Sustainable Agroforestry-Based Approach to Achieve Food Security Through Soil Health

Earth is one of the unique planets of the solar system containing life in the presence of land, air, and water, of which the land is the most important platform for growth and development of plants. The land and water contribute to carry it. The upper crust of land, i.e., solum/soil, bears productive potential. It is a critical resource for food production. Since the twentieth century, intensive farming has substantially deteriorated the soil. Around 33% of soil is already degraded and 90% could become degraded by 2050. The ever-increasing food demand would not allow for lowering intensity or coverage of cultivation; therefore the “Sustainable management” of land resources seems to be the most suitable option. This division of the book evaluated how soil and agroforestry are interconnected concepts that relate to sustainable land use and food production. Agroforestry practices vary depending on the type of environment and needs of the community; however, the characteristic feature is the deliberate management of trees, crops, and animals to achieve multiple benefits. These benefits include increased soil fertility, reduced erosion, improved water quality, increased biodiversity, and increased carbon sequestration. By maintaining year-round surface cover that shields the soil from water and wind erosion, the perennial woody flora used in agroforestry techniques helps to conserve soil. Enhancement of soil organic carbon, available nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), potassium (K), calcium (Ca), and magnesium (Mg) (macronutrients) under different conditions is observed. Even improvement in soil bio-physical condition is also reported in many studies. Soil health is a critical component of agroforestry, as the soil provides the foundation for the entire ecosystem. In agroforestry, soil health is often improved through the use of organic matter, such as compost or cover crops, and the reduction of tillage. Both soil and agroforestry land use systems are interlinked and share a complementary relation, i.e., one being responsible in elevating and maintaining the status of another.