IN THIS LESSON

Bringing trees and crops together.

Agroforestry systems bring trees and annual crops together in one place. Trees are planted to modify the microclimate, and to maintain and to improve soil fertility. Annual crops are planted between the trees. Some trees contribute to fixing nitrogen and bring nutrients from deep soils up to where the roots of annual crops can use them. Tree litter adds mulch to the soil and helps to replenish soil nutrients by providing organic matter that becomes incorporated into the soil. Trees can also provide food, e.g. tree nuts or fruits.