Agroforestry
Agroforestry is becoming more and more widely used in agriculture, and is attracting increasing public attention. Agroforestry is not a recent development, as it is part of the ancestral customs of various communities. However, a great deal of research has been devoted to it.
It's a global system based on the voluntary association of trees or shrubs with crops or livestock, whose interaction produces shared benefits.
This symbiotic approach not only maximizes land use by promoting more sustainable and environmentally-friendly agriculture; it also contributes to the fight against climate change by enhancing carbon sequestration, preserving biodiversity and strengthening ecosystem resilience, while improving farm profitability in crop production.
Agroforestry riparian buffer strips and agricultural coulees
Agroforestry riparian buffer strips are planted along watercourses, designed to filter runoff, reduce erosion and improve water quality. They also enrich local biodiversity and serve as essential ecological corridors for wildlife. Agricultural coulees, meanwhile, use similar techniques to structure the agricultural landscape, optimize water management, capture fertilizer runoff and provide additional habitats for flora and fauna, contributing to a more robust and resilient ecosystem.
Intra-plot agroforestry systems
This solution consists of integrating trees and crops within the same agricultural plot, thus promoting beneficial interaction between different species. Intra-plot agroforestry systems maximize the use of space and resources, and enhance the sustainability and productivity of agricultural land. This type of management is particularly well suited to increasing resilience to climatic variations.
Windbreaks and odorbreaks
Windbreaks and odourbreaks are rows of trees and shrubs planted to protect crops from strong winds and potentially harmful odours associated with production. They reduce water evaporation, protect against soil erosion and improve the microclimate of cultivated areas. In addition to their agronomic benefits, hedges also act as refuges for biodiversity and beautify the rural landscape. They are a key element in the integrated farm management strategy, promoting a healthier, more productive environment.
