An Overview of Tree Species Used for Agroforestry Practices in Nepal

Tree species are the main component of the agro-forestry system because they provide farmers with direct benefits and play a vital role in mitigating climate change, stabilizing slopes, and ecological balance. The list of tree species used in different agro-forestry practices shows 110 tree species belonging to 42 families. Tree species belonging to the family Moraceae are widely used in agro-forestry practices, followed by Liguminosae, Rosaceae, Rubiaceae, and so on. There are approximately 44 species of trees suitable for single use, such as forage, fruit, fuelwood, and timber production. Similarly, tree species with two functions are better than tree species with only one function. Approximately 40 trees have two functions: food and fuelwood, fruit and fuelwood, and wood and fuelwood. Among the 110 species used in agro-forestry practices in Nepal, 21 species have more than two functions and are the most suitable species for agro-forestry practices. The use of tree species in different agro-forestry practices shows that the number of trees used in Silvo-pastoral systems is the highest (30%), followed by Horto-agri-silviculture (23%). Approximately 21% of tree species are used in more than two agro-forestry systems. The minimum number of tree species used for Agri-silvi-pastoral and home gardens is 3% and 4% respectively.