Agro-Ecology: Basis of Agro-Forestry and Wood-Lots

Agro-ecology combines perennial, multipurpose crops with annual, agricultural cash crops to enhance agricultural systems. This approach mimics natural processes, where fertilizer and pesticides are not added, and the ecosystem takes care of itself, creating an efficient, productive balance between all species present. Agro-ecology can be thought of as similar to a natural forest, where all growing space is used, and crops fit together vertically, horizontally, and underground. The design and implementation of agro-ecosystems involve several key elements, including layers of a forest-ecosystem, fertility in a forest, pest-control, and reproduction of agro-ecology systems. These elements are carefully considered to create a stronger system by recycling nutrients and energy, integrating crops and livestock, diversifying crops, and creating beneficial interactions between all species, animals, and human uses. Careful consideration is given to time when crops and trees are planted, with the first plants established being adapted to full sunlight. Plants that can give shade are planted before plants that can tolerate or require shade, and plants that enrich the soil are planted before plants that require lots of nutrients. This approach has been found to increase productivity by an average of 79% using an agro-ecology system. The benefits of agro-ecology include improved year-round production of food and useful products, reduced labor and expensive inputs, protection and improvement of soil and water sources, increased production, increased adaptability to change in weather patterns, and shade for vegetables and other crops that require or tolerate shade. By employing agro-ecology, the Cambodia HARVEST initiative aims to create a more sustainable and productive agricultural system. The initiative is supported by the American People through the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), and the content of this bulletin is the sole responsibility of Fintrac Inc. The bulletin highlights the potential of agro-ecology to improve agricultural productivity and sustainability in Cambodia, and it provides a framework for designing and implementing agro-ecosystems that can be adapted to local conditions.