Additional Applications

Additional applications are “new twists” to familiar agroforestry practices. These are tree and shrub plantings that can help solve special resource concerns, provide benefits not commonly associated with agroforestry practices, or are plantings used in nontraditional locations like the rural-urban interface or within communities.

Some additional applications include the utilization of wastewater to produce a short rotation woody crop, plantings to help stabilize streambanks and floodplains, windbreaks to mitigate odor from livestock operations, living snow fences to manage drifting snow along roads, practices to provide energy conservation and production, plantings producing edible fruits and nuts, and buffers to reduce noise and support pollinators.

A scientific synthesis by NAC has found that agroforestry practices can provide three key benefits for pollinators: (1) providing habitat including foraging resources and nesting or egg-laying sites, (2) enhancing site and landscape connectivity, and (3) mitigating pesticide exposure.

Bumblebee on a flower. — Riparian forest buffers and other agroforestry applications can support pollinators.
(USDA Natural Agroforestry Center photo)

Buffer of trees and shrubs planted around a poultry barn. — Simulation of an odor control buffer around a poultry barn.
(USDA Natural Agroforestry Center photo)

Spray cart spraying wastewater between rows of poplar trees. — Planting poplars can be used as a wastewater management technique.
(USDA Natural Agroforestry Center photo)

NRCS employee looking at coffee berries on the trees. — Riparian forest buffers can also be used to produce edible nuts and fruits.
(USDA Natural Resources Conservation photo)

These types of agroforestry applications can have particular relevance at the rural-urban interface, where they can provide significant environmental benefits while allowing the land to remain economically and socially productive. Agroforestry can also support green infrastructure networks. This connectivity helps filter and reduce storm water runoff, provides travel corridors for wildlife, creates recreational space, and improves air and water quality for the whole watershed. These plantings can also provide locally sourced food. Cumulatively, these functions contribute to the overall health and sustainability of a community and its neighbors.

Additional applications will continually be developed as people find new and innovative uses for agroforestry science and technology.