6.
AGROFORESTRY COMPONENT INTERACTIONS
6.1. An overview of component interaction in AF
The success of AF relies heavily on the exploitation of
component interactions
Component interactions represent another critical aspect of
AF; its importance has been frequently recognized, but
knowledge about it is rather limited
Component interactions: refer to the influence of one
component of a system on the performance of the other
components as well as the system as a whole.
Cont…
The types of interactions in two-species populations
have often been described on the basis of net effect
of interactions
These concepts of observable net effects can also
be expressed by terms such as complementary,
supplementary, and competitive
The component interactions are also used to
describe the economic interactions
Figure 7. Nature of common types of biological interactions in agroforestry systems
Agronomists and, of late, AF researchers, have used the terms
"below-ground" and "above-ground" as adjectives to describe
interactions (mostly competitive) b/n components for growth factors
absorbed through roots (nutrients and water), and those
absorbed/intercepted through leaves (mainly radiant energy).
Cont…
The net results of an interaction can be positive (beneficial or
production-enhancing) and negative (harmful or production-
decreasing)
These positive or negative effects can be direct or indirect.
with respect to the herbaceous component, direct effects may
result from the physical presence of the woody component in the
system, which causes microclimate amelioration or nutrient
additions via litter fall and root decay.
Indirect effects may result from management practices
connected with or necessitated by the presence of woody
perennials, e.g., weeding, pruning, irrigation, or fertilization
Cont…
Interactions can be said to represent processes at the tree-
crop interface (TCI) and the tree-animal interface (TAI)
The balance between these positive and negative effects
determines the overall effect of the interactions on a given
AF combination.
an understanding of where and how interactions occur
indicates possible system-modification domains that can
be addressed through management activities.
Table 1.4 .The major positive and negative effects at the tree-crop interface (TCI)
and the tree-animal interface (TAI)
6.2. TREE- CROP INTERACTION
6.2.1. Positive (production- enhancing) interactions
At the tree-crops interface :
The major types of positive or complementary interactions
at the tree-crop interface (TCI) are those relating to
microclimate amelioration and
nutrient balance
The net effect of deferent +ve impacts which may translate
into increased yields
Shading causes a reduction of temperature and
temperature fluctuations
The presence of trees may have both +ve & -ive overall
effects on the water budget of the soil and the crops
growing in b/n or beneath them
Another potentially +ve interaction in AF systems is related
to weeds which suppresses some light-demanding weeds
The effect of shade is more severe for light-demanding
plants than for shade-tolerant plant
6.2.2. Negative (production - decreasing) interactions
At the tree-crops interface (TCI)
The major yield decreasing effects at the TCI arise from
competition for light, water and nutrients.
A) Competition for light
The availability of light may be the most limiting factor in
many situations, particularly those with relatively fertile
soils and adequate water availability.
Generally, the shade tolerance of crop plants depends on the
photosynthetic pathway and the product to be harvested.
B) Competition for nutrient
The crop is usually the smaller component (when compared
individually), its root system will usually be confined to soil horizons
that are also available to the roots of the trees.
Therefore, the effects of nutrient competition will probably be more
severe for the crop components.
C) Competition for water
With the exception of areas with well-distributed rainfall, or zonal
sites with a continuous supply of below-ground water, water
competition is likely to occur in most AF systems at some period of
time.
Cont…
The effect of these events depends on the severity of
the drought and the drought tolerance of the plants
Despite the use of drought-adapted plants, water
competition is likely to play a major role in the
productivity of AF systems, especially in dry areas
11
Table 1.5. Some examples of agroforestry-tree species
reported to have allelopathic effects.
D) Microclimatic modification for pests/diseases
The effect of plant associations on pest and disease
incidence is a potentially important but rather unexplored
area.
Bacterial and fungal diseases may increase in shaded,
more humid environments.
For example, the incidence of Phytophthora palmivora
on cacao increases greatly under conditions of heavy
shading.
The main reasons for this are probably greater relative
humidity and decreased wind, both of which tend to favor
fungal growth.
6.3. Tree-Animal interaction
6.3.1. Positive (production- enhancing) interactions
At the tree-animal interface (TAI)
The positive interactions at the TAI can affect overall
system productivity in various ways.
weeds or tree fodder can be transformed into animal
biomass with high nutritional and monetary value.
productivity of the individual system components can
be increased through the transfer of manure as a fertilizer
source.
animals in the tropics generally benefit from the shade
provided by trees: to reduce heat stress.
Depending on the degree of climatic stress(high
temperature), the breed and the type of animal, and the
quantity and quality of available pasture, total feed intake
may be reduced.
Animals in shade generally show higher feed conversion
and ultimately higher weight gain or milk production.
Generally, shade and high quality fodder are important
requirements for better productivity and higher
reproduction of animals in the tropics.
6.3.2. Negative (production - decreasing) interactions
At the tree-animal interface (TAI)
The most important negative interactions between
animals and plants can be classified as direct effects
Low quality or toxic components within, tree fodder can
adversely affect livestock production.
mechanical damage of trees or deterioration of soil
properties, e.g., through compaction, can have a negative
impact on the woody perennial component.
The presence of high levels of phenolic compounds
(tannins) or strong odors found in the leaves of species
such as Cassia siamea and Gliricidia sepium may reduce
palatability or acceptability of the fodder.
certain cases, a toxic or deterrent compound can be
extracted and used for pest control.
Azadirachta indica(Neem tree), from Neem leaves, neem
oil, and neem "cake" as well as a water extract of crushed
seeds, provide a cheap and effective means of pest control.
Summary
Agroforestry success depends on component interactions.
Positive interactions enhance sustainability.
Negative interactions require careful management.
Integration ensures resilience.