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Alley
Cropping
Alley
cropping is one of the simplest and most widespread agroforestry
practices in sloping lands. It involves planting of hedgerows along
the contours and growing agricultural crops in the "alleys"
formed between hedgerows. The hedgerows are planted to one or more
rows of woody perennials and are regularly pruned to prevent shading.
Prunings are used as green manure or mulch, which contributes to
the soil nutrients when decomposed, thereby promoting efficient
nutrient cycle. Planting
hedgerows is done to minimize soil erosion by trapping sediments
at the base of the hedgerows and reducing surface runoff velocity.
After a few years, terraces are formed. Alley cropping is applicable
in stabilizing and promoting the sustainabilitty of upland (hilly
land) farms devoted to annual crops such as corn, rice, and vegetables.
Without hedgerows, these farms are most ecologically vulnerable
to erosion with rates of up to 200 t/ha as against the maximum
acceptable level of 12 t/ha.
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Source:
Agroforestry and multipurpose trees and shrubs R&D team, 2003.
R&D Status and Directions (2000 and beyond): Agroforestry
and multipurpose trees and shrubs, PCARRD, Los Baños,
Laguna, 45p.
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