Training on
Sustainable Agroforestry Practices in the Southeastern Region
September 11, 2015
Caprine
Research and Education Unit (Goat Farm)
Tuskegee
University, Tuskegee, AL
Agroforestry is a sustainable land-use system that involves the intentional integration and management of trees, crops, and/or livestock in a single management unit. This system offers more economical, environmental, and social benefits compared to the sole operation of its components. Well-managed agroforestry systems provide economic viability through regular, short-term incomes from crop and/or livestock components, and long-term incomes from trees. Most of the Southeastern forest consists of pine trees, which require 20 to 30 years to mature. Landowners with sole pine plantations have to manage the tree stands (thinning, pruning, and burning) several times before trees are harvested and also pay property tax annually; similar scenario is true with non-pine woodland. However, they cannot get any regular incomes from the woodland to support these costs unless 
agroforestry practices are adopted, which is possible after the first thinning and pruning that open up more ground surface and allow more sunlight penetration to the ground for understory vegetation growth. Livestock farmers can get more forages/grazing if a silvopasture system is practiced and grazing animals may have a more comfortable environment while in the sivlvopasture compared to where there are no trees. Similarly, different types of vegetables, fruits, and many other crops can be grown in the well-managed agroforestry systems and get benefits from regular short-term incomes. Moreover, under a think hardwood forest canopy, different medicinal plants can be grown and additional, regular incomes can be obtained.
agroforestry practices are adopted, which is possible after the first thinning and pruning that open up more ground surface and allow more sunlight penetration to the ground for understory vegetation growth. Livestock farmers can get more forages/grazing if a silvopasture system is practiced and grazing animals may have a more comfortable environment while in the sivlvopasture compared to where there are no trees. Similarly, different types of vegetables, fruits, and many other crops can be grown in the well-managed agroforestry systems and get benefits from regular short-term incomes. Moreover, under a think hardwood forest canopy, different medicinal plants can be grown and additional, regular incomes can be obtained.
The objective of this
program is to educate forest landowners, farmers, and agricultural
professionals, and eventually make them able to implement sustainable
agroforestry practices to efficiently utilize their resources in order to
benefit current as well as future generations. Experts from Tuskegee University,
Alabama A&M University, and Alcorn State University will be speaking at the
event. Funding support for this program is provided by Southern SARE. More
information about the event is presented in the Program Flyer and Agenda.
Participation to this event is free;
however, preregistration is required
for management purpose by August 15,
2015. Please reserve your place by August 15 registering online, or filling and mailing the registration form to Mr. Yubaraj Karki, 201 Morrison-Mayberry Hall, Tuskegee
University Cooperative Extension Program, Tuskegee, AL 36088; or email to ykarki@mytu.tuskegee.edu, or
fax to 334-724-4344. Light breakfast, working lunch, and afternoon snacks and
drinks (hot and cold) will be provided.
Please register
quickly and secure your seat on time. Light breakfast, working lunch, and
afternoon snacks and drinks (hot and cold) will be provided to the first 40 registrants.
