Summary

• Description:

  The PDF document comprises Form 4 Agriculture notes on the topic of Agroforestry.

  The topics and sub-topics covered in the document include:

  • Introduction to Agroforestry
    • Agroforestry is defined as the practice of integrating tree growing with crop and/or pasture production on the same piece of land to improve its output.
    • The importance of agroforestry is highlighted, as it contributes to environmental protection, income generation, afforestation, maintenance of soil fertility, and provides food, feed, and fuel wood.
  • Forms of Agroforestry
    • The notes describe different forms of this practice:
      • Agroforestry: A combination of trees/shrubs and crops.
      • Silvopastoral: A combination of growing trees/shrubs and keeping livestock.
      • Agrosilvopastoral: A combination of growing trees/shrubs, animals, pastures, and crops.
  • Important Trees and Shrubs
    • A list of important trees and shrubs for agroforestry is provided, along with their specific uses. Examples include Eucalyptus (for timber and fuel wood), Acacia (for animal feed and shade), and Cajanus cajan (pigeon peas, for human food and fodder).
    • The characteristics of good agroforestry trees are also mentioned, such as being fast-growing, having deep roots to minimize competition, and preferably being leguminous.
  • Agroforestry Practices and Harvesting
    • Woodlots (Farm Forests): These are plots of land set aside for growing trees only, often on less productive parts of the farm.
    • Sites for Agroforestry: Suitable locations are listed, including farm boundaries (for live fences), river banks (to protect water catchments), and steep slopes (as contour hedges).
    • Tree Harvesting Methods: Various methods are described:
      • Pollarding: Cutting back the crown of the tree to harvest side branches.
      • Coppicing: Cutting the main stem of the tree to allow for new growth.
      • Lopping or Side Pruning: Removing selected branches to get fuel wood and fodder.
      • Thinning: Removing some trees to give the remaining ones enough space to grow.

  These notes are comprehensive, neat, and printable, making them an excellent resource for students studying the principles and practices of agroforestry. They are also highly suitable for teachers to use for lesson preparation, providing a structured and clear guide to the topic.

• File Size:

  204.61 KB
• Length:

  8 pages
• Category:

  Lesson Notes
• Level:

  Form 4
• Subject:

  AGRICULTURE
• Posted By:

  Caleb_Peter

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