Agroforestry Advantages for Farms and Nature
Should Norfolk farmers and landowners consider agroforestry? Yes, and there are ample reasons why. Within this article, we will explore what agroforestry is and the varying agroforestry advantages that are achieved through this sustainable farming practice.
Considering Norfolk FWAG’s mission of supporting farmers and landowners as they take the steps to futureproof their land for the benefit of farming and wildlife, it makes sense for us to be keen advocates of agroforestry. And as we are committed to the long-term survival and prosperity of the Norfolk landscape, this gives us further incentive to introduce more to agroforestry.
With over 75% of Norfolk in agricultural use, there is enormous pressure on the shoulders of Norfolk farmers when it comes to such factors as climate change. However, as the demand for farmers and landowners to take a more proactive approach to sustainability and conservation rises, we must also support these key individuals with economic relief, and agroforestry is an ideal solution.
What is Agroforestry?
Agroforestry is an approach to land management that works wonders for your land by creating a sustainable landscape where trees, plants, and wildlife coexist in a shared environment and benefit one another. This is achieved simply through the deliberate integration of trees and shrubs with everyday farming practices.
Instead of separating forestry and agriculture, agroforestry aims to combine the two to create an enriching relationship that improves agricultural efforts and encourages environmental health. The general idea is to introduce trees and shrubs to farmland that support a function, whether that be to shade crops or provide food for livestock, which are just a couple of agroforestry advantages.
Agroforestry Advantages: Environmental, Economic & Sustainability
With agroforestry, advantages can be split into three main categories: environmental, economic, and long-term sustainability.
Environmental Agroforestry Advantages
Agroforestry offers several environmental advantages to farmers. If you are hoping to enhance the sustainability and resilience of your land to work for the environment, then agroforestry can help you achieve this. Through actioning agroforestry systems that our team has advised, Norfolk farmers have been able to improve soil health, water quality, biodiversity, and climate stability.
Improve Soil Health
Soil health is improved by the roots of introduced trees and shrubs as they stabilise the soil. Another agroforestry advantage for soil health comes from the leaves of trees – leaf litter will decompose, returning valuable nutrients to the soil. With a natural fertilisation process introduced, the need for chemical fertilisers is reduced, leading to healthier, more fertile soils.
Enhanced Water Quality
Another agroforestry advantage that is achieved links to water quality and retention. Trees and shrubs increase the soil’s ability to absorb and retain water. Plus, root systems help to filter and purify water before reaching bodies of water surrounding the farm and running through the local area.
Providing Wildlife Habitat
With the integration of various trees and shrubs, the agricultural landscape is transformed and, in turn, boosts biodiversity by creating natural habitats for different species. From insects to birds, habitats support a wide range of wildlife, creating a more balanced and unwavering ecosystem.
Sequester Carbon
We mentioned climate change at the beginning of this article because agroforestry is a powerful ally in the fight against climate change. With the integration of trees and shrubs on farmland, a process of carbon sequestration is put into motion – trees and shrubs will store carbon in their biomass and soil instead of it being released into the atmosphere.
Economic Agroforestry Advantages
While there are several agroforestry advantages regarding the environment, it’s also important for farmers and landowners to reap economic value from their land management practices. By introducing agroforestry, businesses can diversify income, improve productivity, and save on costs.
Diversification of Income Streams
By introducing certain trees and shrubs to their land, farmers can diversify their income through the production of additional products, such as nuts, fruits, and timber. The products can be harvested and then sold, offering supplementary revenue. This can add to overall profits and reduce financial vulnerability.
Improved Crop Yields
Trees and shrubs that have been introduced via agroforestry offer support to crops by providing shade and wind protection. These improved conditions are better for crops and can potentially lead to higher yields.
Reduce External Costs
As we mentioned in the environmental agroforestry advantages, the need for external inputs such as chemical fertilisers is reduced. Therefore, with less of a need for such assets, costs are also reduced. Plus, as biodiversity improves, the land will benefit from natural pest control, meaning the demand for chemical pesticides is lessened.
Tourism and Carbon Credits
One main agroforestry advantage is the creation of a more diverse and naturally beautiful landscape. On land that has combined plants, trees, and wildlife with farmland activities, the result is a stunning local environment that people will want to see. Farms can then attract the eco-tourism market with such activities as farm walks, wildlife experiences, and educational workshops.
As agroforestry systems sequester carbon, Norfolk farmers and landowners could become eligible for carbon credits. This means that you could receive financial compensation for the carbon you sequester.
Long-Term Sustainability Agroforestry Advantages
Agroforestry can provide plenty of short-term advantages, but it is also a strategy for long-term sustainability through land management. Incorporating trees and shrubs into agricultural practices means that farmers can ensure their land remains healthy, high-performing, and becomes more adaptable to change.
Better Farm Resilience
Such agricultural challenges, such as droughts or extreme weather can have harmful effects on farms. However, through agroforestry, farmers can create a more resilient farm to prepare the land for such events. The roots of trees and shrubs can maintain soil structure and moisture in case of droughts. Also, trees protect crops from wind damage caused by extreme weather.
Improved Health and Productivity
Throughout this article, we have learnt how agroforestry improves the overall health and productivity of the landscape. In terms of biodiversity, wildlife is supported and allowed to flourish, creating a healthier ecosystem. Enhancing the health of the soil is a big agroforestry advantage, leading to more fertile soil that relies less on chemical inputs. From a wider perspective, agroforestry also improves water regulation, promotes carbon sequestration, and betters air quality, leading to the long-term sustainability of the Norfolk landscape.
Agroforestry and Countryside Stewardship Scheme
The Countryside Stewardship Scheme is a government scheme that was created to provide financial rewards to farmers in return for the provision and management of farmland habitats. There are a handful of ways a farm business can access these annual payments, and introducing agroforestry is one of them.
We now know that agroforestry is an ideal land management approach that enhances biodiversity and creates and maintains habitats for farmland wildlife. This is how agroforestry systems can lead to farms accessing Countryside Stewardship payments, which is another economic agroforestry advantage.
Countryside Stewardship Agroforestry Actions
The Countryside Stewardship Scheme is accessible through a few different types of agroforestry actions, such as:
- Hedgerow and Tree Planting: Hedges with hedgerow trees create an elaborate habitat network for wildlife.
- Silvopasture: The creation of new woodland that allows for livestock grazing.
- Establish New Orchards: The introduction of new orchards provides fruit and nut production which supports pollinators and improves biodiversity.
Getting Started With Agroforestry: How Norfolk FWAG Can Help
If you’re a Norfolk farmer or landowner and would like to start accessing the agroforestry advantages discussed in this article, you can reach out to Norfolk Farming Wildlife Advisory Group for assistance. Within our team of conservation experts, we can provide essential support and advice to both FWAG members and non-members.
Start a discussion with us today by getting in contact with our team.