Ecological Basis of Agroforestry

CRC Press

Employing extensive tables and figures, this volume demonstrates how ecologically sustainable agroecosystems can meet the challenges of enhancing crop productivity, soil fertility, and environmental sustainability. Divided into four sections, it studies tree-crop interactions in tropical and temperate climates. It covers above and below ground interactions, alley cropping, tri-trophic interactions, ecologically based pest management, and the chemistry and practical potential of chemically mediated plant interactions. It demonstrates computer modeling to predict effective designs, and addresses the socio-economic factors including different farming systems and technological tools. > \nFaced with the growing problems of climate change, ecosystem degradation, declining agricultural productivity, and uncertain food security, modern agricultural scientists look for potential relief in an ancient practice. Agroforestry, if properly designed, can mitigate greenhouse effects, maintain eco.