The Role of Temperate Agroforestry Practices in Supporting Pollinators

Bentrup, Gary; Hopwood, Jennifer; Adamson, Nancy Lee; Powers, Rae; Vaughan, Mace

doi:10.1007/978-3-030-80060-4_11

Cited by 5 publications

(3 citation statements)

References 184 publications

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“…For instance, strategically placed agroforestry systems can function as biological corridors (Laurance 2004) [27] or stepping stones that facilitate the movement of animals between patches of natural vegetation. This promotes biotic connectivity and enhances pollination (Bentrup et al 2019;Bentrup et al 2021) [6][7] and seed dispersal (Schroth et al 2013) [43] . Agroforestry systems adjacent to forests can also act as buffers, shielding them from strong winds and harsh microclimates, thereby expanding the core area available to sensitive forest species.…”

Section: The Agroforestry-matrix Hypothesismentioning

confidence: 99%

Agrobiodiversity vis-à-vis agroforestry: Cultivating a sustainable future

PA,

Salimath,

Hegde

et al. 2024

Int. J. Res. Agron.

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Highly diverse ecosystems are confronted with persistent challenges including conversion, deforestation, and resource depletion driven by developmental projects, intensified land use, and expanded agricultural practices. Within this context, agricultural biodiversity, known as agrobiodiversity, emerges as a subset of overall biodiversity. Agrobiodiversity encompasses the genetic, species, ecosystem and even landscape diversity that sustains essential structures, functions, and processes in and around production systems. The consequences of losing agrobiodiversity within agroecosystems are profound, leading to ecosystem degradation, resource overexploitation, habitat disruption, and adverse effects. To confront the challenge, a promising solution lies in the adoption of time-tested agroforestry practices. This review article sheds light on the remarkable conservation value of agroforestry systems, characterized by their structural complexity, diverse plant life, and their similarity to natural forest ecosystems. Agroforestry systems play a pivotal role in preserving agrobiodiversity by reducing the need for further deforestation to accommodate agriculture. They also serve as vital habitats and resource reservoirs for native plant and animal species with partial dependence on forests while fostering landscape connectivity through corridors. Furthermore, agroforestry bolsters agrobiodiversity by creating concentrated, high-density zones near trees, due to favorable soil conditions, plant interactions, water resources, and microclimatic features. Therefore, agroforestry is a powerful tool for fostering agrobiodiversity, as it promotes a harmonious coexistence between trees and traditional agricultural elements, thereby enhancing the ecological richness and sustainability of farming systems.

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Section: The Agroforestry-matrix Hypothesismentioning

confidence: 99%

Agrobiodiversity vis-à-vis agroforestry: Cultivating a sustainable future

PA,

Salimath,

Hegde

et al. 2024

Int. J. Res. Agron.

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“…Several studies have documented that NFWV provides food for managed and wild pollinators [39,[59][60][61]. In terms of the type of resources, trees and shrubs that develop entomophilous flowers provide nectar and pollen (e.g., willow-Salix L., plum-Prunus L., lime tree-Tilia L., maple-Acer L., horse chestnut-Aesculus L., and locust-Robinia L.) or produce only pollen (e.g., roses-Rosa spp.)…”

Section: Nectar and Pollenmentioning

confidence: 99%

Non-Forest Woody Vegetation: A Critical Resource for Pollinators in Agricultural Landscapes—A Review

et al. 2023

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In light of pollinator decline, plant species suitable for the restoration and conservation of pollinators need to be selected. In this systemic review, we concentrated on the importance of NFWV (non-forest woody vegetation, i.e., linear or grouped trees/shrubs) for pollinators across agricultural landscapes. In the temperate climate zone, flowering trees and shrubs provide nectar sugar (energy) and pollen (nutrients) for managed and wild pollinators. They also create nesting niches and serve as host plants that support the full life cycle of wild pollinators. The creation of woodland strips/groups is a cost-effective and time-saving strategy to improve self-repeatable nectar and pollen resources on a landscape scale. The spatial distribution of NFWV can help to create an entire network of pollinator-friendly habitats. NFWV can support the continuity of food resources outside of the crop flowering season, i.e., during seasonal bottlenecks. This concept also offers other environmental benefits (e.g., water and air quality improvement, climate mitigation). However, future work should address the usefulness of trees/shrubs for different crops and regions to develop a network of flower-rich corridors. Likewise, more advanced and detailed studies are necessary to determine the qualitative characteristics of nectar and pollen, which may result in optimization of pollinator nutrition.

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“…Figure 2.Types of agroforestry practices for sustainable ecosystems. Source: Bentrup and MacFarland[7].…”

mentioning

confidence: 99%

Perspective Chapter: Mitigating Modern Agriculture’s Problems through Agroforestry System and Organic Farming

Henry Japheth,

Iorliam Naishima Agera,

Dachung

et al. 2024

Agricultural Sciences

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Rapid population growth has caused severe food insecurity and environmental problems. For increasing food productions, synthetic chemicals have been in used. This has enhanced agricultural output, with unfavorable effects on the environment and biodiversity. Microorganisms in soil have been affected, and the effects of climate change have been detrimental. For the wellbeing of mankind, organic farming (OF) and agroforestry practices (APs) could be the best option due to their multidimensional contributions. Organic farming helps to maintain soil productivity and manage pests and weeds. Conversely, agroforestry blends trees with agricultural crops and offers advantages. Improved soil and crop yields, for environmental resilience and better socioeconomic conditions for farmers, are some of the multiple benefits of APs and OF. These methods can lessen the damaging effects of technology developments on the environment and biodiversity. Also, APs and OF provide sustainable solutions to the problems of food security and poverty. APs and OF are related, combining the two disciplines, the benefits could be substantially greater. Boosting APs and OF improve soil, lessen the effect of technological development in agriculture, and support sustainable development and improved livelihoods. If effectively implemented, APs and OF can act as links between habitats, and preserve biodiversity and its ecosystems.

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The Role of Temperate Agroforestry Practices in Supporting Pollinators

Cited by 5 publications

References 184 publications

Agrobiodiversity vis-à-vis agroforestry: Cultivating a sustainable future

Agrobiodiversity vis-à-vis agroforestry: Cultivating a sustainable future

Non-Forest Woody Vegetation: A Critical Resource for Pollinators in Agricultural Landscapes—A Review

Perspective Chapter: Mitigating Modern Agriculture’s Problems through Agroforestry System and Organic Farming

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