The Role of Agroforestry in Enhancing Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services
Yalal Mallesh
Department of Silviculture and Agroforestry, Rani Lakshmi Bai Central Agricultural University, Jhansi, 284003, India.
Alankrita Shah
Department of Forestry (Silviculture and Agroforestry), Jawaharlal Nehru Krishi Vishwa Vidyalaya, Jabalpur, India.
Toshika Tamrakar
Rani Lakshmi Bai Central Agricultural University, Jhansi, 284003, India.
Shivam Dinkar
Department of Forestry, College of Agriculture Raipur, Indira Gandhi Krishi Vishwavidyalaya, Raipur, Chhattisgarh, 492012, India.
Palak Chaurasia
Department of Silviculture and Agroforestry, College of Horticulture and Forestry, Acharya Narendra deva University of Agriculture and Technology, Kumarganj, AYODHYA, 224229, India.
Shikha Singh Tanwar
Department of Forestry, Wildlife and Environmental Sciences, Guru Ghasidas Vishwavidyalaya (A Central University), Bilaspur Chhattisgarh, 495009, India.
Akunuri Supriya *
Department of Forestry, College of Agriculture Raipur, Indira Gandhi Krishi Vishwavidyalaya, Raipur, Chhattisgarh, 492012, India.
Maloth Suresh
Department of Forest Resources Management, Rani Lakshmi Bai Central Agricultural University, Jhansi, 284003, India.
*Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Abstract
Agroforestry, the practice of integrating trees with agricultural crops and livestock, has emerged as a sustainable land-use approach with multiple ecological, economic, and social benefits. This review explores the role of agroforestry in enhancing biodiversity and ecosystem services such as soil fertility, water regulation, carbon sequestration, and habitat provision. Despite its potential, agroforestry faces challenges related to knowledge gaps, economic barriers, and insufficient policy support. This paper synthesizes current research on the contributions of agroforestry to biodiversity conservation and ecosystem services, emphasizing its importance in achieving sustainable agricultural practices and mitigating climate change.
Keywords: Agroforestry, biodiversity, ecosystem services, carbon sequestration, soil fertility, water regulation, climate change, habitat creation, sustainable agriculture