Agroforestry

Agroforestry is an important step in forestry management and agricultural production. Access Penn State Extension’s resources on forestry business and agroforestry systems. Find advice on best management practices, sustainable forest harvesting, and record keeping. Tips on the wood products industry, including the production of ginseng, moss, and goldenseal, are available.

What Is Agroforestry

Agroforestry is a land management approach that integrates trees and shrubs into agricultural/land-use systems. Implementing this approach can offer various environmental benefits, including reduced soil erosion, increased biodiversity, and reduced carbon emissions. Additionally, agroforestry can provide income from forest wood products and high-value specialty crops.

From selling sawed lumber to sawmill dust, the forest products industry in Pennsylvania can utilize all parts of a tree or log. While trees are growing and increasing in value, cultivating crops in the forest’s understory may be a sensible option for many landowners.

Medicinal plants, especially American ginseng, are often high-value crops that can be cultured in a variety of forested habitats. Another high-value crop to consider is the maple tree. The most suitable species for maple syrup production in PA is the sugar maple.

When starting a nontimber secondary enterprise to improve your income, having a forest management plan in place is important. To ensure successful agroforestry, the plan should predict the available natural resources and secure their sustainability into the future. Landowners looking to manage their land sustainably can find detailed information – as well as assistance – through Penn State Extension and the PA Partners for Sustainable Forests.

Agroforestry Best Practices

Agroforestry helps reduce pressure on natural forests and promotes sustainable woodland management. Managing forested/agricultural land sustainably involves meeting social, ecological, and economic needs in a way that conserves ecosystems for the benefit of current and future generations.

Harvesting timber is an important part of most agroforestry systems and an essential management tool. It can bring income and have a lasting, positive impact on the woodlands. To ensure ecological and economic sustainability, it’s sensible to analyze both the short-term economic returns and the long-term consequences of timber harvest.

In addition, implementing forest stewardship principles can help protect natural resources and keep forests healthy and productive. These principles include maintaining biodiversity in the forest and landscape, improving soils and water resources, and managing forests for energy storage.

Penn State Extension offers comprehensive resources on agroforestry and forest stewardship. Join the Woodland Stewardship: Management Practices online course to learn all there is about forest ecosystems, management, and stewardship practices. Practical information is available on identifying trees, collecting field data on a forest stand, and protecting water quality.