| Popis: |
Alley cropping, or planting woody perennials rows in arable or vegetable fields, is an innovative idea worthy of exploration by farmers seeking both an additional long term income, rather than income based solely on annual production, and to increase the environmental resilience of their system. It is advisable that the trees and shrubs planted should have some of the following characteristics: i) produce a product or multiple products (e.g., timber, nuts) with an acceptable local market, ii) have deep roots to reduce competition with the crops, iii) do not produce allelochemicals or acid foliage that would prevent some crops growing under them. Companion crops, planted in the alleys between the tree rows, may be: 1) cereal and forage crops; 2) fruits, berries, ornamental or aromatic/medicinal plants; or 3) biomass producing crops. In the initial stages, the growing environment in the alley will be favorable to row crops requiring full sun. As trees grow, they will increase shade, water and nutrient competition and humidity levels, decreased temperatures and wind, so shade tolerant species will be more suitable then. The management of trees includes weed control, pruning and thinning. |
