Authors: Jo Smith, MV Agroecological Research Centre, Sally Westaway, Royal Agricultural University
Agroforestry, the integration of trees and agricultural systems, can provide a powerful tool in increasing the resilience of our food production systems. As well as mitigating the climate change impacts of the agricultural sector through carbon (C) sequestration, C substitution and facilitating reductions in GHG emissions, agroforestry can play a significant role in helping farmers adapt and become more resilient in the face of climate change through, for example, microclimatic modifications, increased system diversity and a reduction in the risks from flooding and wildfires. In this chapter, we consider the evidence supporting the role of agroforestry in enhancing the resilience of the farming system, as well as impacts on other ecosystem services such as support for biodiversity and soil and water quality. As a diverse system, however, the design, establishment and management of agroforestry can be challenging, and in the second section we outline the key considerations that aim to maximise positive interactions between the trees and crops or livestock that lead to facilitation and minimise negative interactions that result in competition for resources. In the final section, we explore an inspirational example of a highly diverse silvoarable system in the east of England – Wakelyns Agroforestry and detail some of the research evidence that demonstrates how such a system can provide self-sufficiency in energy, higher carbon stocks and higher overall productivity than a monoculture. The potential for increasing the agroforestry area in Europe is considerable, and by targeting agroforestry establishment in high priority areas (i.e. those with multiple environmental pressures), significant gains can be expected with respect to carbon sequestration as well as other ecosystem services.
A follow-up article will be available in a handbook on climate-friendly agricultural practices.