Training on Sustainable Agroforestry Practices
September 22, 2017
102 Mary Starke Harper Hall & the Agroforestry Research and Demonstration Site
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 much 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 thick 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 thick 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 North Carolina A&T State University will be speaking at the event. Funding support for this event is provided by USDA NIFA. 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 September 8, 2017. Please reserve your place by September 8 registering online, or filling and mailing the registration form (click on "Upcoming Events" tab, and click the "registration form" to download the form) to Ms. Yvonne Wright, 201 Morrison-Mayberry Hall, Tuskegee University Cooperative Extension Program, Tuskegee, AL 36088; or email to wright@mytu.tuskegee.edu, or fax to 334-727-8812. Light breakfast, working lunch, and afternoon snacks and drinks (hot and cold) will be provided to the first 30 registrants.
Any question about the program must be directed to Dr. Uma
Karki, Phone: 334-727-8336, Email: karkiu@mytu.tuskegee.edu
