agroforestry

American  

[ag-roh-fawr-uh-stree, ‑-for-] / ˌæg roʊˈfɔr ə stri, ‑ˈfɒr- /

noun

1. a method and system of land management involving the simultaneous cultivation of farm crops and trees; agriculture incorporating the growing of trees.

   Agroforestry ensures a continuous food supply, some continuous economic return, and the avoidance of soil degradation.

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agroforestry British  

/ ˌæɡrəʊˈfɒrɪstrɪ /

noun

1. a method of farming integrating herbaceous and tree crops

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agroforestry Scientific  

/ ăg′rō-fôr′ĭ-strē /

1. A system of land use in which harvestable trees or shrubs are grown among or around crops or on pastureland, as a means of preserving or enhancing the productivity of the land.

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Other Word Forms

• agroforester
  noun

Etymology

Origin of agroforestry

1930–35; agro- ( def. ) + forestry ( def. )

Explanation

When trees are planted on farms alongside food crops, it's called agroforestry. Farmers often use agroforestry to grow trees that can be used for fuel or lumber. Agroforestry is from the Greek agros, "field," and a Latin root meaning "woods." This agricultural system, sometimes called "forest farming," involves managing farmed land in a way that mixes pasture, crops, trees, and shrubs. Planting so diversely tends to be good for the soil and water quality, and it supports more wildlife and pollinating insects too. Integrating apple trees, lavender plants, dairy goats, and pine trees on one farm would be an example of agroforestry.

Example Sentences

Agroforestry and rewilding could transform the agricultural sector from a major generator to a net absorber of carbon emissions.

From Salon • Dec. 11, 2024

Agroforestry is a land-use system that plants trees in and around crop and pastureland.

From Reuters • Jun. 5, 2023

Agroforestry organisations around the world prefer the use of indigenous trees.

From BBC • Nov. 18, 2022

Agroforestry involves planting woody perennials, trees, shrubs and palms alongside agricultural crops.

From Seattle Times • Nov. 11, 2022

“We do see a gap there … in terms of planting the right tree for the right purpose in the right place,” says Ian Dawson, a senior scientist at the World Agroforestry Centre.

From Science Magazine • Feb. 11, 2021