EXERCISE 1

Group 2.

TITLE: Description of Various Agroforestry Farming Systems

INTRODUCTION:

Agroforestry is an old farming practice that existed thousands of years ago.

Lately, this old-time practice became a science due to knowledge generations
through scientific researches that brought forth to the existence of various
technologies related to agroforestry. The definition of agroforestry has evolved with
time. Lundren and Raintree (1983) defined agroforestry as a collective name for land-
use systems and technologies where woody perennials are deliberately used in the
same land management unit as agricultural crops and/or animals either in some form
of spatial arrangement or temporal sequence. This definition has been expanded in
scope by Leakey in 1996 who defined agroforestry as dynamic, ecologically-based,
natural resources management systems that integrate trees on farms and in forestry
and agricultural landscapes, in order to diversify and sustain production. Leakey’s
definition does not only consider the upland as the scope of agroforestry but also
included the lowland communities.

Agroforestry has become a popular land use management system in various

places of the tropics including the Philippines. In fact, there are various systems of
agroforestry that were employed by many practitioners. These different agroforestry
systems have unique features making them distinct from each other.

OBJECTIVES:

At the end of the exercise, the students are expected to:

1. identify the various agroforestry system within a community;

2. describe the various features of different agroforestry systems;
3. compare the various distinct features of the different agroforestry systems;
and
4. appreciate the importance of the different agroforestry systems.

MATERIALS/EQUIPMENT:

1. Record Book/Note Book

2. Pencil
3. Camera

METHODOLOGY:

1. Visited at least two (2) agroforestry farming practices in the adjacent

barangays/places.
2. Observed the spatial arrangement of the various vegetation that were present
in each agroforestry farm. Made a rough sketch of the observations.
3. Made a list or note of the combination of vegetation employed in each
agroforestry farm. A list of the vegetation is provided below.
4. Examined the purpose of such combination (if possible, made an interview
with the owner/manager).
 5. Made a list of the distinctive features of the two agroforestry farms.
6. Documented the agroforestry farms that were visited.

QUESTIONS TO ANSWER:

1. Describe briefly the farming systems adopted by the farmer/owner:

Farm A.

The farmer/owner has adopted a comprehensive agroforestry system on their

one-and-a-half-hectare farm. The farming system involves the cultivation of various
trees, including cacao, coconut, avocados, gmelina, white lauan, and santol, with an
emphasis on fruit trees. The combination of crops was initially designed to provide
shading for the cacao plants, addressing the crop's sensitivity to excessive heat. The
Cocoa-Legume system and Cocoa-Timber systems were studied for timber
production and cocoa yields. Results showed that shade tree species did not
negatively affect cocoa yields or pod counts. Timber species should be promoted for
shade in cacao plantations due to their potential production. (Somarriba & Beer,
2010) Over the two years of practicing agroforestry, the farmer has integrated
organic and inorganic chemicals for plant growth, consistently monitored for pests,
and maintained an uncrowded environment, attracting a diverse range of bird
species. The farm's ecological role includes contributing to continuous harvesting
without soil degradation, promoting environmental sustainability through tree
planting, and creating a haven for fresh air. Despite facing challenges such as human
disturbances and unauthorized fruit picking, the farmer remains committed to
sustainable and ecologically responsible farming practices.

Farm B.

The farming systems embraced by the farmer/owner encompass a specialized

focus on cacao cultivation, "Cocoa-based agroforests play an important role in farmer
livelihood and the global environment, but their poor yields and tree aging put their
fate at risk." (Possú et al., 2022). Strategically chosen for its manifold benefits. This
approach involves a multi-cropping system that includes cacao, falcata, gmelina,
coconut, and bananas. The deliberate combination of these crops is designed to
provide consistent income, with cacao trees forming the core element due to their
unique environmental impact and market advantages. The farm operates on a
quarterly harvest schedule, offering a more relaxed work pace compared to daily
harvesting practices. Farm management practices involve cleanliness, pesticide
application for cacao trees, and the use of specific fertilizers to promote growth and
flowering. Challenges, such as fruit picking by children and insect infestations, are
diligently addressed through regular pruning and careful attention to maintain the
health and longevity of the trees. The primary force behind the domestication of trees
worldwide is farmer agroforestry practices. (Aumeeruddy‐Thomas & Michon, 2018).
The farm plays a significant role in contributing to environmental well-being,
particularly through the perennial nature of cacao trees, which serve as sources of
oxygen. Future plans for the farm revolve around community development, job
creation, and addressing climate change concerns. The chosen spacing between
plants is informed by agricultural knowledge gained from seminars, ensuring optimal
growth conditions. The purpose of combination farming or the multi-cropping method
is to diversify income sources, acknowledging the necessity of generating steady,
albeit smaller, income streams to cover ongoing expenses.

2. List of vegetation

Agroforestry Perennial Annual Purpose

farm

• Cacao • Corn Long-term,

A • Coconut • Rice sustained yield
• Avocados • Vegetables
• Gmelina
• white lauan
• Santol
• Bamboo
• Banana

• Yemane • Corn Long-term,

B • Ipil-ipil • Sugarcane sustained yields
• Falcata
• Banana
• Cacao
• Marang
• Coffee

3. Rough Sketch of the Farm.

FARM A

FARM B

4. Give the distinctive features of the three Farms.

Agroforestry Farm Distinctive Features Classification

Farm A is undergoing a transformation The farm is

into a demonstration farm, making it open agrisivicultural, and
A to the public as a tourist agro-farm. The zonal or strips
spacing of the vegetation adopts a 2-3 including
meters interval, employing both the Multi- Functional basis.
storey system and Alley Cropping. This
design is implemented due to the slightly
sloped or moderately rugged nature of
the land. The temporal arrangement of
crops is coordinated, ensuring a
harmonious and synchronized growth
pattern.

Farm B distinguishes itself with a crop An

spacing of 1 meter, a deliberate choice Agrosilvopastural
influenced by the extended maturity classification
 period of cacao trees. This arrangement component, and a
B aims to prevent branches from colliding subsistence basis.
as the trees grow larger. The farm is
designed as a multi-cropping system,
promoting diversity in cultivation.
Additionally, it incorporates a windbreak
system featuring a sparse mixed strip,
providing protection against wind impact.
Notably, the temporal arrangement of
crops follows a separate schedule,
ensuring optimal growth and
management of each crop variety.

CONCLUSION:

The examination of agroforestry farms A and B underscores distinct and

locally-tailored farming systems. Farm A strategically combines perennial and annual
crops in a multi-storey, alley cropping arrangement on sloped terrain, with a focus on
sustaining long-term yields. In contrast, Farm B centers on specific perennial crops
like cacao in a closely spaced agrosilvopastoral system, primarily for subsistence
income. Both farms contribute significantly to the ecosystem by integrating trees and
showcase the diverse spectrum of agroforestry practices. While differences are
evident in spacing, crop selection, integration of livestock, and public accessibility,
shared elements include intentional temporal planning, commitment to sustainable
land use, and motivations for income diversification. The analysis reaffirms the
importance of adapting agroforestry systems to local conditions, emphasizing their
potential to reconcile economic, social, and environmental benefits.

RECOMMENDATIONS:

• For Farm A, optimize the spatial arrangement and crop combinations to

improve productivity within the sloped land constraints. Stagger the planting
of annual crops between the perennial crops to maximize usage of space.
• For Farm B, consider integrating nitrogen-fixing trees like falcata within the
tight spacing to enrich the soil for sustained cacao yields.
• Explore marketing opportunities for Farm A to sell produce and value-added
products to visitors as an agrotourism model. This can supplement income.
• Develop a crop calendar for Farm B to schedule activities like pruning, pest
management, and harvesting to efficiently handle the multiple crops.
• Given the unauthorized fruit picking challenges faced, erect fencing around
the periphery of both farms to restrict unwanted access. Explore creative
options like live fencing.
• To address the insect pest issues, employ integrated pest management
techniques like pheromone traps, parasitoids, and biological pesticides.
Maintain cleanliness in the farms.
• Diversify the crop portfolio on both farms with suitable regional options to
spread risks against crop failures and price fluctuations.
 • Learn from seminars and experienced farmers to gain knowledge on optimal
practices for spacing, fertilization, shade regulation etc based on the crops
grown.
• Document the costs and returns from the diverse farming systems over time
to identify the combinations that provide good economic returns.

REFERENCES:

Lasco, RD. and RG Visco. 2003, Introduction to Agroforestry: A lecture

Manual. PAFERN79 p.

Lasco, RD. 1994. Soil and Water conservation: Significance. In Training

Manual on Soil and water Conservation and Management. UPLB
Agroforestry Program. UPLB College Laguna.

PCARRD. 2006. The Philippines Recommends for Agroforestry. Series No.

59-A. 90p.

PCARRD. 2008. The Philippines Recommends for Conservation Farming in

the Sloping Lands No. 59-A. 90p.

Wiersum, KF. 1994. Agroforestry Ecosystems. Course reader. 78 p.

Possú, W. B., Valencia, J. C. S., & Navia-Estrada, J. F. (2022). Assessment

of a Cocoa-Based agroforestry system in the southwest of Colombia.
Sustainability, 14(15), 9447.

Somarriba, E., & Beer, J. (2010). Productivity of Theobroma cacao

agroforestry systems with timber or legume service shade trees.
Agroforestry Systems, 81(2), 109–121.

Aumeeruddy‐Thomas, Y., & Michon, G. (2018). Agroforestry. The

International Encyclopedia of Anthropology, 1–7.