Benefactions of Agroforestry to Ecosystem Services
摘要
The human population is benefited from Agroforestry systems (AFs) and practices since man settled down and learned the cultivation of crops. However, the recognition for ecosystem services provided by AFs is perceived very recently only. Research evidence envisages as a land-use system agroforestry supports ecosystem services like carbon sequestration, biodiversity, food security, microclimate modification, ground water recharge, etc. Agroforestry (AF) is perceived as a sustainable system than monoculture systems mainly due to the multiple ecosystem services it provides. The ecosystem services of these land uses are affected by complex tree-crop-animal-environment interactions both above ground and below ground. Deforestation and deterioration of traditional land use systems has caused reduction in area of agroforestry systems and practices. Quantification of ecosystem services provided by these agroforests will help the policy makers to conserve and widen the practices of agroforestry. Adaptation of agroforestry practices has the potential to mitigate the ill effects of climate change as well as it is a way forward to sustainable livelihoods.