Figure 8. Filter Strip.

Tree/shrub filter strips

added just below each
vegetated strip



Figure 5. Alley Cropping.

Habitat for beneficial wildlife Microclimate control
and insects ‘

Trees such as wainut,
pecan, paulonia, etc.

3 row tree strip with training
trees for high-value hardwoods

Single ow tree strip



Figure 10.

Areas within a farming operation can be dedicated to
eae y growing woody species for fuel and/or fiber production.
Wood fiber production adjacent me Aste agy. A nena ee ee a geen
are Secured & species are adapted to the local climate
university extension services, and/or federal or state
agencies for available species and varieties.

to riparian areas



PASTURE AND HAY PLANTING (512): Establishing and reestablishing long-term stands of adapted
species of perennial, biennial, or reseeding forage plants.

PEST MANAGEMENT (595): Managing agricultural pest infestations (including weeds, insects, and
diseases) to reduce adverse effects on plant growth, crop production, and environmental resources.

PRESCRIBED GRAZING (528A): The controlled harvest of vegetation with grazing or browsing animals,
managed with the intent to achieve a specified objective.

RESIDUE MANAGEMENT: Managing the amount, orientation and distribution of crop and other plant
residues on the soil surface year-round, while growing crops...

« NO TILL AND STRIP TILL (329A): ...in narrow slots or tilled strips in previously untilled soil and
residue.
« MULCH TILL (3298): ...where the entire field surface is tilled prior to planting.

* RIDGE TILL (329C): ...on preformed ridges altemated with furrows protected by crop residues.

RESIDUE MANAGEMENT, SEASONAL (344): Managing the amount, orientation and distribution of crop
and other plant residues on the soil surface during part of the year, while growing crops in a clean tilled
seedbed.

RIPARIAN FOREST BUFFER (391): An area of trees and/or shrubs located adjacent to and up-gradient
from water bodies.

STREAMBANK AND SHORELINE PROTECTION (580): Using vegetation or structures to stabilize and
protect banks of streams, lakes, estuaries, or excavated channels against scour and erosion.

STRIPCROPPING, CONTOUR (585): Growing crops in a systematic arrangement of strips or bands on
the contour to reduce water erosion. The crops are arranged so that a strip of grass or close-growing crop
is altemated with a strip of clean-tilled crop or fallow or a strip of grass alternated with a close-growing
crop.

TERRACE (600): An earth embankment, channel, or a combination ridge and channel constructed
across the slope.

TREE/SHRUB ESTABLISHMENT (612): To establish woody plants by planting or seeding.
USE EXCLUSION (472): Excluding animals, people or vehicles from an area.

WASTE UTILIZATION (633): Using agricultural waste or other waste on land in an environmentally
acceptable manner while maintaining or improving soil and plant resources.

WINDBREAK/SHELTERBELT ESTABLISHMENT (380): Linear plantings of single or multiple rows of
trees or shrubs established for environmental purposes.


Table 1. Row-Types

Agroforestry. Attributes
System
Filter Strip Description: A strip or area of vegetation for removing sediment, organic matter,

and other pollutants from runoff and waste water.

Some Primary
FOTG
Practices for

°

Fitter Strip (393)
Conservation Crop Rotation (330)
Stripcropping, Contour (585)

this System: °
« Contour Farming (330)
« Residue Management (329,344)
« Diversion (362), Terrace (600), Grassed Waterway (412)
« Use Exclusion (472)
«Fencing (382)
« Prescribed Grazing (528A)
« Pasture and Hay Planting (512)
Primary «  Toremove sediment and other pollutants from runoff by
Purposes: filtration, deposition, infiltration, or plant uptake.
Key Design « Strips are planted cross-slope or on the contour downhill from
Elements: the source of sediment or pollutants. They must be sufficiently
wide to achieve primary purposes.
Tree/Shrub * Adapted to the soil and climate of the planting site.
Species

Requirements:

Tolerant of sediment deposition and pollutant-laden runoff.
Moderate to aggressive development to occupy the site quickly.
Resistance to pests and herbicides.



Table 2. Block- Types

RS : si ae ‘Attributes

Water- Description: A block planting of closely spaced trees and/or shrubs placed
Waste downslope from agricultural water or waste sources. (For plantings
Manage- immediately adjacent to streams or water courses, see Riparian
janag Forest Buffer.) The dimension of the planting on its downhill axis

ment and distance between individual plants insures the trapping of
Planting sediment or harmful chemicals from uphill land uses.

Some Primary ¢  Tree/Shrub Establishment (612)

FOTG .

Practices for Use Exclusion (472)

this System: + Prescribed Grazing (528A)

«Pasture and Hay Planting (512)

« Fencing (382)

« Waste Utilization (633)

¢ Irrigation Water Management (449)

Primary + To use excess water by plant uptake, and/or intercept and
Purposes: utilize or sequester waste and other pollutants transported from
uphill sources to and through a down-gradient block planting.

¢ Blocks are planted downhill from the source of water and/or

; waste. They must be sufficiently large (generally greater than
Key Design 100 feet on its downhill axis) to achieve primary purposes and
Elements: configured to fit the use of equipment and materials on adjacent
fields. Application of water and/or waste shall not exceed the
capability of the block planting to utilize such water/waste on a
sustained basis. (For plantings less than 100 feet wide, see
Fitter Strips in the Alley Cropping System.)

- Tree/Shrub « Adapted to the soil and climate of the planting site.

Species ¢ Tolerant of excess water, sediment deposition and waste-laden
Requirements: runoff.

¢ Aggressive root and crown spread to occupy the site quickly.
¢ Resistance to pests, herbicides and site pollutants.



Table 2. Block-Types

Agroforestry Attributes
System ;
Multistory Description: Plantings consisting of an overstory of trees or shrubs with an
Cropping understory of speciality or agronomic crops or forage. Tree-to-tree

distance is wide enough to let sufficient light through to understory
crops or forage. “Forest Farming” is a form of multistory cropping.
Tree canopies of native forests would be managed to allow the
production of such crops or forage.

Some Primary 2 Multistory Cropping (new)
FOTG +  Tree/Shrub Establishment (612)
Practices for
this System: ¢ Conservation Crop Rotation (328)

« Residue Management (329, 344)

« Use Exclusion (472) or Prescribed Grazing (528A)
« Pasture and Hay Planting (512)

« Nutrient Management (S90)

« Pest Management (595)

¢ = Irrigation System (441), Irrigation Water Management (449)

Primary « 1) To produce wood or tree products in addition to agronomic
Purposes: crops or forage, 2) To improve crop or forage quality and
quantity by enhancing microclimatic conditions, 3) To improve
utilization and recycling of soil nutrients for crop or forage use,
4) To reduce excess subsurface water or control water table
depths, 5) To provide favorable habitat for species beneficial to
crops or forage.

«Trees are planted or native forests managed at a sufficiently

Key Design f

Elements: wide spacing to allow adequate light to the understory crops or
forage and permit passage of the widest field equipment width.
Generally, mature tree canopy ranges from 5 to 40 percent
crown cover.

Tree/Shrub « High value species adapted to the soil/climate of the planting

Species site.

Requirements: |, (ow to moderate root and crown spread to minimize
competition with understory crops.

« Tolerance of agricultural fertilizers and traffic on surficial roots.

« Resistance to pests and herbicides.

¢ High resistance to stem and branch breakage from high winds,
ice and snow as applicable to the site.



Figure 7 Riparian Forest Buffer.

ROWS OF TREES NATIVE WOODLANDS CROPL.
‘it AAND
Can be added to existing Should be retained or
PASTURE ative trees for timber, nut, restored GRASS

juelwood, or fiber production

Filters surface water and can
be a forage crop

SHRUBS
Provide variety in vegetation and
may be grown for nurseries

TRAP NUTRIENTS

Riparian forests retain significant amounts of nutrients in tunoff
from agricultural fields.

\ O2 released

Nitrogen & phosphorous
uptake by tree roots

Denitrification: NO} -> N2 Gas


Figure 3. Farmstead Windbreak.

COLD WIND.

Benefits:

Reduce home heating costs

*Reduce snow drifting

+Reduce noise and dust

Reduce home maintenance and damage

Moderate summer heat and winds

simprove working and recreation environment
SNOW AND WIND PROTECTION Attract wildlife

Beautify farmstead -- increases property value

Windward row 100-200 feet from
area or building needing protection

35 mph wind &
10 mph wind
3 near house aan ss
i = —“Snow duit zope Ci t
EA ll SS Se Son aia ovechl

VIO: aaa LIT TI TISAI ae AE OTT 7 PETAL

u

. hen mop
COC TALL tt Tp. ff 1 Wed Uf WaT AAT ATT ET TOODOTD OD OOTP OIE sto PPE T TIF PTET GEE WATT EDD GDEE OP IIGP,

j Tall tree row within 2-5 H of area or '

building needing protection
Use 20 year tree height



Table 1. Row-Types

Agroforestry Attributes
System —_
Field Description: One or more windbreaks or shelterbelts of closely spaced trees
Windbreak and/or shrubs planted perpendicular to the prevailing troublesome

winds. “Wind shadows” created to the leeward side of these
barriers achieve desired purposes. A single windbreak may consist
of one to many rows to insure adequate density of branches, stems
and leaves.

Some Primary
FOTG
Practices for

« Conservation Crop Rotation (328)
« Residue Management (329, 344)

this System: ¢ Cross Wind Ridges (589A)
¢ Cross Wind Stripcropping (589B)
¢ Cross Wind Trap Strips (589C)
« Herbaceous Wind Barrier (422A)
« Windbreak/Shetterbett Establishment (380)
«Mulching (484)
« Inigation System (441), Irrigation Water Management (449)
« Nutrient Management (590)
« Pest Management (595)
Primary ¢ Reduce wind velocity in the wind shadow area to: 1) control
Purposes: wind erosion, 2) deposit snow uniformily, 3) increase crop
quality and production, and 4) improve water use efficiency.
Key Design * 35-60% density barriers (during the erosion period) with the
Elements: windbreaks at intervals across a field from 5H to 20H
(agricuttural fields between windbreaks are generally greater
than 200 feet wide).
Tree/Shrub « Adapted to the soil and climate of the planting site.
Species

Requirements:

« Low to moderate root and crown spread to minimize
competition with adjacent crops.

« Resistance to pests and herbicides.

¢ Resistance to stem and branch breakage from high winds, ice,
snow.



Field A:
i i i - c
Figure 1. Field Windbreak. Without Hot summer winds

Windbreak cut crop yields

+Topsoil windblown

LY vy ¥y, Weve
aa
<2 ~
SSS ey g Field B:
oS ay Wienke
5 for yield lost at and near
‘ m Ses windbreak.
NY Sop

CENTER PIVOTS WITH WINDBREAKS

Windureak densities of 40-60%
are optimum for soil & crop
protection

- 4
15H ‘ 15H

Windbreak spacing depends on windbreak height (h), soil erodibility,
Crop sensitivity,crop residues, crop rotation, and climate.


Table 1. Row-Types

Agroforestry Attributes
System
Riparian Description: A corridor of trees and/or shrubs planted adjacent to a river,
Forest stream, wetland or water body. The planting is of sufficient width
Buffer and up-gradient and near the water body to insure adequate

functioning for the desired purpose.

Some Primary
FOTG
Practices for

Riparian Forest Buffer (391)
Streambank and Shoreline Protection (580)

this System: « Use Exclusion (472)
* Fencing (382)
+ Prescribed Grazing (528A)
¢ Pasture and Hay Planting (512)
Primary ¢ Protect near-stream soils from over-bank flows, trap harmful
Purposes: chemicals or sediment transported by surface and subsurface
flows from adjacent land uses, or provide shade, detritus and
large woody debris for the in-stream ecosystem.
Desi « Corridors are planted adjacent to and more-or-less parallel with
Key esign the stream bank. They must be sufficiently wide to achieve
Elements: primary purposes (usually 15 to 100 feet).
Tree/Shrub + Adapted to the soil and climate of the planting site.
Species .

Requirements:

Tolerant of extended periods of flooding (depending on the
width of the planting and distance from the streambanks).

Moderate to aggressive root and crown spread to occupy the
site quickly and provide adequate litter fall.

Resistance to pests and herbicides.



Table 1. Row-Types

Agroforestry Attributes
System
Livestock Description: A windbreak or shetterbelt of closely spaced trees and/or shrubs
Windbreak planted perpendicular to the prevailing troublesome winds and

adjacent to livestock areas. Areas are generally settings where
livestock naturally concentrate or are confined such as a feediot.
The “wind shadow” created to the leeward side of this barrier
achieves desired purposes. The windbreak may consist of one to
many rows to insure adequate density of branches, stems and
leaves.

Some Primary
FOTG
Practices for

« Windbreak/Shetterbelt Establishment (380)
« Mulching (484)

this System: ¢ Use Exclusion (472)

« Fencing (382)

¢ Irrigation System (441), Irrigation Water Management (449)
Primary + Reduce wind velocity to: 1) control energy loss and feed intake
Purposes: by livestock, and 2) reduce snow drifting in the livestock

concentration area.

Key Design « 60-80% density barrier (year-round) with primary livestock
Elements: areas within 5H of the barrier.
Tree/Shrub « Adapted to the soil and climate of the planting site.
Species

Requirements:

¢ Tolerance of nitrogen and phosphorus concentrations from
manure.

« Resistance to pests.

« Some resistance to stem/branch breakage from high winds,
ice, snow.



Table 2. Block-Types

‘Agroforestry : Attributes
System
Wood Fiber | Description: Trees are planted in a block as a separate field within an

agricultural or livestock-production operating unit. Tree-to-tree
distance is adjusted to produce optimum amounts of wood fiber
during rotations generally less than 10 years.

Plantation

Some Primary « Tree/Shrub Establishment (612)

FOTG «Use Exclusion (472)
Practices for
this System: + Nutrient Management (590)

« Forest Stand improvement (666)
¢ Irrigation System (441), Irrigation Water Management (449)

Primary « To produce tree products or wood fiber in close proximity to
Purposes: agricultural or pasture areas to diversify the farm and ranch
products.

«Trees are planted at a spacing to optimize wood fiber

Key Design

Elements: production. Generally, mature tree canopy cover ranges from
70 to 100 percent crown cover.

Tree/Shrub « High value species adapted to the soil and climate of the

Species planting site.

Requirements: | , Tolerance of agricultural fertilizers and manure from adjacent

fields.
« Resistance to pests and herbicides.

« Some resistance to stem and branch breakage from high
winds, ice and snow as applicable to the site.



United States
Department
of Agriculture

Natural
Resources
Conservation
Service

AGROFORESTRY
TECHNICAL NOTE NO. I

July 1, 1996

Agroforestry for
Farms and Ranches

An introduction to using tree and
shrub practices in sustained agricul-
tural systems



Figure 4. Living Snowfence.

Pine or spruce

Low broadieat Juniper

Shrub Shrub Road Centerline
wrt IE Scere arom frame
i
150-200"
Density:
Ideal densities between 60-80% are
desired for living snowfences.
Evergreens and shrubs are
ideal in living snowfence designs.
Annual food plot
cola
50° I 50° 50-100"
Calving area
——_
eer

TET ID ITE

150-200"

ae Cas

150-200"

150-200°

Benefits:

«Decreased annual snow removal costs -- money, time,
and equipment

Decreased road damage froin snow removal equipment

Safer winter travel for motorists

*Greater snow storage and longer snow contro! than
slatted snow fences

Wildlife food and cover

«Enhanced aesthetic appeal of landscape

Native grass or
annual food plot

i hoy

150-200°

Twin row high density



Table 1. Row-Types

Agroforestry Attributes
System
Farmstead Description: A windbreak or shelterbelt of closely spaced trees and/or shrubs
Windbreak planted perpendicular to the prevailing troublesome winds and

adjacent to the farmstead home, buildings and work areas. The
“wind shadow” created to the leeward side of this barrier achieves
desired purposes. The windbreak may consist of one to many rows
to insure adequate density of branches, stems and leaves.

Some Primary
FOTG
Practices for

« Windbreak/Shetterbett Establishment (380)
« Mulching (484)

this System: « — Imigation System (441), Irrigation Water Management (449)
« Diversion (362)
« Use Exclusion (472)
« Fencing (382)
Primary « Reduce wind velocity to: 1) reduce energy loss, 2) trap snow
Purposes: away from buildings, roads, etc. and 3) protect and improve
human habitat.
Key Design « 60-80% density barrier (year-round) with primary buildings/area
Elements: within 2 - 5H of the barrier but at least 100’ from the windward
row in snow country. Animal waste runoff needs to be diverted
away from the windbreak.
Tree/Shrub « Adapted to the soil and climate of the planting sife.
Species «  Aesthestically pleasing to increase farmstead value.

Requirements:

« When utility lines are present, low to moderate root and crown
spread to reduce conflicts.

+ Resistance to pests and herbicides.

«Resistance to stem and branch breakage from high winds, ice,
snow.



Figure 2. Livestock Windbreak.

Benefits:

Reduced feed requirements
*Reduced livestock stress
*Reduced mortality

«Increased health

sIncreased profits

elmproved working environment

BE CAREFUL WHERE WATER DRAINS

Ideal location is within 2-5 times windbreak height
k - - 3

Feeding areas

20’ minimum — Drainage



Figure 9. Multistory Cropping.

MULTI-STORY CROPPING: INTRODUCED FORAGE

Canopy does not exceed a
planned percent cover

MULTI-STORY CROPPING: SPECIALTY CROPS



Practices (code numbers in parentheses)

ALLEY CROPPING (new): An agroforestry practice consisting of growing trees or shrubs in rows or
corridors with alleys of agronomic crops or forage between.

CONSERVATION CROP ROTATION (328): Growing crops in a recurring sequence on the same field.

CONTOUR BUFFER STRIPS (new): Plantings consisting of tree/shrub rows or strips of herbaceous
vegetation on the contour or cross-slope.

CONTOUR FARMING (330): Farming sloping land in such a way that preparing land, planting, and
cultivating are done on the contour. (This includes following established grades of terraces or diversions.)

CROSS WIND RIDGES (589A): Ridges formed by tillage or planting and aligned across the prevailing
wind erosion direction.

CROSS WIND STRIPCROPPING (5898): Growing crops in strips established across the prevailing wind
erosion direction, and arranged so that strips susceptible to wind erosion are altemated with strips having
protective cover that is resistant to wind erosion.

CROSS WIND TRAP STRIPS (589C): Herbaceous cover resistant to wind erosion, established in one of
more strips across the prevailing wind erosion direction.

DIVERSION (362): A channel constructed across the slope with a supporting ridge on the lower side.

FENCE (382): Enclosing of dividing an area of land with a suitable permanent structure that acts as a
bartier to livestock, big game, or people (does not include temporary fences).

FILTER STRIP (393): A strip or area of vegetation for removing sediment, organic matter, and other
pollutants from runoff and waste water.

GRASSED WATERWAY (412): A natural or constructed channel that is shaped of graded to required
dimensions and established in suitable conveyance of runoff.

HERBACEOUS WIND BARRIERS (422A): Herbaceous vegetation established in rows or narrow strips
across the prevailing wind direction.

IRRIGATION SYSTEM, TRICKLE (441): A planned irrigation system in which all necessary facilities are
installed for efficiently applying water directly to the root zone of plants by means of applicators (orifices,
emitters, porous tubing, perforated pipe) operated under low pressure. The applicators can be placed on
or below the surface of the ground.

IRRIGATION WATER MANAGEMENT (449): Determining and controlling the rate, amount, and timing of
irrigation water in a planned and efficient manner.

MULCHING (484): Applying plant residues or other suitable materials not produced on the site to the soil
surface, (Used for moisture conservation around newly planted trees and shrubs.)

MULTISTORY CROPPING (new): An agroforestry practice consisting of growing an overstory of trees or
shrubs with an understory of agronomic crops or forage

NUTRIENT MANAGEMENT (590): Managing the amount, form, placement, and timing of applications of
plant nutrients


Table 1. Row-Types

Agroforestry Attributes
System
Alley Description: Plantings consisting of trees or shrubs in rows or comidors with
Cropping alleys of agronomic crops or forage between. Plantings are placed

at intervals across a field or unit that, depending on purpose, are
perpendicular to the prevailing troublesome winds, on the contour,
or at multiples of the widest field equipment width. The products
derived from the trees or shrubs or the protected or climatically
influenced zones of these plantings achieve desired purposes.
Trees or shrubs planted along the edges of “alleys” may consist of
one to many rows to insure adequate density of branches, stems,
foliage and roots.

Some Primary
FOTG
Practices for
this System:

.

Alley Cropping (new)

Filter Strip (393), Conservation Crop Rotation (328)
Stripcropping, Contour (585), Contour Farming (330)

Residue Management (329, 344)

Diversion (362), Terrace (600), Grassed Waterway (412)

Use Exclusion (472), Fencing (382), Prescribed Grazing (528A)
Pasture and Hay Planting (512)

Mulching (484)

Inrigation System (441), Irrigation Water Management (449)
Nutrient Management (590), Pest Management (595)

Primary
Purposes:

Key Design
Elements:

1) To produce wood or tree products in addition to agronomic
crops or forage, 2) To improve crop or forage quality and
quantity by enhancing microclimatic conditions, 3) To improve
utilization and recycling of soil nutrients for crop or forage use,
4) To reduce excess subsurface water or control water table
depths, 5) To provide favorable habitat for species beneficial to
crops or forage.

30-100% density barriers with rows at intervals across field to
achieve intended purpose and tailored to equipment widths.
Intervals are wide enough to allow sufficient light to agronomic
crops in the alleys.

Tree/Shrub
Species
Requirements:

Adapted to the soil and climate of the planting site.

Produce wood, fruit or fodder suited to the purpose of planting.
Resistance to pests and herbicides.

Tolerant of sediment deposition and pollutant-laden runoff

Resistance to stem/branch breakage from winds, ice, snow.



Table 1. Row-Types

Agroforestry Attributes
System
Contour Description: Plantings consisting of tree/shrub rows on the contour or cross-
Buffer slope, and at multiples of the widest field equipment width. Tree or
- shrub strips typically consist of two or more rows to insure
Strips adequate root density and litter production, and are usually planted
(woody in conjunction with strips of herbaceous vegetation.
Species)

Some Primary
FOTG

* Contour Buffer Strips (new)
« Fitter Strip (393), Conservation Crop Rotation (328)

Practices for . . .
this System: ¢ — Stripcropping, Contour (585), Contour Farming (330)
° Residue Management (329, 344)
¢ Diversion (362), Terrace (600), Grassed Waterway (412)
« Use Exclusion (472)
«= Mulching (484)
¢  Inigation System (441), Irrigation Water Management (449)
¢ Nutrient Management (590), Pest Management (595)
Primary « Reduce sheet and rill water erosion, increase sediment
Purposes: deposition and convey excess water at a controlled grade.
Key Design ¢ Barriers of closely spaced trees/shrubs planted at intervals
Elements: across the slope or on the contour and configured parallel with
one another as practicable. intervals are wide enough to allow
‘sufficient light to agronomic crops between the strips. The
Spacing between barriers should be in multiples of the widest
field equipment width and must not exceed the computations of
spacings for constructed terraces (see Terrace, 600, in the
FOTG or NHCP). Typically, suitable herbaceous vegetation is
planted as part of the strip to the uphill side of the woody
vegetation.
Tree/Shrub « Adapted to the soil and climate of the planting site.
Species

Requirements:

« Resistance to pests and herbicides.
¢ Tolerant of sediment deposition and pollutant-laden runoff.
+ Fast-growing and dispersed root sytem.



Guidance on System Design

‘Yhat practices work together? What are the design elements used for an agroforestry system? Tables 1
end 2 provide an overview of individual agroforestry systems to help answer these questions and provide
@ link to the National Handbook of Conservation Practices (NHCP) and the Field Office Technical Guide
(=OTG). The NHCP and FOTG are maintained by the USDA, Natural Resources Conservation Service.
Specific systems within a table may be found by referring to the list below.

Table 1. Row-Types: Page: Table 2. Block-Types: Page:
« Field Windbreak 6 * Multistory Cropping 22
« Livestock Windbreak 8 + Wood Fiber Plantation 24
° Farmstead Windbreak 10 « Water-Waste Management Planting 26
+ Living Snowfence 12
+ Alley Cropping 14
« Contour Buffer Strips 16
+ Riparian Forest Buffer 18
+ Filter Strip 20

Tne NHCP establishes official names for all conservation practices and sets national standards for each
practice's design. The FOTG further refines each practice standard for use in a particular state. The
2aroforestry types listed in the tables are named by the predominant tree/shrub practice in the “system.”

Planning Considerations for Systems

For a farmer or rancher to adopt an agroforestry system, he or she must be both able and willing to
incorporate rows or blocks of trees and/or shrubs in individual fields or units. The landowner must
understand the new system, concur with its relative advantage to the operation, and be able to
incrementally install and maintain the required practices. The landowner must also be aware of the time
it takes for the trees and shrubs to grow and their silvicultural or management requirements. Interim
systems to achieve objectives may be necessary for the first 5 to 10 years while trees and shrubs
become functional. The use of equipment and chemicals (particularly herbicides) may require a greater
level of control to prevent harm to crowns, stems and roots. For woody plants that will be harvested or
yield products, the landowner will most likely have to acquire special marketing information and
techniques. Properly designed agroforestry systems offer many benefits to farmers, ranchers and the
public. .

Some Definitions

Bsock-Types (Agroforestry System): Types of agroforestry systems consisting of agronomic or forage
Practices with an integral tree or shrub practice that is arranged in a block or rectangular pattem (the
width or short axis of the block typically greater than 100 feet).

Row-Types (Agroforestry System): Types of agroforestry systems consisting of agronomic or forage
Practices with an integral tree or shrub practice that is arranged in a row-type or strip pattem (the width of
the individual strips typically less than 100 feet).

Censity (windbreaks and row-type plantings): Density refers to the percentage of the “background” scene
is blocked from view when standing away from the planting and looking perpendicular through it. “H”
fevers to the expected height of the tallest tree or shrub row in the planting at a specified or base age,
usually 20 years in temperate climates and 10 years in tropical areas. The term “SH,” for example, refers
to the calculation of multiplying the constant, 5, times the expected height at the base age.



Figure 11. Water-Waste Management Planting.

Process Functions/Benefits:
Nutrient uptake

*Biochemical conversions
Denitrification


Agroforestry for Farms and Ranches”
An introduction to using tree and shrub practices
in sustained agricultural systems.

Agroforestry Defined

Agroforestry is the intentional growing of trees and shrubs in combination with crops or forage.
Agroforestry also includes tree and shrub plantings on the farm or ranch that improve habitat value or
access by humans and wildlife, or that provide woody plant products in addition to agricultural crops or
forage. Agroforestry is distinguished from traditional forestry by having the additional aspect of a closely
associated agricultural or forage crop.

Diverse Purposes of Agroforestry Systems

Properly designed agroforestry systems protect crops and forage, increase their production, protect soil
and water resources, conserve energy, improve ecosystem “richness,” create additional wildlife habitat,
and increase landscape diversity. They also provide additional farm or ranch products: timber, pulpwood,
firewood, posts, fruit, nuts, and fodder to name a few. Agroforestry represents a collection of multi-
purpose practices that are enduring and help achieve a sustainable agriculture. These practices can form
the major part of a “Resource Management System” for a particular field or treatment unit. The matrix
below provides some examples of how practices might be combined into agroforestry systems in
cropland and pasture/hay settings.

products integrated with
agricuttural crops)

g)

sees

Alley Cropping
Muttistory Cropping

‘Conservation Crop
Rotation Rotation
*_.. Striperopping, Residue
Contour Management
: Vind + Contour Farming 6 Use Excision ="
_Stipcropping © 4] « Residue + Use Exclusion ae
- Herbaceous Wind « Management "Nutrient and Waste: eS
Barrier: + Terrace i 2
‘+:5 ligation Water :
& Managetient
C. Principal Grazing Management Practices ~ Pasture/Hay Settings
** “Irrigation Water + Pasture and Hey | +. Prescribed Grazing'[+ Pasture and Hey | «Pasture and Hay
"= Management Planting 2) Fencing Planting Planting
+ Rrescribed Grazing | + Prescribed Grazing |» Pasture andHay | Prescribed Grezing |» Prescribed Grazing
+5 Fencing + Fencing Planting + Fencing =| Fencing :
+. NutrientWaste
Management

T This technical note was developed by Gary Kuhn, James Robinson, and Bruce Wight, NRCS Agroforesters, National Agroforestry
Center, and Lyn Townsend, Forest Ecologist, NRCS Watershed Science Institute.


Table 1. Row-Types

Agroforestry Attributes
System
Living Description: A planting of closely spaced trees and/or shrubs placed
Snowfence perpendicular to the prevailing troublesome winds and adjacent

to roads, buildings and work areas. The “wind shadow” created
to the leeward side of this barrier achieves desired purposes by
depositing snow in deep drifts. A living snowfence may consist
of one to many rows to insure adequate density of branches,
stems and leaves.

Some Primary
FOTG

Windbreak/Shetterbett Establishment (380)

it 4)
Practices for Mulching (484)
this System: Use Exclusion (472)

Fencing (382)

Primary Concentrate snow deposition away from roads, buildings and
Purposes: other areas to improve farm access or habitat.
Key Design 50-100% density barrier (snow season) with windward row at
Elements: 100-200 feet from road/area to be protected.
Tree/Shrub Adapted to the soil and climate of the planting site.
Species

Requirements:

Evergreens or densely branched trees and shrubs are
preferred.

Low to moderate root and crown spread to reduce conflicts with
adjacent crops and utility lines.

Resistance to pests and herbicides.

Resistance to stem and branch breakage from high winds, ice,
snow.



Figure 6. Contour Buffer Strips.

Tree/shrub/grass buffer

Row crops

Constructed terraces may be
added just below each

vegetated strip