Combining forestry with crop cultivation and livestock is a land management system that not only has been implemented across the world for the past 50-60 years, it was also relied upon in early Roman times. Why then is it that all of a sudden Agroforestry is such a hot topic? The simple answer really is Climate Change.
An increased implementation of agroforestry has the potential to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, reduce soil degradation, and improve water retention in soil.
Ireland has the highest proportion of land grass in the EU at present at 48%, however we have previously trailed behind with the second lowest amount of woodland cover at a mere 11% a huge portion of which is non-native species.
Introducing farm diversification is a land management strategy that allows landowners and farmers alike to develop more economic security by not relying entirely on one output, be it livestock or crops. Benefits include carbon sequestering, improved water, and air quality, improved biodiversity, and soil enrichment.
In an effort to increase forest cover in Ireland the government has introduced a variety of grants available to those looking to implement agroforestry into their property from organisations such as the Organic Farming Scheme and the DAFM Organic Unit.
Originally published at https://www.ecofuel.ie/blogs/read/agroforestry
