TAMIL NADU AGRICULTURAL UNIVERSITY

DEPARTMENT OF AGRONOMY

AGR 606 - SOIL CONSERVATION AND WATERSHED MANAGEMENT (2+1)

Topic on:
CLASSIFICATION OF AGROFORESTRY SYSTEMS
(Functional ,Structural, Socio-economic & Ecological)

Presented by
S. Manibharathi
2022602010
Ist Ph.D Agronomy
 AGROFORESTRY
In general, the term Agroforestry means growing trees in
combination with agricultural crops.
• Agro-forestry is a collective name for all land-use systems and practices where
woody perennials (trees, shrubs, palms, bamboos, etc.,) are deliberately used on
the same land management unit as agricultural crops and/or animals, in some
form of spatial arrangement or temporal sequence (ICRAF/World Agro-forestry
Centre, Nairobi).
• Agroforestry is defined as a land use system which integrate trees and shrubs on
farmlands and rural landscapes to enhance productivity, profitability, diversity and
ecosystem sustainability. It is a dynamic, ecologically based, natural resource
management system that, through integration of woody perennials on farms and
in the agricultural landscape, diversifies and sustains production and builds social
institutions (National Agroforestry Policy, 2014).
Objectives for classification of agro-forestry systems

Include a logical grouping according to the major

factors on which production of the system will
depend.

Indicate how the system is managed.

Offer flexibility in regrouping the information.

Should be easily understood.

Agro-forestry criteria (Tejwani 1994)

Structural basis

Functional basis

Ecological basis

Socioeconomic basis

Physiognomic basis
 Structural basis: It refers to the composition of the components, including
spatial arrangement of the woody component, vertical stratification of all the
components and temporal arrangement of the different components.

 Functional basis: It refers to the major function or role of the system, usually
delivered by the woody components (These can be of a productive, service or
protective nature. Eg: Soil conservation, windbreak, shelterbelt, etc.).

 Ecological basis: It refers to the environmental condition and ecological

suitability of systems based on the assumption that certain types of systems
can be more appropriate for certain ecological conditions i.e., there can be
separate sets of agroforestry systems for arid and semiarid lands, tropical
highlands, lowland humid tropics, etc.

 Socio economic basis: It refers to the level of inputs of management (low

input, high input) or intensity of management and commercial goals
(subsistence, commercial and intermediate).

 Physiognomic basis: If refers to the general characters and appearance of

vegetation.
 CLASSIFICATION OF AGROFORESTRY SYSTEM

Nair (1987) used four basis for classification of different

agroforestry systems.

Structural

Functional

Socio-economic

Ecological
 A). STRUCTURAL CLASSIFICATION OF AGROFORESTRY SYSTEMS
In this structural classification, the type of component and their
arrangement both are important consideration. Hence, on the basis of
structure, Agroforestry systems can be grouped into two categories:
1. Classification based on nature of components
2. Classification based on arrangement of components
The most common and generally accepted agroforestry systems
classification based on nature of components (Nair 1985 and 1993) is
presented below.
1. CLASSIFICATION BASED ON NATURE OF COMPONENTS
Based on the nature of components, AF systems can be classified
into the following categories:
(i) Agrisilvicultural systems
(ii) Silvopastoral systems
(iii) Agrosilvopastoral systems
(iv) Other systems
 i). AGRISILVICULTURAL SYSTEMS
It refers to combined Improved fallow species in shifting
production of agricultural crops cultivation
and trees including
Taungya system
shrubs/vines and forest crops.
This system involves the
conscious and deliberate use of Alley cropping (Hedge row intercropping)
land for the concurrent
production of agricultural and Shelterbelts and Windbreaks
forest crops both. Based on the
nature of the components this
system can be categorized into Soil conservation hedges
various forms:
Multispecies/Multilayer tree gardens

Multipurpose trees and shrubs on

farmlands

Plantation crop combinations

Agroforestry fuel wood production

 common in all
parts of
country where
tree crops
grown in
• association
2. Taungya
with
system: It fruit
is
crops,
called fodder
hill
and woody
cultivation
timbers.
and common The
major
in fruit
West
trees included
and
• Bengal
1. Improved
are
Uttar Mango,
fallow
Jack along with
Pradesh.
species inIn
timber
this crops
method
shifting
like
forest, Acacia,
cultivation:
Albizia,
plantationsTeak
This system
etc.
are
is practised
established
in North
and
Eastern
agricultural
India where
Crops
existing are
grown till the
shifting
tree canopy
cultivation
closes.
is improved
through
inclusion of
 multipurpose
tree species
are planted
sporadically on
•bunds or on
5. Trees with
the boundary
plantation
or within the
crops: This
field. The main
method is
objective is to
practiced
produce
mostly in
various
• 4.plantations Alley
products and
cropping:
like Tea Itandis
protect the
Coffee
otherwise in
eosystem. EX:
South India
called as
Azadiracta,
and
hedge-row North
Leuceano,
East India.
intercropping.
Acacia,
InTree crops
this method,
Casuarina,
like
perennial Cassia
Albizia etc. tree
crops
siamea, are
Grivellia
grown as
robusta are
hedges and
grows
agricultural as
shade trees
crops are
for tea
grown and
in alleys.
Thecoffee. hedge
species are
predominantly
 wind velocity
hills,
and this system
homes,
consists of a
canals,
block of trees
agricultur
consisting of
al fields
several rows of
and other
trees established
areas
at right angles to
• 7. thefrom
Home shed
prevailing
wind. Ex:
plantation: This
winds.
systemCasuarina
is adapted
Shelterbelts are
,
extensively high
establishedin upto
Eucalyptu
rainfall
50 m width
regionswithof
North s, Eastern
typical
Cassia states
triangular
and and
shape. The crop
Kerala. Grasses:
Dalbergia
combination
Saccharum,includes
Jack, Mango, Coconut,
Panicum &
Arecanut, Nutmeg,
Cenchrus Shrubs:
Pepper,
Calotropis,Vegetables,
grasses
Cassia, It is also
etc.Dodonea
called
spp.multi-tier agro-
Trees:
forestry.
Acacia, Judicious
incorporation
Dalbergia, of
various
Lannea,components
herbaceous along
likeEucalyptus,
the ground, lower
Casuarina,
shrubs
Bamboosin the first
storey followed by
 ii). Silvipastoral systems
It is one of the major agroforestry systems where in woody tree species are
grows along with grasses. The tree species incorporated in silvipastoral system
may be of multiple utility from fodder to timber.

Trees and
shrubs as
pasture

Protein Fodder
based trees, shrubs
fodder and hedges
banks as live fence
• (1) Trees and shrubs as pasture
It is one of the silvipastoral systems in which multipurpose trees
and shrubs are planted sporadically with or without systematic pattern
in the pasture lands. The main idea of introducing trees on pasture land
is to supplement fodder availability during the lean season.

(ii) Protein based fodder banks

It is one of the important silvipastoral systems in which protein
rich tree species are planted in and around pasture lands. These tree
species provide protein rich leaf fodder to supplement fodder
production during the lean season.

(iii) Fodder trees, shrubs and hedges as live fence

In this system, several fodder trees and hedges are planted around the
farm land as live fence to protect the crops within the farm land from all
biotic influences.
 Fodder trees, shrubs
Trees and shrubs as Protein based fodder and hedges as live
pasture banks fence
Acacias, Prosopis, Acacia spp, Albizia, Gliricidia sepium,
Tamarind, Emblica, Leuceana, Gliricidia, Sesbania grandiflora,
Holoptelia, Sesbania, Prosopis Acacia leucophloea,
Hardwickia, Neem Leuceana leucocephala,
Protium cordatum,
Euphorbia.
 iii). Agri-silvipastoral system
 The system is the hybrid between Silvi-pastoral and agri-silvicultural
system. Here, the land is managed to get agricultural crops, forest trees
and livestock.
 Home garden is one of the classical examples for agrisilvipastural system
which integrates animal rearing with crop and forest tree production.
 Integrated mixing of trees, annual crops and livestock for various
purposes like soil and water conservation, green manure production etc.
also represents agri silvipastoral system.
 iv). Others System
There are several agroforestry practices that exist in lndia which
integrates tree crops with honey bee, fish culture and multipurpose
mixed wood lots. They are classified as

Mixed
Silviapiary Aquaforestry
woodlots
• (1) Silviapiary
It is one of Agroforestry systems which integrates trees with honey
production. In this system, profusely flowering trees are planted in the farm
lands as boundary plantation or sporadically to attract honey bees to collect
nectar from the flowering trees.
EX: Azadirachta indica, Syzygium cuminii, Gliricidia sepium, Cassia spp.
• (ii) Aquaforestry
This method integrates trees with fish production. The leaves and
pods of many trees act as a feeding material for fish. Hence, tree species are
planted all around the fish ponds which will ensure fish production besides
stabilizing the bands of fish ponds.
Ex: Leuceana leucocephala, Morus alba, Acacia leucophloea
• (ii) Mixed woodlots
Under this system, many multipurpose tree species are grown mixed
for various purposes of wood production, soil conservation, food production
and soil reclamation.
Ex: Teak(border)+ Melia (plywood)+ Casuarina (pole & paper)
 2. Arrangement of components
Agroforestry system is classified based on components arrangements
into two types

• Spatial arrangements • Temporal arrangements

 In this case, agroforestry  This system takes into consideration
systems are classified based on the arrangement of crops in the
species mixture. agroforestry systems.
 It may be densely mixed crop as  The temporal arrangements may be
practised in home gardens or coincidence like coffee under shade
sparsely mixed crops as in trees or concomitant (Agri-
pasture lands. silvicultural systems), Intermittent
(Hedge row inter-cropping) and
Interpolated (Hedge gardens).
 B). FUNCTIONAL BASIS

Agroforestry is classified into two types bases on its functional roles.

• Productive Agroforestry

• Protective Agroforestry
1. Productive Agroforestry:
In this system, agroforestry is designed only for its productive
function like producing wood, food, fuel, fodder, fibre, medicinal products,
industrial materials etc.

Teak -Timber Eucalyptus - Pulpwood Casuarina - Pole and Paper

Ailanthus - Matchwood Melia-Plywood, Fodder Subabul - Fodder & Paper

2. Protective Agroforestry
In this system, the tree species are incorporated in farm lands
mainly for its protective role like windbreaks, shelterbelts, soil and water
conservation, soil reclamation, shade requirements etc.
Eg: Casuarina, Eucalyptus, Dalbergia – Windbreak

Wind break
 C). SOCIO-ECONOMIC CLASSIFICATION

Commercial Subsistence Intermediate

Agroforestry Agroforestry Agroforestry
(a) Commercial Agroforestry:
It is one of the most popular agroforestry systems grown exclusive for
commercial purpose. Industrial forestry, farm forestry, plantation forestry come
under this category. The main objective is to produce, the commercial wood
and other products like timber, paper, match, plywood, tannin or resin
production. Ex: commercial production of shade tolerating plantations.
(b) Subsistence Agroforestry:
In this system, agroforestry is practised towards satisfying the basic
needs of farmers and it is solely by the farmer and his family members.
Subsistence farmers produce most of what they consume, or consume most of
what they produce.
(c) Intermediate Agroforestry:
It is hybrid between commercial and subsistence agroforestry wherein
production of perennial crops and subsistence crops are undertaken by medium
to small sized farmers. In this system, the cash crop satisfies the economic
needs and the food crops satisfy the subsistence needs. Many agroforestry
systems practised in India represent this category.
 D). ECOLOGICAL CLASSIFICATION

d an d
i
Hum umid
u b -h ry
S r est
g ro fo
A

Arid and Semi-arid Highland

Agroforestry Agroforestry
a). Humid and Sub-humid Agroforestry:
 This region is characterized by hot humid climate for all or most of the year and
evergreen or semi-evergreen vegetation.
 climatic conditions that favour rapid growth of a large number of plant species,
various types of agroforestry plant associations can be found in areas with a high
human population.

Sesbania glandiflora Leucaena leucocephala Gliricidia sepium

Albizia lebbeck Calliandra calothyrsus Acacia mangium

(b) Arid and Semi-Arid Agroforestry

 This region is characterized by less rainfall confined to 9-21 days in July-

September, 2-4 wet months, solar radiation incidence (400-500
cal/cm³/day), high wind velocity (20 km/hour), high potential
evapotranspiration (6 mm/day) and high mean aridity index (70- 74.8 per
cent).

Hardwickia binnata Dalbergis sissoo Acacia nilotica

Acacia tortilis Albizia amara Prosopis cineraria

(c) Highland Agroforestry
 This is one of the agroforestry systems practised mostly in hilly areas.
Variable rainfall, degraded and shallow lands at high altitude to deep rich
soils in valleys and great climatic variations are the features of highlands.
 This area is a storehouse of great biological diversity. The Himalayan region
is an excellent example of this type of area.
 Agroforestry has long encompassed many well known land use systems
practices. Typical example includes production systems involving plantation
crops such as coffee, tea, use of woody perennials in soil conservation and
improved fallow.

Albizia falcataria Acacia mearnsii Leuceana diversiflolia

 Highlands
Soil conservation hedges
Silvo-pasture combination Semi-arid lowlands
Plantation crop systems Multipurpose trees for fuel/fodder
Multipurpose trees for farmlands
Humid Lowlands
Silvo-pastoral systems
Plantation crop combinations
Windbreaks/shelterbelts
Shifting cultivation
Taungya
Homegardens
Intercropping systems
Multilayer tree gardens
Common Agro-forestry Systems in the Tropics (Nair 1990)
THANK YOU