AN ASSIGNMENT ON

Alley Cropping

Course Title: Agroforestry Systems and Practices

Course Code: 0821 05 FWT 5123

Submitted To

Dr.Arifa Sharmin

Professor

Forestry and Wood Technology Discipline

Khulna University, Khulna

Submitted By

Farjana Akter

MS 1st year, 1st Term

Student Id: MS-240505

Forestry and Wood Technology

Discipline, Khulna University

Date of Submission: 27 March, 2024

1|Page
 Alley Cropping

Introduction

Alley cropping is broadly defined as the planting of two or more sets of single or multiple rows
of trees or shrubs at wide spacing‟s, creating alleys within which agricultural, horticultural, or
forage crops are cultivated. The trees or shrubs may include valuable hardwood species, such as
nut trees, or trees desirable for wood products. Shrubs can provide nuts, fruit, or other products.
In this alley cropping example, soybeans are planted in the alley ways between nut trees for
short-term income, nuts for medium-term income and in the long-term a possible timber harvest.

Alley cropping is an agroforestry practice that places trees within agricultural cropland systems.
This system is sometimes called intercropping, especially in tropical areas. It is especially
attractive to producers interested in growing multiple crops on the same acreage to improve
whole-farm yield. Growing a variety of crops in close proximity to each other can create
significant benefits to producers and help them manage risk. Alley cropping systems change over
time. As trees and shrubs grow, they influence the light, water, and nutrient regimes in the field.
These interactions are what set alley cropping apart from more common mono cropping systems.
Some producers plan alley cropping systems to provide additional functions that support and
enhance other aspects of their operation. For example, a livestock producer might grow crops
that supply fodder, bedding, or mast crops for their livestock. Other producers may want to
produce biomass for on-farm use. Organic producers may choose tree species that fix nitrogen.
Like all agroforestry systems, alley cropping systems should be considered as part of the whole
farm operation

2|Page
General Considerations in Alley cropping:

 The tree and crop species should be suited to the soils, climate, and the site.
 Species and spacing should ensure accessibility for timely management activities such as
spraying, pruning, or harvesting.
 The size of available equipment used for the alley cropping will in part dictate the width
of the alleys.
 Take into account growth in both height and width of trees and shrubs on either side of
the alleys.
 Optimal tree row orientation depends on the specific alley crop and alley width. Tree
rows planted on contours or aligned in a key line system can help reduce soil erosion.
 Managing the light for crops is important. As trees and shrubs grow they will create more
shade on the companion crops. To address this change, trees can be thinned or crops can
be planted that are more shade-tolerant or have a complementary growing season with the
trees.
 Competition for space, water, and nutrients in the soil is also an issue. Try to choose
plants that have root structures that are less likely to compete for valuable resources.
Economic Considerations
 The producer should consider the value of the tree and crop products, as well as
their primary markets.
 Alley cropping takes advantage of the beneficial interactions between crops. As a
result, the yields from growing two crops together can be greater than growing the
same crops in monocultures or pure stands. For example, while crop yield in an
alley cropping system may be 70% of the crop yield if that land was mono
cropped, the producer also receives income from the tree crop that makes up for
or can exceed this difference.

Harvest timing
Inter-row crop production must be carefully timed to avoid interfering with a potential woody
crop harvest. In most cases, this is avoided because crops are grown mainly during the early

3|Page
years of tree establishment or during the growing season when there is little disruption by
cropping activities.

Crop marketing
It is always important before starting a new crop to understand how and where the crop will be
marketed. To assist in this, an enterprise budget with a cash flow plan is essential. This is
especially critical and valuable for smaller, niche markets such as herbs, floral and specialty
vegetables.

Equipment use
Alley Cropping designs should be spaced widely enough to allow proper handling of
mechanized equipment (e.g., tractor, planter and sprayer). This includes allowing space for the
growth of the tree crowns. Rows and alleys should be arranged to facilitate easy operation of the
widest machinery to avoid damage to machinery, crops or trees.

Desirable characteristics of trees for alley cropping

There are a number of desirable characteristics for trees or shrubs that will be grown in an alley
cropping system. It is not necessary (probably not possible) that all of the following
characteristics be exhibited by one tree species:
 It produces a commercially valuable product or multiple products (i.e., timber, nuts) that
has an acceptable local market.
 It is relatively fast growing (medium growth rate on high value trees is acceptable) or
highly valued for production or conservation benefits.
 It produces appropriate shade for the companion crop.
 It is adapted to a variety of sites and soils.
 It is deep-rooted with minimal roots at the soil surface to minimize competition with
crops in the alleyway. Has foliage with minimal acid-generating potential if companion
crops prefer a pH neutral soil. Conifers acidify soil; combine well with acid loving crops.
 It does not produce growth inhibitory chemicals (allele chemicals) that would prevent
some crops from growing near them (e.g., black walnut).

4|Page
  It has a growing season that complements the companion crop.
 It produces wildlife benefits.

Management Considerations for Alley cropping

While the alley cropping system is getting established, there are a number of management needs
to consider:
 Fencing, or other mechanisms, to protect tree seedlings from grazing and/or browsing.
 Weed control, during initial years, until trees reach adequate size to survive on their own.
 Fertilizer application, when soil tests indicate the need.
 Regular inspection of crops for insects and diseases along with the use of Integrated Pest
Management (IPM) practices.
 Inspection of trees and shrubs for damage, along with corrective pruning if needed.
 Root pruning to reduce root competition between trees and crops as the alley cropping
system grows, tree and shrub forms will change, potentially affecting alley width and
shade.
Changes occur below ground as well, with the potential for root competition developing between
the rows and the alleys. Root pruning, which involves subsoil ripping at the outer edge of the tree
canopy during tree development, may reduce root competition. Producers may shift crops grown
in the alley to those more suited to new alley width and shade levels. While understanding
markets for unfamiliar crops can be challenging, the ability to shift crops may also provide an
opportunity to take advantage of new markets. Some producers even use alley cropping as an
intermediate step in creating another agroforestry system. For example, a producer could take
open cropland or a field with windbreaks and plant trees in rows to create an alley cropping
system. During this period, the producer would get income from both the alley crop and the tree
crop. In time, the trees will grow larger and the system could be used for silvopasture.
Pest management
Periodic inspection of the crops and trees is recommended to detect and identify possible pests.
Insects and diseases can be significant factors in reducing the health and vigor of both the tree
crop and the intercrop. The corrective actions should minimize the impacts on beneficial insects.

5|Page
Fertilization and nutrient management
Abnormal fertility program should be applied for the intercrop in the alleyway. Generally,
fertilization of the tree crop is not needed, but fertilizing the intercrop may also benefit the trees.
Competition for nutrients can be minimized by root pruning or by adding more nutrients.
Nutrients can be added in the form of chemical fertilizer, animal manure or a wide range of other
materials. This may also include the use of living mulches or green manures.
Canopy management (pruning)
If there is too much shade under an existing stand of trees, the canopy can be pruned to allow
lighter to reach the understory plants. You may be able to accomplish this by clear-stem pruning
for improved timber production. This involves the removal of branches low on the stem of a tree
in order to raise the height at which the canopy begins. This allows lighter to enter the understory
from side angles while also creating adequate space for operating equipment. Re-member,
removing more than 40% of the trees foliage will significantly reduce the growth of the tree. It is
best to always have 40-50% of tree‟s height in crown or foliage.
Periodic root “training” will improve crop yields: Based on research into tree and crop
interactions it has been shown that even during the early years of tree development,
competition for water and/or nutrients is the major reason for reduced crop yields. By
early (beginning with young trees) and repeated (annual, biennial) deep ripping of lateral
roots, the number of tree roots can be significantly decreased in the plow zone. Row
crops will continue to pro- duce commercial yields even as shade levels increase.
Weed Control
Weed control for an alley cropping includes both the rows of trees and the intercrop. For the tree
row(s), weeds need to be minimized usually for the first three to five years in a band about three
feet on each side of the trees. Weed removal can be done in a number of different ways, from
herbicides and cutting, to cultivation and mulching. An additional consideration for use in
controlling weeds adjacent to trees may include fabric barriers or living mulches. Nothing will
improve the growth of trees and shrubs like the control of competing grasses.

6|Page
Benefits and Limitations for Alley Cropping Systems
Benefits
Alley cropping provides the opportunity to grow wood or other tree products such as nuts or
fruit, while providing an annual income through the production of companion crops while at the
same time realizing natural resource conservation. Alley cropping is supported by many
conservation programs. Compared with monoculture systems alley cropping can provide:
 Increased economic diversity, land use efficiency, and overall farm yield.
 Ability to transition to a new enterprise gradually rather than all at once• Reduced
wind and water erosion.
 Improved pollinator and wildlife habitat.
 Potential for reduced incidence of pests and disease.
 Increased air and soil moisture.
 Increased carbon sequestration.
 Reduced nutrient leaching to ground water.

Limitations
Compared with monoculture cropping systems, alley cropping systems involve:
 More complex pesticide application.
 Competition between trees and crops for water and nutrients.
 Longer time-horizon for cash flow.
 A more diverse skill set.
 Possible challenges for equipment use.
 Changing the alley crop over time.
 Lower crop yields for some commodity crops.
 Capital investment for initial tree and shrub establishment.
 Long-term, secure land tenure.
Tree arrangement for Alley cropping
The tree and/or shrub row(s) are placed at intervals across the crop field, depending on the
purpose, either on the contour or perhaps even perpendicular to prevailing troublesome winds.
Several factors are used to determine the interval between the row(s) of trees or shrubs including

7|Page
slope length, field width, crop light requirements and equipment width. As mentioned earlier,
landowner objectives will determine the products to be harvested from the alley cropping
practice. These objectives also determine the arrangement of trees/ shrubs and crops and the set
of management practices needed to obtain those products. Alley cropping practices are highly
diverse and range from simple to complex. Plantings can consist of a single tree species or a
number of species. Similarly, single tree rows or multiple rows may be used. There are several
key factors to consider when planning and establishing the practice on a given site: With a
conservation perspective in mind, slope length relates to the spacing needed to reduce water
erosion. The light requirement for the crop or forage to be grown in the alleyway must be
considered prior to tree establishment. Finally, alley width must be set as multiples of the widest
field equipment width. Single vs. Mixed Species - The row(s) of trees can have either a single
species in the row or mixed species. A single species is the easiest to plant but a mixed species
planting with similar growth rates and site requirements may provide greater economic and
environmental diversity. Factors to consider when deciding how many rows to establish and the
arrangement of the trees within the rows may be based on a number of potential benefits
including:
 Annual crop being produced and are a removed from production by tree/shrub
rows.
 Desired tree/shrub crops and management needed to enhance production (such as
weed control and pruning).
 Erosion concerns that multiple rows and combinations of trees/shrubs/grasses can
better address.
 Wildlife habitat created through multiple rows of combined trees/shrubs/grasses.
Single vs. Multiple Row Sets of Trees
Single rows take up the least amount of space but the trees will probably require pruning to
enhance the quality of the future wood product. Multiple rows, however, will result in self-
pruning of the interior row(s). Conifers are a good choice as the “trainer” trees in the outside
rows since hardwood species will tend to bend toward the light in the alleyway thus reducing
their wood value except as chips. Nitrogen-fixing “nurse trees” can also be used Rees are open
on at least two sides, and therefore have less competition between trees within each row, when
compared to multiple row configurations. Single tree rows add diversity to a typical row crop

8|Page
field. Researchers think the greatest value to wildlife of wood herbaceous buffers is the benefits
created through breaking up the traditional monoculture setting associated with agriculture.
Vegetation change and structural diversity is an important tool in controlling agricultural pests.
Products coming from the farm are diversified through the addition of trees and their products.
Advantages to double rows
 Environment maintained
 Reduced competition
 Wildlife habitat
 Economics

When rows are offset, double rows of trees maintain similar advantages to that of single row
plantings while improving the potential to realize environmental benefits, such as soil and water
protection. Compared to rectangular grid patterns of tree planting; double rows allow maximum
utilization of space for companion crops.

Advantages to single rows

 Environment maintained
 Less tree to tree competition
 Reduced competition between components
 Wildlife habitat enhanced
 Plant-insect relationships increased
 Economics improved.

9|Page
Competition for light between trees can be reduced through offset row configurations.*Multiple
rows of trees planted in offset configurations maintain exposure of a majority of each trees
crown/canopy to sunlight. Double rows provide the same benefits as a single row alley crop
setting, but allow structure (vertical and horizontal vegetative layering and density components)
and diversity (variety of species planted) to be increased. This creates an environment for greater
utilization of the tree row by increased numbers of wildlife species. Finally, products coming
from the farm are further diversified
Advantages to multiple rows
 Benefit from competition between tree rows
 Wildlife habitat
 Plant-Insect relationships
 Economics certain trees will benefit from some light competition.

For high value wood, it is desirable to grow a single, straight stem. Trees and/or shrubs planted
on either side of a high value tree species can be used to train the stem of that tree. By using
„trainer‟ trees on either side of the high value tree, natural pruning and straight stem growth can
be encouraged. Ultimately, this starts the process (may also require pruning) of producing a
straight, clear (small or no knots) log of higher quality than might be grown in an open setting.

10 | P a g e
However, choosing the correct „trainer‟ species is important because you do not want the outside
trees to outgrow your center tree. If they do, they will provide too much shade. Wildlife habitat
potential increases greatly with a wider row of trees. Increased numbers of animals will use this
area for travel lanes and the in terror creates protective cover opportunities for birds and small
mammals. Plant-insect benefits are the same for single and double row configurations, though
some additional advantages may be realized by diversifying the species planted. Economic
benefits are similar to double row configurations. As with double rows, additional trees per acre
in multiple row configurations may also qualify these plantings for cost-share assistance and
create opportunities for medium-term tree crops to be removed for cash flow (e.g., trees grown
for landscaping).
Conclusions
Alley cropping is a way to diversify crop production and increase economic and environmental
resilience. This approach to agriculture takes advantage of the interactions between trees and
shrubs, and the crops in the alleys. However, multi-cropping systems also create complexities
when it comes to some management activities. Alley cropping can also be used to transition to
other forms of perennial agriculture. Alley cropping provides producers with an exciting way to
improve the whole-farm yield on their farms and is increasingly being adopted by farmers in
temperate areas.
Reference
Quinkenstein, A., Wöllecke, J., Böhm, C., Grünewald, H., Freese, D., Schneider, B. U., & Hüttl,
R. F. (2009). Ecological benefits of the alley cropping agroforestry system in sensitive
regions of Europe. Environmental science & policy, 12(8), 1112-1121.
Garrett, H. E. G., Wolz, K. J., Walter, W. D., Godsey, L. D., & McGraw, R. L. (2021). Alley
cropping practices. North American agroforestry, 163-204.
Bannister, M. E., & Nair, P. K. R. (1990). Alley cropping as a sustainable agricultural
technology for the hillsides of Haiti: Experience of an agroforestry outreach
project. American Journal of Alternative Agriculture, 5(2), 51-59.

11 | P a g e