Agroforestry: A Centuries-Old Farming Technique

The art of farming with trees to benefit crops and livestock

Photo by Paul Varnum on Unsplash

I’ve read about agroforestry before and thought it would be great to incorporate features of it into the homestead which my family will own one day. We are looking at various farming techniques. Based on the concepts of agroforestry, it aligns closely with the type of homesteading that we are interested in. Sustainable, and environmentally friendly.

What is agroforestry?

According to the USDA, “agroforestry is the intentional integration of trees and shrubs into crop and animal farming systems to create environmental, economic, and social benefits.” It is a land management system that creates multiple benefits for the farm.

There are five common features for agroforestry, which are:

1. Windbreaks protect crops and livestock by slowing the speed of the wind, resulting in creating conditions that are beneficial to the farm. It can also defend against topsoil being gradually blown away. The trees also improve the biodiversity of the farm, attracting insects and pollinators.
2. Riparian forest buffers are natural buffers consisting of trees, shrubs, and other plants along rivers and streams. The roots stabilize the banks, which helps in preventing soil erosion. The buffer…