Giving Compass' Take:

• The author describes the numerous benefits of combining agroforestry techniques with current agricultural practices such as crop diversity and the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions. 

• What are significant barriers for farmers to implement agroforestry? 

• Read about the food and farming organizations to watch out for. 

Today, farmers are implementing agroecology to save farmlands, as well as reduce greenhouse gas emissions, decrease air and water pollution, and advance biodiversity. They are implementing agroforestry practices into the current techniques to improve sustainable agriculture.

Using agroforestry practices with current agriculture techniques, farmers can reuse the land while introducing diverse crops. Small farmers and giant commercial farms will benefit from using this system. The arrangement of the various trees, shrubs and plants will provide shelter for the crops and a habitat for wildlife and hunting, as well as increase the profitability of the farm.

Combining agriculture science with current systems can help farmers design and cultivate the area. Big data analytics can assist with creating an efficient layout of the farm to maximize crop yields. Farmers can take advantage of weather forecasting, soil maps and predictive analysis. Knowing where to plant trees and shrubs to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, reduce air, soil and water pollution, and decrease soil erosion will prove profitable to farms of all sizes.

Read the full article by Megan Ray Nichols about agroforestry from Cambridge University