Agroforestry Development Models

Silvopastoral Systems

Silvopastoral systems integrate trees or shrubs with forage plants and livestock. This development model strategically combines woody perennials with grazing animals to optimize land productivity while providing numerous ecosystem services.

Key components: Trees/shrubs, pasture grasses, livestock

Numerous ecological benefits:

• Providing shade for animals, reducing heat stress
• Enhancing soil fertility through nitrogen fixation
• Reducing soil erosion and improving water retention
• Increasing biodiversity by creating habitat corridors
• Sequestering carbon in both above-ground biomass and soil

Silvopastoral systems are particularly valuable in tropical and subtropical regions where they can significantly improve livestock productivity while simultaneously increasing tree cover.

Agrosilvicultural Systems

Agrosilvicultural systems combine agricultural crops with woody perennials (trees and shrubs). This includes various arrangements such as alley cropping, multistoried systems, and improved fallow systems.

Common types:

• Alley cropping: Rows of trees or shrubs with crops grown in alleys between them
• Multistoried systems: Vertical stratification of different plant species with varying heights and light requirements
• Home gardens: Complex multi-layer systems around dwellings containing trees, crops, and often livestock

The development of agrosilvicultural models often focuses on optimizing species combinations and spatial arrangements to maximize complementary relationships while minimizing competition for resources.

Agrosilvopastoral Systems

Agrosilvopastoral systems represent the most complex form of agroforestry, integrating trees, crops, and livestock in a single land-use system. These comprehensive systems maximize the synergies between all three components.

Implementation approaches include:

• Trees planted as windbreaks around crop fields with grazing areas
• Multipurpose trees providing fodder for livestock
• Crop residues used as livestock feed with manure fertilizing crops and trees
• Trees providing shade for livestock while simultaneously yielding fruit, timber, or other products

Multipurpose Forest Production Systems

These systems manage forests or woodlands for multiple outputs including timber, non-timber forest products, and agricultural production. They represent a bridge between natural forest management and agricultural production.

Examples include:

• Forest farming (cultivating shade-tolerant crops under forest canopy)
• Riparian forest buffers with integrated production
• Forest intercropping systems

Coffee Agroforestry in Latin America

Shade-grown coffee represents one of the world's most widespread agroforestry systems. In countries like Colombia, Mexico, and Costa Rica, coffee is traditionally grown under a canopy of native or planted trees. These systems provide habitat for migratory birds, reduce erosion on steep slopes, and produce high-quality specialty coffee that commands premium prices.

Taungya System in Africa and Asia

The Taungya system is a rotational agroforestry practice where farmers cultivate food crops during the early stages of tree establishment. Once the tree canopy closes, agricultural activities cease. This system originated in Burma and has been widely adopted across tropical regions.

Dehesa/Montado Systems in the Mediterranean

The Dehesa (Spain) and Montado (Portugal) systems represent traditional silvopastoral landscapes. These savannah-like ecosystems combine widely spaced oak trees with grazing livestock and often cereals. Historically managed for centuries, these systems are recognized as having high conservation value while sustaining rural livelihoods.