Agroforestry integrates trees with agricultural production on the same piece of land. As a result of tree cover and growth, this form of land use has the potential to generate additional products, enhance carbon capture and storage, reduce soil erosion and surface water run-off, and improve soil structure and fertility.
The effects of agroforestry are also likely to improve farm income with minimal land lost to agricultural production.
Agroforestry’s benefits are becoming better known, and now a new study, by a group of researchers based at the University of Reading, has found that 60% of farmers in east and south-east England might consider planting agroforestry on up to 5% of their farmed area.
Despite growing interest from individuals and food businesses, and awareness of the benefits and increasing policy support for agroforestry, take up remains low in the UK. Concern about the benefits to farm businesses remains a barrier to adoption.
The study, reported in Land Use Policy, was based on a survey of 224 farmers and landowners covering a range of farm sizes and types. It found that there was widespread agreement that “adopting farm woodland or agroforestry would lead to carbon offsetting and improve landscape appearance.” However “it was also a widely held view that agroforestry would reduce yields on adjoining land due to competition for water, nutrients and light.”
The research noted that “There is much less acceptance that agroforestry can positively contribute to farm income, reduce soil erosion, or that there are suitable markets available for agroforestry products, or even on-farm uses for these.” The contribution of agroforestry to farm income was by far the most important aspect for farmers, indicating that this perception remains a significant barrier to adoption.