Academic literature on the topic 'Agroforest producer'

Hutan rakyat dengan pola tanam agroforestri memiliki pengaruh terhadap aspek ekologi, seperti: udara bersih, erosi terkendali, serapan karbon, pengaturan tata air, penyangga ekosistem, penjaga stabilitas ekologi, dan perlindungan lingkungan. Oleh karena itu, dalam pengelolaan hutan rakyat pola tanam agroforestri masa kini dan masa depan harus dapat memperhatikan kaidah-kaidah lingkungan. Untuk mewujudkan hal tersebut, maka hutan rakyat pola tanam agroforestri harus sehat. Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk mendapatkan nilai status (saat ini) kesehatan hutan rakyat pola tanam agroforestri di wilayah Kabupaten Lampung Timur. Studi kasus analisis kesehatan hutan dilakukan pada klaster-plot Forest Health Monitoring (FHM) hutan rakyat pola tanam agroforestri di Wilayah Kabupaten Lampung Timur. Jumlah klaster-plot FHM yang dibuat sebanyak empat klaster-plot. Parameter indikator kesehatan hutan rakyat pola tanam agroforestri adalah pertumbuhan pohon, kondisi kerusakan pohon, kondisi tajuk, dan kesuburan tanah. Tahapan dari penelitian ini terdiri dari pembuatan plot ukur hutan rakyat pola tanam agroforestri, pengukuran parameter indikator kesehatan hutan rakyat pola tanam agroforestri, pengolahan dan analisis, dan penilaian kesehatan hutan rakyat pola tanam agroforestri. Hasil penelitian menunjukkan bahwa nilai status kondisi kesehatan hutan rakyat pola tanam agroforestri di wilayah Kabupaten Lampung Timur rata-rata dalam kategori bagus. Hal tersebut menunjukkan bahwa hutan rakyat dengan pola tanam agroforestri akan menghasilkan tingkat kesehatan hutan rakyat yang sehat. Dengan demikian, pembangunan hutan rakyat di wilayah Kabupaten Lampung Timur Provinsi Lampung diarahkan dengan pola tanam agroforestri.
 
 Community forests with agroforestry planting systems have an influence on ecological aspects, such as: clean air, controlled erosion, carbon uptake, water management arrangements, ecosystems buffer, guarding ecological stability, and environmental protection. Therefore, in the management of community forests the present and future agroforestry planting systems must be able to pay attention to environmental principles. To realize this, the community forest agroforestry planting patterns must be healthy. This study aims to obtain the status of (current) health of community forests agroforestry planting systems in the area of ​​East Lampung Regency. A case study of forest health analysis were carried out in Forest Health Monitoring (FHM) plots of community forests agroforestry planting systems in the East Lampung Regency. The number of FHM plots was made in four clusters. Parameters of indicators of community forest health agroforestry planting systems are tree growth, tree damage conditions, canopy conditions, and soil fertility. The stages of this study consisted of making a community forest measuring plot agroforestry planting systems, measuring indicators of community forest health agroforestry planting systems, processing and analysis, and assessing the health of community forests agroforestry planting systems. The results showed that the value of the status of public forest health conditions of agroforestry planting systems in the area of ​​East Lampung Regency on average in good categories. This shows that community forests with agroforestry planting systems will produce healthy community forest health levels. Thus, community forests development in East Lampung Regency of Lampung Province is directed to agroforestry planting systems.

needs was decreasing. So it needs a system that maximizes land one of them is agroforestry. Agroforestry will combine mindi tree (Melia azedarach L.) were 2 years old with a spacing of 2.5 mx 2.5 m, and agricultural crops is sorgum strain of SEAMEO BIOTROP development results that G55 is a BMR (Brown midrib) strain and BIOSS 04 which belonging in sweet sorghum. The research purpose is to analyze the growth of mindi on agroforestry systems and monoculture and analyze the growth and productivity of sorghum on agroforestry systems and monoculture. The results showed growth of mindi as high tree, diameter of stem, canopy and root diameter larger on agroforestry than monocultures. Growth and productivity of sorghum in the two strains showed lower on agroforestry cropping pattern. Sorghum G55 and BIOSS 04 strains can grow under mindi trees but can not produce optimally. 
 Keywords: Agroforestri, Melia azedarach, Sorghum bicolor

SUMMARYCocoa (Theobroma cacao L.) is produced in systems of varying complexity ranging from monoculture with temporary shade to highly diverse agroforests. Producers have to weigh high cocoa yields in the short to medium term in monocultures against higher total system yields in the short term and sustainable production systems in the long term in conjunction with ecosystem services in agroforestry systems (AFs). More long-term data on the comparative agronomic, economic and ecological performance of differently managed cocoa production systems is required to make sound recommendations to farmers. This paper describes the only long-term field trial worldwide comparing different cocoa production systems under conventional and organic management. The factors (i) crop diversity (monoculture vs. agroforestry), (ii) management practice (conventional vs. organic) and (iii) cultivar are being tested in a full-factorial, randomized complete block design with four replications. First, results showed significantly faster development of trunk circumferences in monocultures (+21%) compared to AFs. Cocoa yields were 47% lower in the organic compared to the conventional monoculture. In the AFs, however, the organic–conventional yield gap was less pronounced (−16%) and statistically insignificant. The cumulative yields of all products harvested were significantly higher in the AFs (+161%) compared to the monocultures. The productivity of cocoa by-crops in AFs may contribute to local food security and risk distribution in smallholder contexts.

Lemongrass (Cymbopogon nardus L.) is an economically valuable plant that produces citronella oil and could grow on marginal lands. This study aimed to analyze citronella oil yields planted with agroforestry and monoculture patterns in a post-mining revegetation area. The treatment consisted of 3 factors, namely planting pattern, fertilizer dosage, and plant spacing. The measured variable was the citronella oil yield. The study was conducted by planting two lemongrass varieties i.e., Sitrona 2 Agribun Variety dan G2 Variety in the agroforestry and monoculture areas. The study was conducted for 12 months with three harvest times, i.e., in the 6th, 9th, and 12th months. The results showed that planting patterns significantly affected the citronella oil yield. Planting pattern of Monoculture-Sitrona 2 Agribun Variety (P4) produced the highest oil yield (1,95%). Plant spacing and dosage of bokashi fertilizer did not significantly affect the citronella oil yield. The Monoculture-Sitrona 2 Agribun Variety (P4) significantly increased the oil yield compared to the Agroforestry- Sitrona 2 Agribun Variety (P2), Monoculture-G2 Variety (P3), and Agroforestry-G2 Variety (P1) with a respective oil yield of 1,95% (P4), 1,50% (P2), 1,01% (P3), and 0,99% (P1). Sitrona 2 Agribun Variety tended to produce a higher oil yield than the G2 Variety. Keywords: agroforestry, citronella oil, lemongrass, oil yield, revegetation

Agroforestry plays a significant role in increasing agricultural productivity. In South Africa, there is a pressing need for promoting smallholder agriculture to promote sustainable rural livelihoods, to ensure food security, to lower inflation in food prices, and address rampant rural unemployment in the country. The agricultural economy is characterised by a monopoly structure where almost every single staple in South Africa is already produced by large manufacturers that can produce it at better quality and lower cost than the average smallholder enterprise or cooperative. Such a monopoly structure fundamentally undermines the development of local markets, where local small-scale producers sell to their local community. The novelty of this study is addressing the research gap that conventional rural livelihood analyses often neglect, i.e., the role of environmental products in general, and forest and agroforestry products. Using a log linear regression model with cross-sectional data collected from a sample of 300 households, this study explores the likely impact of agroforestry practices in promoting the livelihood of rural communities in the study areas. Results obtained from multiple linear regression analysis showed that average household income increased as a function of utilization of agroforestry practices. Agroforestry contributes to sustainable rural livelihoods in South African provinces where the predominant means of livelihoods is rural subsistence farming and agriculture. Since valuation of agroforestry products and services are technically difficult, farmers often underestimate the contribution of agroforestry to the household’s livelihood income. These findings have policy implications in promoting food security in the Eastern Cape Province of South Africa and beyond.

Shiitake mushrooms (Lentinus edodes) have many nutritional and medicinal benefits. The cultivation of log-grown shiitake mushrooms encourages forest farming and can be an opportunity for farmers interested in developing an additional enterprise. In 2006, the University of Missouri Center for Agroforestry conducted a nationwide survey of shiitake mushroom producers to analyze the U.S. shiitake mushroom industry by taking into consideration the forces that influence competition based on Porter's five forces model. Shiitake mushrooms are grown primarily as a side business, especially those produced exclusively outdoors. Indoor production on sawdust generates higher income than outdoor production on logs, but log production is more suitable for a small-scale operation in an agroforestry setting. Barriers to entry are created by relationships in the market, economies of scale, and the learning curve effect. Although there are a limited number of spawn suppliers in the market, they produce quality inoculum and maintain good relationships with shiitake mushroom producers. The majority of respondents sell their shiitake mushrooms locally. Gourmet restaurants, farmers markets, and on-farm outlets are the main markets for shiitake mushrooms. Trends in demand are increasing and prices are high. Shiitake mushrooms can be replaced with other common or gourmet mushroom types, but also have their own identity for numerous nutritional and medicinal properties. Competition for log-grown shiitake mushrooms arises from shiitake mushrooms produced on sawdust and from imports. To successfully survive in the market, firms create competitive advantages through quality, customer service, and consistent supply. Barriers to success in the shiitake mushroom business include demanding work requirements, the need for a serious commitment to produce and market shiitake mushrooms, a 1-year time lag between investment and a return on investment, and insufficient production and marketing information. Grower associations, universities, and state and federal agencies must join their efforts to fund and support shiitake mushroom research and industry development.

The North Humid Guatemalan Lowlands contains a significant diversity of tree species, incluiding some valuable-timber producers; these species are threatened by commercial overexploitation and habitat loss due to deforestation. The cultivation of these species in forest and agroforest plantations is a potentially viable optiontheir conservation and commercial harvesting, something that has been promoted with Government Incetemala during the past two decades. However, these species have not been widely planted, among othebecause knowledge on their ecological requirements and silviculture is scarce. A characterization of momixed plantations with 14 native valuable-timber species was made in the Humid Lowlands of Northeranalyzing for each species frequency of association and accompanying species, planted area, the main etures and growth rates. To gather information, we combined field observation and measurements with iliterature review. Based on our survey, main management challenges for cultivation of the species were described. Valuable-timber native trees could potentially be sustainably cultivated in the study zone in diffforest plantations and agroforestry schemes of coffee, cacao, cardamom and cattle; considering their suitdiversified systems, growth performance and farmer’s preferences, Swietenia macrophylla, Cedrela odordonnell-smithii, Calophyllum brasiliense and Cordia alliodora were the species with the higher potentiain plantations. However, several unsolved problems continue restricting the cultivation of these species itherefore, is essential a careful design and management.

Abstract In global terms, European farms produce high yields of safe and high quality food but this depends on the use of many off-farm inputs and the associated greenhouse gas emissions, loss of soil nutrients and other negative environmental impacts incur substantial societal costs. Farmers in the European Union receive support through a Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) that comprises direct payments to farmers (Pillar I) and payments related to rural development measures (Pillar II). This paper examines the ways in which agroforestry can support European agriculture and rural development drawing on the conclusions of 23 papers presented in this Special Issue of Agroforestry Systems which have been produced during a 4-year research project called AGFORWARD. The project had the goal of promoting agroforestry in Europe and focused on four types of agroforestry: (1) existing systems of high nature and cultural value, and agroforestry for (2) high value tree, (3) arable, and (4) livestock systems. The project has advanced our understanding of the extent of agroforestry in Europe and of farmers’ perceptions of agroforestry, including the reasons for adoption or non-adoption. A participatory approach was used with over 40 stakeholder groups across Europe to test selected agroforestry innovations through field trials and experiments. Innovations included improved grazing management in agroforestry systems of high nature and cultural value and the introduction of nitrogen fixing plants in high value timber plantations and olive groves. Other innovations included shelter benefits for arable crops, and disease-control, nutrient-retention, and food diversification benefits from integrating trees in livestock enterprises. Biophysical and economic models have also been developed to predict the effect of different agroforestry designs on crop and tree production, and on carbon sequestration, nutrient loss and ecosystems services in general. These models help us to quantify the potential environmental benefits of agroforestry, relative to agriculture without trees. In view of the substantial area of European agroforestry and its wider societal and environmental benefits, the final policy papers in this Special Issue argue that agroforestry should play a more significant role in future versions of the CAP than it does at present.

The demand for special forest products used in the floral industry has a rapidly expanding market. Woody cuts come from perennial shrubs, trees, or woody vines, and are used as floral design materials for the flowering branches, foliage, fruits, or stems. Evaluation of specialty and woody cut production is needed to determine if these plants may be adapted to sustainable agroforestry production systems. An agroforestry approach to woody cuts production for longleaf pine (Pinus palustris) producers in Florida is a natural approach given the relatively open canopy of this timber species and the occurrence of several native species with ornamental characteristics that are currently utilized on a small scale for woody cuts production. The present approach to evaluating the suitability of these systems utilizes the following objectives: 1) Evaluate the production potential of ornamental species in monoculture and agroforestry silviculture systems and determine the biophysical interactions between system components. This objective will assess system design and its role on system productivity; determine time to ornamental yield. 2) Quantify the cost of establishing ornamentals for woody cuts production in both monoculture and agroforestry systems. This objective will identify and track overhead/fixed costs and variable costs associated with the ornamental cuts and timber crops for monoculture and agroforestry production systems over a 3-year period. 3) Investigate potential markets for the distribution and sale of cut foliage, flowers or stems. This objective will lead to consultations with florists and cut foliage wholesalers about potential market volume, price, and specifications for products produced within the longleaf pine agroforestry production system.

Agroforestry industries, such as sugar-alcohol, food, and logging, produce large quantities of waste, used to generate energy from direct burning. The application of other processes, such as torrefaction and briquetting, can increase the profits from the use of agro-industrial waste for energy generation. Briquetting is an alternative for using these wastes, allowing the compaction of the biomass, generating a biofuel with high energy density, and which is more homogeneous and easier to store and transport. The objective of this study was to evaluate the physical and chemical properties of four biomass types (wastes from sawed eucalypt and pine wood, coffee pruning wastes, and sugarcane bagasse) torrefied at 300 °C and compacted (briquetting) at pressures of 6.21, 8.27, and 10.34 MPa. The torrefaction increased the fixed carbon content, ash, and calorific value, and reduced the volatile material content and hygroscopic equilibrium moisture of the biomasses. The volatile material content was lower and the fixed carbon higher in the coffee pruning waste, the ash content higher in the sugarcane bagasse, and the calorific value higher in the pine and eucalypt wood. The briquetting and the torrefaction processes increased the biomass bulk density, and the useful calorific value, respectively, and consequently the energy density of the briquettes produced with torrefied raw material under high pressure. The mechanical properties of the briquettes produced with all materials increased with the compaction pressure. Torrefaction and briquetting increased the energy potential of the biomasses evaluated to produce energy from clean technology.

Silvopasture is a land-use management practice which intentionally integrates trees, forage, and livestock. It is increasingly prevalent in outreach and extension, yet considerations for adoption are complex. The implementation of a cost-share initiative for silvopasture created by the Natural Resource Conservation Service (NRCS) in Virginia in 2011 provides an opportunity for landowners to establish silvopasture systems on their properties, thus diversifying land management and income, as well as providing environmental benefits. However, research on who might adopt silvopasture and why is needed. For this research, a mail survey was distributed to 307 cost-share enrollees in NRCS' livestock limitation initiatives and 139 were returned (45.3%). The first objective of this survey was to gauge interest in two forms of silvopasture implementation: a) thinning a woodlot and b) planting trees in a pasture. Furthermore, the study was utilized to test which hypothetical benefits might increase a livestock producers' interest in either implementation form. Results show that respondents preferred thinning to planting but risk and uncertainty were perceived in both. Environmental outputs and assistance from technicians increased interest in both practices over economic benefits; however, livestock performance was most important. Literature on the topic aligns with findings and highlights that more research is needed to understand risk, environmental, and resource-related factors. The second objective was to measure interest in silvopasture and classify respondents based on their operational or their beliefs-based characteristics and assess which classification set mattered more. Results indicated that interest in silvopasture varied but the majority (60%) indicated they were either interested or very interested. Two-step cluster analysis was used to classify respondents based on their operational considerations and a combination of Exploratory Factor Analysis and K-means clustering was used to group livestock producers according to their beliefs on traditional and land-use values. A Kruskal-Wallis independent samples analysis for each classification revealed no statistically significant differences in the interest in silvopasture between operational groupings. Conversely, there were statistically significant differences in silvopasture interest according to beliefs-based classifications. These results suggest that operations of livestock producers do not matter as much as their attitudes and beliefs related to the practice. A cross-tabulation of the operational classification and beliefs cluster resulted in no correlation. Literature suggest both operational characteristics and producer beliefs may matter in agroforestry adoption, but that positive or negative correlation in terms of interest may vary.<br>Master of Science<br>Silvopasture is a agroforestry conservation practice that integrates trees, forage, and livestock in a managed system. The adoption of this practice is complex, though education on the practice has been increasing. A cost-share initiative for silvopasture was created by the Natural Resource Conservation Service (NRCS) in Virginia in 2011, which creates the opportunity to implement silvopasture systems on landowner properties. This system could lead to more diversification of land and income, as well as providing environmental benefits. However, more research is needed. A mail survey was sent to 307 NRCS cost-share enrollees who were managing livestock and 139 were returned. The survey had two objectives; the first was to measure interest in the two forms of silvopasture implementation: a) thinning a woodlot and b) planting trees in a pasture. Hypothetical benefits which might increase a livestock producers’ interest in thinning or planting for silvopasture was also measured. Results show that respondents had a preference for thinning over planting. Economic benefits were not as effective in increasing interest compared to environmental outputs and assistance from technicians; however, livestock performance was most important. Findings were aligned with literature on silvopasture and agroforestry but more research is needed. The second objective was to measure interest in silvopasture and classify respondents based on their operational or their beliefs-based characteristics and to see which classification set mattered more. Results indicated that interest in silvopasture varied but the majority (60%) indicated some level of interest. Statistical analyses were used to classify respondents based on their operational considerations and used to group livestock producers according to their beliefs on traditional and land-use values. Outputs showed no statistically significant differences between operational groupings and their interest in silvopasture. There was a statistically significant difference in silvopasture interest according to beliefs-based classifications. These results indicate that the operations of livestock producers do not matter as much as their attitudes and beliefs on the practice. Previous literature indicates that both operational characteristics and producer beliefs may matter in agroforestry adoption, but interest may vary regardless.

Incorporating high-sugar varieties of honeylocust (Gleditsia triacanthos L.) or black walnut trees (Jugulans nigra L.) into pasture systems may improve soil and water quality, increase biodiversity, and diversify farm incomes. Studies of productivity and management are needed to understand the trees' potential. Research was conducted in the agroforestry demonstration plots at Virginia Tech's Kentland Farms to 1) estimate both the variability of seedpod yield and nutritive value from juvenile Millwood honeylocust trees, 2) measure changes in nutritive value and digestibility over-winter in Millwood and wild-type honeylocust seedpods, and 3) estimate black walnut biomass productivity, timber quality, nut production, and kernel quality in response to tree density and topography within an emulated silvopasture. Ground Millwood seedpods were comparable to whole-ear dent corn in terms of nutritive value. Both ground pods and seeds were highly digestible (78.7 and 96.3%, respectively) and low in fiber and lignin. Seeds, with over 20% crude protein (CP), have potential as a CP supplement. Millwood trees displayed alternate bearing patterns with 3-yr average yields of approximately 12 kg tree-1. Total aboveground biomass for black walnut trees planted on toe-slopes (109.0 kg) was 72% greater than at back slopes (63.2 kg) and nearly 3-fold more than at shoulder-slopes (37.6 kg). Nut yields ranged from 0 to 7.9 kg of dried, hulled nuts tree-1 year-1. All walnut trees displayed alternate nut bearing patterns and nut production was marked by high variability.<br>Master of Science

Los niveles de consumo y producción superan la capacidad productiva de la Tierra, lo que significa que estamos gastando el capital natural a un ritmo acelerado y sin control. De forma paralela, se ha demostrado que los modelos agrícolas de producción intensiva han provocado problemas sociales, ambientales y económicos como: degradación de los recursos naturales, contaminación del suelo, agua y aire, salinización, desertificación, pérdida de biodiversidad vegetal y animal, dependencia de insumos externos, incremento constante de inversión, pérdida de identidad y cultura, disminución inevitable y progresiva de la productividad (Moreno Calles et al., 2016; Restrepo et al., 2000). En México, la floricultura es una actividad agrícola que ha incrementado en gran medida. Los estados en los que se cultiva flor de corte, follajes, flores de relleno o macetería son Estado de México, Ciudad de México, Morelos, Puebla y Michoacán y en menor medida, Jalisco, Oaxaca, Veracruz, Baja California, Campeche, Chihuahua, entre otros. El Estado de México aporta el 80% de la producción nacional, siendo el productor de ornamentales más importante el “corredor florícola”, comprendido por los municipios de Tenancingo, Coatepec Harinas, Ixtapan de la Sal, Tonatico, Zumpahuacán y Villa Guerrero. A pesar de ser una fuente económica de gran importancia en la zona, presenta problemas característicos de la agricultura intensiva, derivados del uso excesivo de agroquímicos, tala de árboles para la colocación de invernaderos, cambio de uso del suelo, entre otros (Tejeda-Sartorius et al., 2015; SIAP, 2019). Por tal motivo es importante que los sistemas productivos intensivos transiten a formas de manejo más integrales, vinculando componentes ambientales, socio-culturales y económicos. En las últimas décadas se han trabajado diferentes propuestas encaminadas a buscar una mejor armonía entre la agricultura y el ambiente, sobresaliendo la Agroecología, que pretende reducir la contaminación y degradación de los recursos al mismo tiempo que busca una mayor justicia y equidad socioeconómica; una herramienta práctica y Agroecológica es la Agroforestería que constituye una alternativa de desarrollo sostenible para el aprovechamiento y conservación de los recursos y la recuperación de zonas degradadas (Gliessman et al., 2006; Restrepo et al., 2000). El presente trabajo explora las implicaciones del establecimiento de un sistema agroforestal como alternativa de producción de ornamentales en la Región Florícola del sur del Estado de México. Inicialmente, se desarrolla una descripción del contexto social, económico y ambiental de la zona florícola. También se explica el diseño y establecimiento del sistema agroforestal que está basado en el desarrollo de un cultivo en callejones con policultivo que incluye cinco especies: morera (Morus alba) para incorporar materia orgánica, conservar agua en el suelo y aportar sombra; hierba santa (Piper auritum) como repelente, barrera de insectos y uso culinario; ave de paraíso (Strelitzia reginae) como ornamental, arúgula (Eruca vesicaria) como barrera y uso culinario y helecho cuero (Rumohra adiantiformis) como ornamental. Finalmente, se evalúa de forma práctica los conflictos, limitaciones, y ventajas que se tienen al establecer el sistema agroforestal, como una forma de generar información que posibilite alternativas agroforestales y agroecológicas a los sistemas productivos intensivos de la región.

Nontimber forest products (NTFPs) play an important role in the lives of people who rely on forests. An absence of data on the size of harvests, their location, and the economic value of NTFPs prevents effective management and full utilization by all stakeholder groups. We set out to measure one important NTFP sector -- the medicinal plant trade in the diverse deciduous forests of the eastern United States, by surveying licensed buyers of ginseng (Panax quinquefolius) in 15 states about purchasing of other untracked species. To combat potential coverage and non-response bias we created a place-based model that predicted the probability of purchasing non-ginseng medicinals based on buyer location and used this to build more robust estimates. This viable method for estimating NTFP output is a replicable system that can be applied in other regions and for other products. We reviewed the literature and hypothesized biophysical and socioeconomic factors that might contribute to the prevalence of non-ginseng purchasing, and tested them on the respondents using multinomial logistic regression. The significant variables were used in two-step cluster analysis to categorize respondents and non-respondents in high or low production areas. Volume was assigned to non-respondents based on respondent behavior within each cluster. Both were then summed to estimate total output. The results depict trade volume and prices paid to harvesters for 11 medicinal NTFP species. There was significant variation between products. Two species, black cohosh (Actaea racemosa) and goldenseal (Hydrastis canadensis), accounted for 72 percent of trade volume and 77 percent of the value paid to harvesters. The total first-order value for all species estimated was 4.3 million $USD. The discrepancy between point-of-sale and retail value implies room for increasing value for all stakeholders at the base of the supply chain. Harvests for most species were concentrated in the central Appalachian coalfields. We also sought to understand what motivated or deterred participation by conducting qualitative interviews with buyers and other stakeholders. Buyers were interested in knowing the size and value of the trade, but had concerns about losing access to the resource, which was rooted in past experience with land managers and policy-makers, and conflicting discourse between stakeholders about the state of the trade and of wild populations. Many institutional deliverables are not well matched with the realities or priorities of the traditional trade. We describe potential avenues for collaboration and reciprocity, including providing market research and certifying or providing technical support for sustainably wild harvested material in addition to ongoing support for cultivation.<br>PHD

A palmeira juçara – Euterpe edulis Mart. (Arecaceae) – é uma espécie abundante nas florestas onde ocorre e que produz grande quantidade de flores e frutos, sendo assim de grande importância ecológica. Após décadas de desmatamento e superexploração do palmito, as populações encontram-se reduzidas a fragmentos. Este trabalho teve como objetivo estudar alguns aspectos etnoecológicos e ecofisiológicos acerca da espécie. Foram verificados cinco sistemas de manejo desenvolvidos por comunidades locais do litoral norte do Rio Grande do Sul: manejo em capoeiras, manejo em reflorestamentos com espécies exóticas, manejo em bananais, quintais agroflorestais e corte clandestino de palmito em florestas. Comparou-se o crescimento de palmeiras jovens em florestas secundárias e bananais, de 2003 a 2008, e verificou-se que o tamanho das palmeiras em 2008 nos bananais foi cinco vezes maior do que nas florestas, apesar da herbivoria ter sido maior nos bananais; a mortalidade foi equivalente entre os dois tratamentos, apesar da grande variabilidade, e apresentando um padrão intraespecífico dependente da densidade. Observou-se um padrão de variação dos eventos fenológicos reprodutivos associado a latitude e altitude; verificou-se também uma relação quadrática significativa entre épocas de floração e de maturação dos frutos, demonstrando que o tempo necessário desde a floração até a maturação dos frutos depende da época que ocorre a floração. Verificou-se que os sistemas de manejo são diferentes estratégias de uso da juçara, e que esta apresenta um grande potencial para manejo.<br>The juçara palm - Euterpe edulis Mart. (Arecaceae) - is an abundant species in the forests where it occurs and that produces lots of flowers and fruits, being of great ecological importance. After decades of deforestation and heart of palm exploitation, it is reduced to fragments. This work aimed to study some ethnoecological and ecophisiological aspects of this species. We observed five management systems developed by local communities of the northern coast of Rio Grande do Sul: management in early secondary forest, management in reforestation with exotic species, management in banana plantations, homegardens and illegal cutting in forests. We compared the growth of young palms in secondary forests and banana plantations from 2003 to 2008, and found that the size of palms in 2008 in banana plantations was five times greater than in forests, in spite of herbivory was higher in the banana plantations; the mortality was equivalent between the two treatments, despite the great variability, and presenting an intraspecific density-dependent pattern. There was a pattern of variation in reproductive phenology related to latitude and altitude; there was also a significant quadratic relationship between timing of flowering and fruit ripening, showing that the time required from flowering to fruit maturity depends on the time the flowering occurs. It was found that the management systems are different strategies of use of the juçara palm, and that this species has high potential for management.

The aim of this study was to survey biomass residues which are used as fuel in brick kilns in three cities of central region of Rio Grande do Sul, through a socio-economic survey to ascertain the potential for power generation, as well as its economic viability .The object of study types s biomass (rice husk, wood chips, sawdust and wood), used as a source of fuel in furnaces of 12 potteries. In May 2010, April and August 2011, were collected ash brick kilns in 5 of the 12 surveyed, and analyzed in laboratories values of macro and micro nutrients, and carbon. Other data collected were the average consumption of biomass and average values to produce bricks. One can say that a matrix composed exclusively biomass energy is an interesting alternative analyzed in this study under the conditions of economically and environmentally, we conclude that they are viable use of waste ash as an alternative to continuous improvement of management environment by generating industries to rationalize the use of energy inputs and reduce the level of emissions. The amendment process is intended to generate savings in the purchase of energy inputs purchased in the market and contribute to the expansion of the power generation industry.<br>O objetivo desse trabalho foi fazer um levantamento de biomassas residuais que são usadas como combustíveis em olarias em três municípios da região central do Rio grande do Sul, através de um questionário sócio econômico para verificar o potencial de geração de energia, bem como sua viabilidade econômica. O objeto de estudo foram tipos de biomassas (casca de arroz, cavaco de madeira, serragem e lenha), utilizados como fonte de combustível em fornos de 12 olarias. Em maio de 2010, abril e agosto 2011, foram feitas coletas de cinzas em 5 olarias das 12 pesquisadas, sendo analisadas em laboratórios valores de macro e micronutrientes, e carbono. Outros dados levantados foram o consumo médio de biomassa na produção e valores médios para produzir tijolos. Pode-se afirmar que uma matriz energética exclusivamente composta por biomassa é uma alternativa interessante nas condições analisadas neste estudo, do ponto de vista econômico e ambiental, os resultados permitem concluir que são viáveis o uso de resíduos de cinzas como alternativa de melhoria continua do gerenciamento ambiental pelas indústrias geradoras no sentido de racionalizar a utilização de insumos energéticos e diminuir o nível de emissão de poluentes. Esta alteração de processo tem como finalidade gerar economias na aquisição de insumos energéticos adquiridos no mercado e contribuir para a expansão da base de geração de energia da indústria.

L'objectiu general d'aquesta tesi és desenvolupar un mètode dinàmic de dosificació de productes fitosanitaris que permeti incrementar significativament l'eficiència d'aplicació, reduir les pèrdues i disminuir la variabilitat de les deposicions sense disminuir l'eficàcia de les aplicacions en plantacions fructícoles. El mètode proposat es basa en la caracterització electrònica de les dimensions de la capçada i en dosificar el producte fitosanitari de forma variable, contínua i en temps real. Aquest objectiu s'ha establert a partir de la formulació de tres hipòtesis de partida sustentades en la revisió bibliogràfica i els coneixements previs del grup de recerca en el que s'emmarca aquest treball. La Hipòtesi 1 sosté que les capçades de les explotacions fructícoles intensives actuals de la zona de Lleida i similars presenten una variabilitat dimensional elevada i que aquest fet contribueix a la variabilitat de les deposicions de productes fitosanitaris. La Hipòtesi 2 sosté que és possible implementar un polvoritzador equipat amb la tecnologia necessària per a la dosificació variable contínua en temps real que permeti adaptar la dosi aplicada a les característiques geomètriques de la capçada de la plantació. I la Hipòtesi 3 sosté que un mètode dinàmic de dosificació per a l'aplicació de productes fitosanitaris pot aconseguir aplicacions equivalents o millors que les que es realitzen actualment amb mètodes i equips convencionals en termes d'eficàcia del tractament, d'eficiència d'aplicació, de variabilitat de les deposicions i de respecte pel medi ambient.<br/><br/>Una vegada desenvolupat el mètode de dosificació variable, ha estat necessari implementar un prototipus de polvoritzador capaç d'executar-lo en condicions de camp per tal de procedir a la seva validació. La irrupció de l'electrònica en l'agricultura i la seva progressiva implantació des de les darreries del segle passat han permès materialitzar el prototipus emmarcant-lo en el que avui es coneix com a tecnologies de dosificació variable en el context de l'agricultura de precisió. De tots els aspectes que contempla aquesta pràctica, aquesta tesi doctoral s'enquadra en l'agricultura de precisió basada en sensors i en temps real. El prototipus consta d'un sistema per a la caracterització electrònica de la capçada, d'un sistema electrònic de regulació i d'actuadors que possibiliten la dosificació del brou fitosanitari en funció de les seves dimensions.<br/><br/>Els resultats obtinguts han validat les tres hipòtesis de partida i han satisfet tant l'objectiu general com els objectius específics plantejats. El sistema per a la caracterització de la capçada ha posat de manifest coeficients de variació d'entre el 30% i el 60% en plantacions de perers i pomers. Els assajos de validació finals han mostrat que hi ha una tendència clara a que els tractaments amb dosificació variable es comportin més favorablement que els tractaments convencionals. L'increment d'eficiència d'aplicació dels vuit tractaments variables analitzats ha estat d'entre l'1,37%, en el cas més desfavorable, i el 57,13%. Les pèrdues totals s'han vist reduïdes entre el 5,13% i el 55,72%. Tanmateix, durant la realització dels assajos i l'anàlisi dels resultats s'han identificat algunes mancances i es proposen una sèrie de millores per tal de solucionar-les. Tot i que el resultat d'aquesta tesi no és d'aplicació comercial immediata, s'ha validat un mètode i una tecnologia que poden representar un avenç vers la innovació i la implantació de la fructicultura de precisió.<br>El objetivo general de esta tesis es desarrollar un método dinámico de dosificación de productos fitosanitarios que permita incrementar significativamente la eficiencia de aplicación, reducir las pérdidas y disminuir la variabilidad de las deposiciones sin disminuir la eficacia de las aplicaciones en plantaciones frutícolas. El método propuesto se basa en la caracterización electrónica de las dimensiones de la copa y en dosificar el producto fitosanitario de forma variable, continua y en tiempo real. Este objetivo se ha establecido a partir de la formulación de tres hipótesis de partida sustentadas en la revisión bibliográfica y los conocimientos previos del grupo de investigación en el que se enmarca este trabajo. La Hipótesis 1 sostiene que las copas de las explotaciones frutícolas intensivas actuales de la zona de Lleida y similares presentan una variabilidad dimensional elevada y que ello contribuye a la variabilidad de las deposiciones. La Hipótesis 2 sostiene que es posible implementar un pulverizador equipado con la tecnología necesaria para la dosificación variable continua en tiempo real que permita adaptar la dosis aplicada a las características geométricas de las copas de la plantación. Y la Hipótesis 3 sostiene que un método dinámico de dosificación para la aplicación de productos fitosanitarios puede conseguir aplicaciones equivalentes o mejores que las que se realizan actualmente con métodos y equipos convencionales en términos de eficacia del tratamiento, de eficiencia de aplicación, de variabilidad de las deposiciones y de respeto por el medio ambiente.<br/><br/>Una vez desarrollado el método de dosificación variable, ha sido necesario implementar un prototipo de pulverizador capaz de ejecutarlo en condiciones de campo para proceder a su validación. La irrupción de la electrónica en la agricultura y su progresiva implantación desde finales del siglo pasado han permitido materializar el prototipo enmarcándolo en lo que hoy se conoce como tecnologías de dosificación variable en el contexto de la agricultura de precisión. De todos los aspectos que contempla esta práctica, esta tesis doctoral se encuadra en la agricultura de precisión basada en sensores y en tiempo real. El prototipo consta de un sistema para la caracterización electrónica de la copa, de un sistema electrónico de regulación y de actuadores que posibilitan la dosificación del caldo fitosanitario en función de sus dimensiones.<br/><br/>Los resultados obtenidos han validado las tres hipótesis de partida y han satisfecho tanto el objetivo general como los objetivos específicos planteados. El sistema para la caracterización de la copa ha puesto de manifiesto coeficientes de variación de entre el 30% y el 60% en plantaciones de peras y manzanos. Los ensayos de validación finales han mostrado que hay una tendencia clara a que los tratamientos con dosificación variable se comporten más favorablemente que los tratamientos convencionales. El incremento de eficiencia de aplicación de los ocho tratamientos variables analizados ha sido de entre el 1,37%, en el caso más desfavorable, y el 57,13%. Las pérdidas totales se han visto reducidas entre el 5,13% y el 55,72%. Sin embargo, durante la realización de los ensayos el análisis de los resultados se han identificado algunas carencias y se propone una serie de mejoras para solucionarlas. Aunque el resultado de esta tesis no es de aplicación comercial inmediata, se ha validado un método y una tecnología que pueden representar un avance hacia la innovación y la implantación de la fruticultura de precisión.<br>The overall objective of this thesis is to develop a dynamic method to dose plant protection products in fruit orchards. This method should significantly increase the application efficiency, reduce losses and decrease the variability of the deposition without reducing the efficacy of applications. The proposed method is based on electronic characterization of canopy dimensions and on variable rate dosage of plant protection products in a continuous and real time mode. This goal has been established from the formulation of three hypotheses grounded in the literature review and in the knowledge of the research group on which this work is framed. Hypothesis 1 holds that canopies of current intensive fruit farms in Lleida and similar areas have a high dimensional variability and that this fact contributes to the variability of deposition of plant protection products. Hypothesis 2 holds that it is possible to implement a sprayer equipped with the proper technology to dose plant protection products in a continuous variable rate and real time manner to adapt the applied dose to the geometric characteristics of trees. Hypothesis 3 holds that applications based on a dynamic method for plant protection products dosage can achieve equivalent or better results than those performed with conventional methods and equipment in terms of efficacy, application efficiency, variability of deposits and respect to the environment.<br/><br/>Once a method of variable dosage was developed, it was necessary to implement a prototype sprayer able to execute the variable rate method in field conditions for validation. The advent of electronics in agriculture and its progressive adoption from the end of the last century have made it possible for the prototype to materialize, framing it in what today is known as variable rate technologies in the context of precision agriculture. From all aspects included in that practice, this thesis is focused on the real time sensor-based precision agriculture. The prototype consists of a system for the electronic characterization of the canopy, an electronic system to control the process, and actuators to vary the sprayed flow rate according to canopy dimensions.<br/><br/>The results have validated the three hypotheses and have met both the general and the specific objectives. The system for the electronic characterization of canopies has shown coefficients of variation between 30% and 60% in pear and apple orchards. The final validation tests show that there is a clear tendency of variable rate treatments to behave more favourably than conventional applications. The eight variable rate treatments analyzed, showed an increase in application efficiency from 1.37% to 57.13% and a reduction in total losses (to the ground and drift) from 5.13% to 55.72%. However, during the performance of trials and the analysis of the results some defects have been identified and a list of improvements to solve them is proposed. Although the outcome of this thesis is not of immediate commercial application, a method and a technology have been validated that could represent a step towards innovation and implementation in precision horticulture/fructiculture.

O objetivo desta investigação é saber quais os agentes bióticos/abióticos que podem contribuir para o produtor agroflorestal alterar a composição específica da sua floresta. Assim, recorreu-se a um inquérito, que cumpriu as questões éticas e obteve parecer positivo da CEIP. O questionário incluiu informações: sobre a caracterização do proprietário (idade, sexo, escolaridade, formação profissional). Contém informação sobre a caraterização da propriedade (regime, área total e florestal, principais espécies, localização - distrito e concelho). Engloba informação sobre a gestão de riscos florestais (ocorrência de incêndios, pragas/doenças, espécies invasoras ou outros). Abrange informação sobre: prevenção de riscos florestais – incêndios: gestão de combustíveis junto aos caminhos e métodos utilizados, controlo da vegetação espontânea na floresta e métodos usados, seguro de incêndios florestais, gestão/prevenção de pragas/doenças e métodos utilizados, gestão/prevenção de espécies invasoras e métodos usados, gestão/prevenção de outros riscos florestais. E inclui informação sobre a resposta aos riscos florestais (alterações das espécies e motivos, projeto de mudança). Devido ao COVID-19, realizou-se o Inquérito através do Google Forms, visando o Alentejo, tendose obtido 33 respostas. Após a receção e tratamento dos dados do inquérito verificouse que 54,5% dos proprietários eram do sexo masculino, 45,5% feminino; a média de idades é de 50 - 59 anos. A propriedade agroflorestal média foi de >50ha. Os inquiridos têm como espécies florestais: pinheiro bravo 57,1%, montado de sobreiro 53,6%, eucalipto e pinheiro manso 35,7%, montado misto 28,6%, outras espécies 25% e montado de azinheira 17,9%. Conclui-se que os proprietários têm conhecimento dos riscos florestais, mas não têm influenciado nas suas decisões de gestão florestal; apenas 11,1% tencionam mudar de espécie. Desses 11,1%, a maior parte pensa alterar as espécies florestais por razões económicas, escolhendo espécies mais rentáveis 66,7%. E 33,3% pondera a alteração de espécies florestais por ter sofrido riscos, nomeadamente, “elevada mortalidade de sobreiros”.<br>The purpose of this investigation is to know which biotic and abiotic agents may led the Agroforestry Producer to change the specific composition of their forest. A survey was used, which obtained ethical clearance from the CEIP. The survey included information on: the characterization of the owner (age, sex, education level and professional training). Contains information about the agroforestal property (tax regime, total area and forest area, main forest species, location by district and municipality). It includes information on forest risk management (the occurrence of fires, plagues and diseases, invasive species or others). Covers information on: forest risk prevention - fires: fuel management along the paths and methods used, spontaneous vegetation control within the forest and used methods, forest fire insurance, plague and disease management / prevention and used methods, management / prevention of invasive species and used methods, management / prevention of other forest risks and used methods. And it includes information about the forest risk response (changes in forest species and reasons, project for the change). Due to COVID-19, the survey was conducted through Google Forms, reaching the entirety of the Alentejo region, 33 inquiries were registed. After receiving and processing the survey data, it was found that 54,5% of the owners were male and 45,5% female; the average age was between 50 and 59 years. The average agroforestry property was >50ha. Respondents have as dominant forest species: Pinus pinaster 57,1%, cork oak forest – 53,6%, Eucalyptus and Pinus pinea – 35,7%, mixed Quercus suber and Quercus rotundifolia forest – 28,6%, other species 25% and Quercus rotundifolia forest – 17,9%. It is concluded that the owners are aware of forest risks, but these have not influenced their forest management decisions, because only 11,1% will change their forest species. Of that 11,1%, most plan to change forest species for economic reasons, choosing more profitable species (66.7%). And 33.3% consider the exchange of crops for having suffered forest risks, namely, "high mortality of cork oaks forest".

In its early days, agroforestry may have been viewed as the domain of the 'landcare enthusiast'. Today, integrating trees and shrubs into productive farming systems is seen as a core principle of sustainable agriculture. Agroforestry for Natural Resource Management provides the foundation for an understanding of agroforestry practice in both high and low rainfall zones across Australia.&#x0D; Three major areas are discussed: environmental functions of trees in the landscape (ecosystem mimicry, hydrology, protection of crops, animals and soil, biodiversity, aesthetics); productive functions of trees (timber, firewood, pulp, fodder, integrated multi-products); and the implementation of agroforestry (design, evaluation, establishment, adoption, policy support).&#x0D; The book also includes a DVD that features videos on forest measurement and harvesting, a Farm Forestry Toolbox and many regionally specific agroforestry resources. &#x0D; Written by leading researchers and practitioners from around Australia, Agroforestry for Natural Resource Management will be an essential resource for students in agroforestry courses, as well as a valuable introduction to the field for professionals in related areas.

The technological revolution in farming practices has allowed us to clear and cultivate more land, grow plants and animals faster, and kill a greater variety of pests and diseases than ever before. Unfortunately, these efficiencies are proving to be unsustainable in the long term and have created problems such as soil structural decline, erosion, salinity, soil acidification, loss of fertility, nutrient loading of waterways, dams and a build up of chemical residues.&#x0D; &#x0D; This book is about foreseeing and understanding such problems and addressing them before it is too late. John Mason examines all these problems and explains the concepts and long-term benefits of sustainable farming systems such as permaculture, biodynamics, organic farming, agroforestry, conservation tillage, and integrated hydroculture.&#x0D; &#x0D; Sustainable Agriculture 2nd Edition also looks at important issues such as monoculture versus polyculture, the use of hybrids, selection criteria for plants and stock, integrated pest management and preparing a farm for droughts and floods. Other areas examined include diversifying into farm tourism and value adding before selling produce.

AbstractThe fragmented forests of Taita Hills form an exceptional multi-functional socio-ecological production landscape with outstanding diversity of flora and fauna that provide ecosystem goods and services supporting human wellbeing and livelihood systems. However, these forests are threatened by illegal logging for wood products and encroachment for crop farming. A study was conducted in villages surrounding five forest fragments to establish the conservation programmes responsible for keeping these forests intact for provision of goods and services to the local communities. Semi-structured questionnaires were used to collect data from 250 respondents in 25 villages surrounding the five forest fragments. Twenty-five focus group discussions (FGDs) were held with key informants actively involved in conservation activities. Results showed that the Taita community conserves the forest fragments through management practices that integrate livelihood needs in conservation, such as butterfly farming, bee-keeping and ecotourism. Additionally, community tree nurseries have been established to produce seedlings for restoring degraded areas, and agroforestry belts have been established on the forests’ edges to provide wood products and protect the forests from encroachment. Likewise, village committees have been established to oversee conservation activities inside the village jurisdictional area. The integrated conservation and livelihood approach has reduced forest destruction, enhanced landscape connectivity for biodiversity conservation, increased incomes, enhanced capacity of the community to adapt to climate change, improved food security, enhanced carbon storage, strengthened traditional knowledge and practices, and ensured availability of clean water for the local population.

The agroforest sector plays a leading role as a biomass supplier to obtain bio-based products that allowed an acceleration in the circular bioeconomy transition. This chapter applied a mixed-methods review to identify new attractive bio-based products and to evaluate its market potential in Portugal. Forest biomass was identified as an excellent raw material for (1) low-carbon building materials, (2) biotextiles, and (3) bioplastics. The potential of agro-food waste to obtain new bio-based materials was also emphasised. The new bioproducts identified have high potential and attractive markets. It was estimated that a 5% market share of these bioproducts in the global construction, textiles, and plastics markets in 2030 corresponds to an aggregate increase in revenues of 260-579 million € per year in Portugal. The environmental sustainability implications arising from the diffusion of these new biomaterials are also highlighted, focusing on the decarbonisation of the economy.