Agroforestry Systems最新文献

{"title":"Valorizing of mulberry silkworm (Bombyx mori L.) frass as a nitrogen fertilizer on growth and economic attributes of tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum Mill.)","authors":"K. Elango,&nbsp;V. Dhinesh,&nbsp;V. Divyabharathi,&nbsp;S. Abinandhan,&nbsp;K. S. Chenduran,&nbsp;C. Dineshkumar,&nbsp;V. C. Geetha","doi":"10.1007/s10457-026-01490-y","DOIUrl":"10.1007/s10457-026-01490-y","url":null,"abstract":"<div><p>This study evaluated the potential of mulberry silkworm (<i>Bombyx mori</i> L.) frass and mulberry leaf litter as organic nitrogen sources, applied individually and in combination with chemical fertilizers, on soil fertility, plant growth, reproductive traits, and yield of tomato (<i>Solanum lycopersicum</i> L.). A polyhouse experiment was conducted from November 2024–August 2025 at Kumaraguru Institute of Agriculture, Tamil Nadu, using a Completely Randomized Design (CRD) with nine treatments with five replications. The treatments consisted of different proportions of chemical nitrogen fertilizer, silkworm frass, and mulberry leaf litter based on the recommended NPK dose for hybrid tomato cultivation. The results indicated that mulberry leaf litter contained higher nitrogen content (0.815% fresh and 0.70% dry basis) compared to silkworm frass (0.30% in early instar and 0.35% in late instar). Among the treatments, T6 (75% chemical fertilizer + 25% leaf litter) significantly improved vegetative growth, recording the maximum plant height (146.50 cm), highest number of leaflets (282.96), and maximum number of branches (5.5) at 60 days after transplanting. The same treatment also produced the highest number of flower clusters (15.3 Nos.), fruit clusters (3.5 Nos.), fruits per plant (51.40 Nos.), and total yield (2.91 kg per plant). In contrast, T3 (75% chemical fertilizer + 25% silkworm frass) produced the highest individual fruit weight (63.7g) and largest fruit diameter (8.8 cm). Correlation analysis showed that most vegetative and reproductive parameters were positively associated with tomato yield. Plant height, number of leaves, branches, flower clusters, fruits per cluster, and fruits per plant exhibited positive correlations with yield, indicating that enhanced vegetative growth and reproductive development contributed to higher productivity. The findings suggest that the integration of mulberry leaf litter and silkworm frass with chemical fertilizers can improve tomato yield, enhance soil fertility, and reduce reliance on synthetic fertilizers, thereby promoting sustainable nutrient management in tomato cultivation.</p><h3>Graphical abstract</h3>\u0000<div><figure><div><div><picture><source><img></source></picture></div></div></figure></div></div>","PeriodicalId":7610,"journal":{"name":"Agroforestry Systems","volume":"100 5","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.2,"publicationDate":"2026-03-30","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147561925","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Effects of amendment of biochar and Gliricidia sepium biomass on growth and yield of Sorghum bicolor under different agroforestry parklands in Northern Benin","authors":"Amos Baninwain Nambima Dene,&nbsp;Narcisse Yehouenou,&nbsp;Abdoul Sodick Alassiri,&nbsp;Thierry Dèhouégnon Houehanou,&nbsp;Gerard Nounagnon Gouwakinnou","doi":"10.1007/s10457-026-01485-9","DOIUrl":"10.1007/s10457-026-01485-9","url":null,"abstract":"<div><p>Over recent decades, soil fertility across West Africa has progressively declined due to unsustainable land management practices, resulting in reduced agricultural productivity and crop yields. To address this challenge, the adoption of sustainable techniques such as agroforestry has become increasingly critical. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of biochar and <i>Gliricidia sepium</i> biomass amendments on the performance of <i>Sorghum bicolor</i> within different agroforestry tree species environment. A split-plot experimental design was implemented, comprising three blocks, each associated with a distinct tree species: <i>Parkia biglobosa</i>, <i>Vitellaria paradoxa</i>, and <i>Lannea microcarpa</i>. Within each block, four soil amendment treatments (control, <i>Gliricidia</i> biomass, biochar, and <i>Gliricidia</i> + biochar) were applied in concentric zones located beneath and outside the tree canopy. A generalized linear mixed-effects model was used to analyze leaf number variation, while a linear mixed-effects model assessed the impact of amendments on sorghum growth and yield parameters. The findings revealed that the spatial position within the agroforestry tree environment significantly influenced sorghum performance. The highest grain yields were recorded under <i>Parkia biglobosa</i>, whereas <i>Vitellaria paradoxa</i> and <i>Lannea microcarpa</i> were associated with reduced plant height, leaf number, and grain weight. Although soil nitrogen content and water retention were not directly measured, the positive effects of the combined amendment are consistent with previously reported improvements in nutrient availability and soil physical properties. Overall, these findings highlight the importance of tree species selection and integrated soil amendment strategies in enhancing sorghum productivity within agroforestry parkland systems on degraded soils.</p></div>","PeriodicalId":7610,"journal":{"name":"Agroforestry Systems","volume":"100 4","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.2,"publicationDate":"2026-03-25","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147561827","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Influence of cacao management on tree diversity, carbon stocks and soil properties in the cabruca agroecosystem: a case study in land reform settlements in southern Bahia, Brazil","authors":"Durval Libânio Netto Mello,&nbsp;Eduardo Gross,&nbsp;Amilcar Baiardi,&nbsp;Amanda Freitas Cerqueira,&nbsp;Marcelo Schramm Mielke","doi":"10.1007/s10457-026-01477-9","DOIUrl":"10.1007/s10457-026-01477-9","url":null,"abstract":"<div><p>Agroforestry systems (AFS) cultivated with cacao (<i>Theobroma cacao</i> L.) shaded by native or exotic trees offer advantages for biodiversity conservation, carbon storage, and soil and water conservation compared to other agroecosystems. However, management practices can influence the extent of an AFS’s contribution to ecosystem services. In southern Bahia, Brazil, the AFS known as cacao-cabruca involves cultivating cacao under the shade of remnant and regenerating trees from the Atlantic Forest biome. Research and extension projects focused on the agroecological transition were developed in two farming communities, aiming to increase cacao bean productivity through practices that enhance nutrient cycling, biological nitrogen fixation, and soil fertility. We conducted this study to assess the influence of the management system on tree species diversity, carbon stocks, and litter and soil properties in areas of cacao-cabruca AFS under conventional, traditional, and agroecological management in two land reform settlements in southern Bahia. Our results demonstrated that areas under agroecological management had greater species richness. However, there was no significant difference in carbon stocks in the soil, leaf litter, or cacao trees among the three management systems. Regarding carbon stocks in shade trees, agroecological and traditional management did not differ, but both were significantly higher than conventional management. Areas under agroecological management showed higher soil levels of Ca, Mg, and K than those under traditional management, and lower C:N and C:S ratios in the leaf litter than those under conventional management. These findings demonstrate the importance of extension projects for enhancing the ecosystem services associated with AFSs.</p></div>","PeriodicalId":7610,"journal":{"name":"Agroforestry Systems","volume":"100 4","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.2,"publicationDate":"2026-03-24","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://link.springer.com/content/pdf/10.1007/s10457-026-01477-9.pdf","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147561043","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Use of willow (Salix sp) biomass as tree fodder: nutritional value and conservation methods","authors":"Sonia Pereira-Crespo,&nbsp;Pilar Gago,&nbsp;Adrián Botana,&nbsp;Marcos Veiga,&nbsp;Juan Castro,&nbsp;Laura González,&nbsp;María del Pilar Martínez-Diz,&nbsp;César Resch,&nbsp;Dalia A. Plata-Reyes,&nbsp;Roberto Lorenzana,&nbsp;Gonzalo Flores-Calvete","doi":"10.1007/s10457-026-01486-8","DOIUrl":"10.1007/s10457-026-01486-8","url":null,"abstract":"<div><p>This study evaluated the nutritional value and different methods of conservation of two willow materials—the hybrid clone Terra Nova (HTN) from a short‑rotation coppice (SRC) system and the native <i>Salix atrocinerea</i> (SAT) from riparian stand—representing contrasting willow resources available in the study region. The leaf fraction (LE)—although representing &lt; 50% of total stem biomass—, showed the highest nutritional value versus stems, leaf crude protein (CP) reached 23.7% dry matter (DM) in HTN and 17.7% DM in SAT, with in vitro organic matter digestibility (IVDMO) 52.75% in HTN and 38.8% in SAT; by contrast, edible stems showed much lower CP (3.3–5.8% DM) and IVDMO (11.8–31.2%). Leaf Relative Forage Value (RFV) was “Good” in HTN (110–115) and “Poor–Fair” in SAT (82). Sun‑drying proved most effective at preserving nutritional quality, followed by formic acid‑assisted ensiling. Both materials showed poor suitability for ensiling because of low water‑soluble carbohydrate levels, requiring additive application to reach target pH (4.5 vs. &gt; 5.0 in untreated silages). Willow leaf silages achieved CP levels of 18–22% DM (up to 27.8% in HTN with additive), while fermentation intensity remained low; SAT leaves showed a higher fermentability coefficient (44 vs. 28), consistent with better acidification. The HTN material proved suitable as a protein supplement for moderate‑energy diets, whereas SAT was limited to maintenance‑level feeding. Willow forage shows notable potential as a supplemental fodder resource for ruminant systems, although effective preservation requires additive use to maintain nutritional quality during storage.</p><h3>Graphical abstract</h3><div><figure><div><div><picture><source><img></source></picture></div></div></figure></div></div>","PeriodicalId":7610,"journal":{"name":"Agroforestry Systems","volume":"100 4","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.2,"publicationDate":"2026-03-24","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://link.springer.com/content/pdf/10.1007/s10457-026-01486-8.pdf","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147561042","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Economic returns and resource efficiency of diversified agricultural systems in a tropical savanna","authors":"Jossanya Benilsy dos Santos Silva Castro,&nbsp;Camila Calazans da Silva Luz,&nbsp;Jessica Heloiza Coutinho,&nbsp;Eder Sequini Correia,&nbsp;Luiz Guilherme Santos de Oliveira,&nbsp;Laércio Santos Silva,&nbsp;Edicarlos Damacena de Souza","doi":"10.1007/s10457-026-01474-y","DOIUrl":"10.1007/s10457-026-01474-y","url":null,"abstract":"<div><p>This study evaluated energy production, economic return and efficiency in the use of inputs in diverse agricultural production systems in a sandy loam in the Cerrado of Mato Grosso. Five production systems representing increasing levels of plant functional diversity and system complexity were analyzed: very low (VL), low (LW), medium (AVG), long-term medium (AVL), and high system complexity with livestock integration (ICLS). Production was quantified in terms of forage, grains, meat, and fiber, with outputs converted to energy (GJ kg⁻¹) and economic return per kilogram of mineral fertilizer applied as nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P₂O₅), and potassium (K₂O). The most diversified system (ICLS) increased energy production by 350.1% (368.78 GJ ha⁻¹) and cotton productivity by 74,6% and was also the most efficient in terms of the use of inputs, with 19.6, 3.8 and 4.5 GJ kg⁻¹ of N, P and K, respectively. The conversion of meat production into soybean and cotton equivalents resulted in a 48.8% increase in grain and fiber productivity in relation to the VL system. The economic return was greater in the ICLS system, with 24.3 USD kg⁻¹ of N, 20.2 USD kg⁻¹ of P and 21.6 USD kg⁻¹ of K. These results indicate that the increase in system complexity resulting from high plant functional diversity combined with livestock integration promoted greater economic return, productivity, and efficiency in the use of mineral resources, with the ICLS showing the highest performance under the studied conditions.</p></div>","PeriodicalId":7610,"journal":{"name":"Agroforestry Systems","volume":"100 4","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.2,"publicationDate":"2026-03-19","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://link.springer.com/content/pdf/10.1007/s10457-026-01474-y.pdf","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147560095","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"From farm to resilience: evaluating the role of indigenous food plants in nutrition, market access, and livelihoods in the forest agroecological zone of Nigeria","authors":"Basirat O. Rafiu,&nbsp;Abeeb B. Omotoso,&nbsp;Abiodun O. Omotayo,&nbsp;Ibraheem O. Lawal,&nbsp;Adeyemi O. Aremu","doi":"10.1007/s10457-026-01439-1","DOIUrl":"10.1007/s10457-026-01439-1","url":null,"abstract":"<div><p>Indigenous food plants (IFPs) play a vital role in rural livelihoods, food security, and biodiversity conservation in Nigeria. Currently, their significance remains inadequately examined from an econometric perspective. Using a mixed-method approach, this study explored the production, consumption, and marketing of IFPs in the evergreen forest agroecological zone of Nigeria. The study involved 520 rural households across Ogun, Oyo, and Ondo states. We identified 32 IFPs that are culturally and nutritionally important in the study areas. The impacts of activities related to IFPs on a composite livelihood index were analysed using Propensity Score Matching (PSM) and Two-Stage Least Squares (2SLS) regression analyses. Results revealed that the consumption of IFPs consistently enhanced rural livelihoods across the three selected states. Additionally, the positive impacts of production and marketing were evident in Oyo and Ogun states. Key drivers of IFPs adoption included extension service quality, availability (source) of indigenous seeds, and proximity to markets. The economic and nutritional significance of IFPs underscore the need for policies that integrate indigenous food systems into sustainable rural development. Promoting the value chain of IFPs is crucial for ensuring food security and resilience, supporting local knowledge, and conserving plant diversity, thereby contributing to the achievement of relevant United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UN SDGs 1, 2, 3, and 12).</p></div>","PeriodicalId":7610,"journal":{"name":"Agroforestry Systems","volume":"100 4","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.2,"publicationDate":"2026-03-19","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://link.springer.com/content/pdf/10.1007/s10457-026-01439-1.pdf","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147559784","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Do multistrata agroforestry, improved fallow, and woodlot systems enhance agricultural productivity and soil fertility compared to shifting cultivation in tropical drylands?","authors":"Armenio Cangela,&nbsp;Armindo Cambule,&nbsp;Gert Nyberg,&nbsp;Ulrik Ilstedt","doi":"10.1007/s10457-026-01482-y","DOIUrl":"10.1007/s10457-026-01482-y","url":null,"abstract":"<div><p>Shifting cultivation under high population pressure often results in shortened fallow periods and land degradation. Multistrata agroforestry, improved fallow, and woodlots are promoted as sustainable alternatives, but comparative evidence of their benefits remains limited. We conducted a four-year field experiment in Mozambique to evaluate whether these systems improve land productivity, crop yields, and soil fertility compared to shifting cultivation, and to assess the impact of using native trees or eucalyptus. Multistrata system involved maize, pigeon peas, and bananas with either native trees (MS-N) or eucalyptus (MS-E). Improved fallow combined pigeon peas and maize sequentially with or without native trees, while woodlots included maize with native trees or eucalyptus. Productivity was assessed using land equivalent ratios (LER) based on crop, firewood, and pole yields over three seasons. Soil organic carbon, total nitrogen, available phosphorus, and bulk density were also measured. We found that multistrata systems improved productivity compared with shifting cultivation. LER values of MS-N and MS-E rose from 1.0 in the first season to 2.3 and 1.83, respectively, reflecting productivity gains of 130% and 83% by the third season. Woodlots outperformed shifting cultivation only in the third season after firewood and pole harvests, whereas improved fallows showed no significant productivity gains. No significant changes in soil fertility were observed within three years. Choosing native or eucalyptus trees did not affect maize yields or soil nutrient levels. Our findings highlight that multistrata systems can rapidly improve land productivity compared to shifting cultivation. However, detecting soil fertility changes may require long-term monitoring.</p></div>","PeriodicalId":7610,"journal":{"name":"Agroforestry Systems","volume":"100 4","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.2,"publicationDate":"2026-03-19","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://link.springer.com/content/pdf/10.1007/s10457-026-01482-y.pdf","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147559842","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Geometrical traits of bamboo Pseudoxytenanthera stocksii (Munro) T.Q.Nguyen cultivated under native shade trees: implications for sustainable agroforestry production and construction material","authors":"Milind Digambar Patil,&nbsp;Sanjay Vasant Deshmukh","doi":"10.1007/s10457-026-01483-x","DOIUrl":"10.1007/s10457-026-01483-x","url":null,"abstract":"<div><p>Bamboo represents a renewable, bio-based alternative to conventional construction materials; however, its structural utilization is constrained by high geometrical variability both within and between culms. This study investigated the influence of traditional agroforestry conditions on the geometrical imperfections in <i>Pseudoxytenanthera stocksii</i> across three canopy conditions: T1 (full shade, 70–80% tree canopy cover), T2 (partial shade, 30–50% tree canopy cover), and T3 (open environments). A total of 240 mature culms (80 per treatment) were randomly sampled from 10 plots in Sindhudurg (India) using a simple random sampling method. Following the Indian Standard (IS 15912:2018) for structural design using bamboo, measurements of outer diameter, internodal length, and wall thickness were recorded at successive 1-m intervals, and the maximum out-of-straightness <span>(({b}_{text{max}}))</span> was measured up to a height of 6 m. The raw data were subsequently used to compute and compare twelve geometrical indices, both for the standard 6 m and at successive 1-m intervals. Results indicated that tree canopy conditions exerted a significant influence on culm geometry. Shaded culms exhibited lower taper, higher circularity, and reduced curvature, reflecting greater uniformity and structural consistency. In contrast, open-grown culms showed higher taper, ovality and bowness, although their relatively thicker walls suggested a compensatory response to environmental stresses. The results indicate that the cultivation of <i>P. stocksii</i> under existing native shade trees does not adversely affect culm growth and produces geometrically more stable and straighter culms that better meet structural grading requirements for round bamboo applications. Considering the economic importance of bamboo as a cash crop, further research on this indigenous tree–bamboo agroecosystem may help to evaluate its potential as a sustainable agroforestry model.</p></div>","PeriodicalId":7610,"journal":{"name":"Agroforestry Systems","volume":"100 4","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.2,"publicationDate":"2026-03-19","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147560678","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Effect of shade tree species on bean quality of Arabica coffee varieties in coffee-based farming systems of southwestern Ethiopia","authors":"Zerihun Misgana,&nbsp;Weyessa Garedew,&nbsp;Yibekal Alemayehu,&nbsp;Zelalem Bekeko,&nbsp;Amsalu Nebiyu","doi":"10.1007/s10457-026-01476-w","DOIUrl":"10.1007/s10457-026-01476-w","url":null,"abstract":"<div><p>Producing coffee under diverse shade tree species is essential for improving coffee quality while maintaining and reviving agroecological and nature-based agroforestry practices /system. The study was carried out in Ethiopia’s Oromia regional state in the Jimma Zone’s Chora Botor district (Chalalaki coffee plantation). The experiment was overlaid on coffee farm that has been established by using four released Arabica coffee varieties (7440,744, F59, and 75,227under three suggested coffee shade trees (Albizia gummifera, Millettia feruginea, and Vachellia abyssinica). To evaluate the effect of shade tree species and coffee varieties on quality of coffee data on raw, organoleptic and biochemical traits of the coffee bean were collected and analyzed using split plot design with three replications. The study’s findings demonstrated that hundred bean weight (HBW) were influenced only by coffee variety, not by shade tree species. On the other hand, coffee varieties and shade tree species had a substantial impact on raw quality (primary and secondary defects apart from odor), organoleptic quality (cup cleanness, acidity, body and flavor) and biochemical quality (caffein, total chlorogenic acid and trigonelline). Vachellia abyssinica and Albizia gummifera improve coffee quality through two key mechanisms. First, they enrich the soil with organic matter via litter fall and root decomposition. Second, their canopy shade slows the ripening process of the coffee cherries. This extended maturation period leads to a more complex development of sugars and aromatic compounds, ultimately producing higher-quality beans with better flavor, aroma, and biochemical profiles. Hence, choosing the right combination of coffee varieties and shade tree species is very crucial for improving coffee bean quality and sustainable production of coffee in coffee-based farming system of southwest Ethiopia.</p></div>","PeriodicalId":7610,"journal":{"name":"Agroforestry Systems","volume":"100 4","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.2,"publicationDate":"2026-03-19","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147559843","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Agronomic and economic characterization in agroforestry systems with cocoa (Theobroma cacao L.) in the Utcubamba Valley, Peru","authors":"Marlen A. Grandez-Alberca,&nbsp;Alexander Cotrina-Sanchez,&nbsp;Teodoro B. Silva-Melendez,&nbsp;Ángel F. Huamán-Pilco,&nbsp;Julio Puscan-Rojas,&nbsp;Mirella N. Coronel-Alcalde,&nbsp;Angel J. Medina-Medina,&nbsp;Jhon A. Zabaleta-Santisteban,&nbsp;Katherin M. Tuesta-Trauco,&nbsp;Abner S. Rivera-Fernandez,&nbsp;Rolando Salas López,&nbsp;Manuel Oliva,&nbsp;Elgar Barboza","doi":"10.1007/s10457-026-01479-7","DOIUrl":"10.1007/s10457-026-01479-7","url":null,"abstract":"<div><p>Cocoa-based agroforestry systems (AFS) are a key strategy for strengthening agronomic and economic sustainability in tropical regions; therefore, comprehensive knowledge of their structure and performance is essential. This study characterized 12 cocoa-based agroforestry plots in the Utcubamba province, Amazonas (Peru), through an integrated field assessment that included tree inventory and structural measurements, soil laboratory analysis, pest and disease surveys, and economic evaluation. Tree diversity and structure revealed functionally differentiated communities, reflected in Shannon index values of H′ = 2.24, canopy cover exceeding 60%, and importance value indices (IVI) highlighting dominant species such as <i>Calycophyllum spruceanum</i> (16.79%) and <i>Laurus nobilis</i> (15.64%), which contribute to microclimatic regulation and system resilience. Soil analyses showed strong correlations among soil organic carbon (SOC), soil organic matter (SOM), and total nitrogen (N) (r &gt; 0.95), emphasizing the role of organic matter management in improving soil quality and crop productivity, with SOC ranging from 1.91% to 3.89%, SOM from 3.30% to 6.71%, and total N from 1.65% to 3.35%. Pest incidence exhibited low or insignificant correlations with soil parameters (r ≤ 0.32) and generally moderate levels, suggesting a stronger influence of management practices and shade structure. Economically, the systems showed an average annual net benefit of USD 2,616.91 per hectare per year and a benefit–cost ratio of 2.30, indicating positive economic performance. Overall, cocoa-based AFS function as productive systems capable of maintaining agronomic performance while generating economic profitability under the evaluated conditions.</p></div>","PeriodicalId":7610,"journal":{"name":"Agroforestry Systems","volume":"100 4","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.2,"publicationDate":"2026-03-19","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://link.springer.com/content/pdf/10.1007/s10457-026-01479-7.pdf","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147559844","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}