Agroforestry is a very simple technique that integrates crops and trees on the same land. It is not something new, but something long lost to people. Benedict T Palen Jr states that this practice can benefit forests and farms. It conserves the soil and helps in food production. Agroforestry may be a significant response to the threat to the planet because of the threat to forests.
How Agroforestry works
Agroforestry refers to the process of planting crops and
trees in the same area. Farmers also use these lands to keep animals. The
system replicates the functioning of a forest as done by nature. Trees provide
shade, enrich the ground and protect it from erosion. The farms produce better,
and even animals get the benefit of this mixed system.
The Reasons Why Deforestation is on the Rise
The forests are cleared to cultivate food or raise animals
to produce meat. Trees will be lost as a result. Without trees, the soil
becomes poor and loses moisture. Deforestation also causes carbon in the
atmosphere to rise, thereby heating the Earth. According to Benedict T PalenJr, deforestation affects people and animals negatively. It prioritizes
cutting down rainfalls, thus farms in the surrounding regions will be affected.
The Benefits of Agroforestry to Saving Forests
Agroforestry minimizes deforestation as more farmland is
required. Farmers plant more crops on the same plot of land since crops and
trees share it. Wood, fruits, and leaves are also obtained from trees planted
together with crops. That translates into fewer forests being lost to such
demands. Additionally, farm trees serve as habitat for beneficial insects and
birds.
Trees and Crops to Enhance Food Security
This situation has more trees, which keep the soil wet and
rich. Trees' roots hold the ground together. This gives crops a chance to grow
more optimally even during dry months. There are also trees offering fruits,
nuts and seeds through which people are able to eat. Additionally, having more
food varieties on one land saves families from being starved.
Agroforestry is Climate-Friendly Farming
This method helps trap carbon from the air into the trees
and soil. It keeps the ground cooler and keeps more water in the soil. It also
lowers the use of chemical fertilizers, which harm nature. By using natural
shade and cover, crops grow with fewer pests. This helps farmers save money and
protect nature.
Why the World Must Rethink Agroforestry
Agroforestry is old wisdom with modern use. It helps solve
many problems today. Yet, many farmers and leaders do not promote it enough.
They focus more on machines and chemicals. But trees can do more than machines
if used smartly. Agroforestry brings back balance between people and nature
without big costs.
Conclusion