Climate change concerns have many sustainability experts focused on agroforestry. The practice of integrating trees and shrubs with farming systems creates economic benefits.But, also environmental ones and can serve as a potential mitigation strategy.
Here are four ways agroforestry answers many of today’s environmental issues.
1. Sustainably increase Food Production
Modern agriculture creates ample food production. But many question whether the current model is sustainable for the future.
Agroforestry is a natural solution for supplying heat, energy, and diversity of food. For example, a single tree can serve as a source of fruit and then later become a source of energy if burned. Other uses for a felled tree may include timber, fiber, and resin, among many others.
2. Environmental and Economic Security
Natural disasters wreak havoc in several ways. One of the most devastating is their impact on the land. For example, destruction of an agricultural site can create unemployment for local workers.
Agroforestry helps increase finance security by strengthening soil structure. Trees and shrubs also reduce the chance of erosion and improve soil fertility.
3. Carbon Sequestration
Trees extract carbon from the atmosphere and store it. Deforestation leads to increased amounts of carbon in the atmosphere for two reasons. First, cutting trees releases stored carbon. Second, these trees can no longer perform their carbon-reducing duties.
Agroforestry trees store carbon while producing crops and providing wildlife benefit. Studies show that native trees sequester even more carbon than non-native.
4. Better Growing Conditions
Many high-value crops need specific growing environments to flourish. Agroforestry can help supply the right amount of shade for crops or livestock. This means less time, energy, and resources for greater agricultural production.
Additionally, agroforestry improves water and air quality, bolstering crop production sustainably.
Restoring Earth’s Ecosystem One Tree at a Time
We are passionate about restoration and sustainable agricultural practices. We take pride in offering an unmatched selection of native species. Each native plant aids in restoring natural habitats and ecosystems. Also, we grow hundreds of native trees, shrubs, perennials, and grasses.
Our patented RPM-production technology gives benefits you won’t find elsewhere! Benefits including 95%+ survivability, 2X growth and faster flowering and fruiting. A Forrest Keeling team member can guide your selection of native options. Together, we can find the right plants for your landscape projects.
Forrest Keeling Nursery… it’s where the best natives begin! Contact us today.