges that interest you, and learn what to consider when selecting a school.
Get answers to questions about forestry degrees like: What degrees best prepare you for which careers? How fast can you get an accelerated bachelors degree?, and What do you learn in a masters program versus a bachelors?
What forestry and environmental management jobs earn the most and least? How much more will you earn with an associates vs. bachelors vs. masters in forestry degree? Learn everything about salaries and wages in forestry.
