Forest farming
Forest farming, also known as multi-story agroforestry, involves the cultivation of high-value specialty crops under the protection of a managed forest canopy. This approach mimics natural forest ecosystems and leverages the vertical space by integrating multiple layers of vegetation.
Key Features
Multilayered Production: Crops are grown in multiple layers, from tall canopy trees to shrubs, herbs, and ground cover.
Managed Canopy: The forest canopy is managed to control light, moisture, and competition, ensuring optimal conditions for the understory crops.
Diverse Crops: Includes medicinal herbs, mushrooms, nuts, fruits, and ornamental plants.
Sustainable Harvesting: Emphasizes sustainable and non-destructive harvesting methods to ensure long-term productivity.
Benefits
Biodiversity: Supports diverse plant and animal species, promoting a balanced ecosystem.
Economic Diversification: Provides multiple income streams from various crops and forest products.
Soil Health: The multilayered system reduces soil erosion and improves nutrient cycling.
Climate Resilience: Diverse plantings can better withstand pests, diseases, and changing weather patterns.
Challenges
Knowledge Gap: Requires specific knowledge about compatible plant species and forest ecology.
Initial Setup: Establishment can be labor-intensive and may require significant time before yielding profits.
Market Challenges: Some specialty crops might have niche markets that are not always easily accessible.
Name
Forest farming
Description
Forest farming, also known as multi-story agroforestry, involves the cultivation of high-value specialty crops under the protection of a managed forest canopy. This approach mimics natural forest ecosystems and leverages the vertical space by integrating multiple layers of vegetation.
Types
Cover