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Light distribution at the fruit tree-crop interface and consequences for yield in sloping upland agroforestry
Huu Thuong Pham1,2, Nguyen La2, Ingrid Öborn1
1Department of Crop Production Ecology, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences (SLU), Sweden.
Heliyon
|October 21, 2024
Summary
Slope significantly impacts light distribution in fruit tree-crop agroforestry, with downslope areas receiving less light and lower crop yields. Optimizing light use on slopes is key for enhancing agroforestry productivity.
Area of Science:
- Agroforestry systems
- Agronomy
- Horticulture
- Soil science
Background:
- Agroforestry enhances farm productivity and soil conservation but faces challenges from tree-crop competition.
- Slope effects on light distribution in agroforestry systems are poorly understood, limiting optimization on uneven terrain.
- Existing research on light competition in agroforestry primarily focuses on flat land, neglecting topographical influences.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate how slope aspect influences light distribution within fruit tree-crop agroforestry systems.
- To assess the impact of slope on maize and coffee crop performance in an agroforestry setting.
- To determine the relationship between crop position relative to tree rows and light interception/yield on sloping land.
Main Methods:
- Utilized Hemiview and SunScan tools to measure light distribution in a five-year-old fruit tree-crop agroforestry experiment on a west-southwest facing slope.
- Divided the experimental area into nine zones relative to tree rows, with zones 1-4 upslope and 6-9 downslope.
- Compared light distribution and crop growth/yield in agroforestry with sole-maize and sole-coffee systems.
Main Results:
- Incident light was lower in agroforestry than in sole-crop systems, with significantly less light reaching crops downslope of tree rows.
- Light availability increased with distance from tree rows, but downslope positions showed a stronger negative effect on light and yield.
- Approximately 40-50% of total incident light reached the soil surface, indicating potential for understory components.
Conclusions:
- Slope significantly affects light distribution and crop yield in fruit tree-crop agroforestry, with downslope areas being more disadvantaged.
- Understanding slope-mediated light dynamics is crucial for designing productive agroforestry systems on varied terrain.
- Further research into crop-specific light requirements throughout the growing season can refine agroforestry system design for improved productivity.
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