The Role of Agroforestry in Soil Conservation and Sustainable Crop Production: A Comprehensive Review
Amanpreet Kaur *
Forest Research Institute, India.
Rohit Gowtham Paruchuri
Mallareddy University, Hyderabad. India.
Prayasi Nayak
GBPUAT pantnagar uttarakhand, India.
Khumanthem Babina Devi
Mizoram University, India.
Lalit Upadhyay
Department of Agroforestry, SKUAST-Jammu, India.
Arvinder Kumar
SKUAST-Jammu, India.
Roshan Pancholi
Department of Agroforestry, BHU, India.
Mulinti Yousuf
Department of Agricultural & Horticultural Sciences, Vignan's Foundation for Science, Technology & Research (Deemed to be University), Guntur -Tenali Rd, Vadlamudi, Andhra Pradesh-522213, India.
*Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Abstract
This comprehensive review examines the pivotal role of agroforestry in promoting soil conservation and sustainable crop production. The introduction sets the foundation by elucidating the significance of agroforestry in addressing environmental challenges and ensuring food security. Subsequent sections delve into various agroforestry practices and techniques employed for soil conservation. The review also explores the influence of agroforestry on soil properties and microbial diversity, highlighting its positive impact on soil health. Additionally, the role of agroforestry in enhancing nutrient cycling and soil fertility is discussed, showcasing its potential to improve crop productivity. The paper culminates with case studies and insights that demonstrate the successful integration of agroforestry systems to support sustainable agriculture and land management practices.
Keywords: Agroforestry, soil conservation, sustainable crop production, soil properties, nutrient cycling, microbial diversity