Temperate Agroforestry Systems

Agroforestry is a land use system that allows for the concurrent production of trees and agricultural crops from the same piece of land. It has a rich history of development and has been practised in some parts of the world for more than 6,000 years. Much recent research into agroforestry has been carried out in the tropics and within the context of developing nations, where land shortages brought about by the rapid growth in population demand that efficient production systems for both wood and food be developed and enhanced. In temperate zones, the awareness of some of the faults inherent within traditional agricultural systems has led to much increased research and practical activity in the development of sustainable farming systems. Agroforestry can play a leading role in this area, particularly in silvopastoral as well as cropping systems, and in promoting soil conservation. This book explores the development of temperate agroforestry and agroforestry systems, concentrating on those areas within the temperate zones where the greatest advances, adoptions and modifications have taken place: North and South America, China, Australia, New Zealand, the United Kingdom and Continental Europe. The book is the first text to bring together so many examples of temperate agroforestry and is valuable reading for all those working in this area as researchers, practitioners and policy makers. The book is also of importance to students and teachers of agriculture, ecology, environmental studies and forestry in temperate regions.