Description:    Black leaf streak disease (BLSD) affects both bananas and plantains. Anecdotal evidence suggests that when plantain is grown under shade in agroforestry systems, there is less damage from BLSD. In this study, BLSD severity and agronomic fruit characteristics of plantain were compared under high and low timber stand densities (TSD), and also under different crop management systems (mulching, burning, intercropping). By 11 months after planting, in high TSDs, plants had 1.2 more standing leaves, 1.5 more symptom-free leaves and a lower percentage of total leaf area attacked than in low TSDs. At harvest, plants in high TSDs had, on average, 1.4 more standing leaves than those in low TSDs. Percentage leaf area attacked by BLSD was 43.0 % in high TSD treatments, significantly lower than the 57.2 % in low TSD treatments. There was a significant and positive relationship between the number of leaves at flowering and dry fruit bunch mass for plantains grown under low TSD. However, there was no correlation between the number of leaves and fruit mass for the high TSD. The beneficial effects of shade in the high TSD, such as reduced severity of BLSD, were established. However, as there was bunch mass loss associated with reduced leaf production rates under the high TSD, a reduction in BLSD only partially compensated for this yield loss. Thus overall, at the high TSD, there was no yield gain from reduced BLSD. Content Type Journal Article Pages 1-6 DOI 10.1007/s10457-012-9555-z Authors L. Norgrove, International Institute of Tropical Agriculture, BP2008, Messa, Yaoundé, Cameroon S. Hauser, International Institute of Tropical Agriculture, BP2008, Messa, Yaoundé, Cameroon Journal Agroforestry Systems Online ISSN 1572-9680 Print ISSN 0167-4366

Description:    Field margin vegetation is among the last vestiges of semi-natural habitat for birds in many agricultural landscapes of tropical regions. However, field margins differ in size, structure, and flora, and their value to birds depends on all these factors and on species-specific habitat preferences. Therefore, we analyzed data on resident and neotropical migratory birds found in 40 field margins of the agricultural landscape of El Bajío, Guanajuato, Mexico. The structural and botanical characteristics of the field margin, and those of the adjacent landscape, were related to bird species richness and abundance. We recorded 61 species of birds of which 36 were migratory. Locally, the size of the field margin (width, height, volume), its vegetative vertical complexity, and the abundance of trees and tree species had a positive effect on bird species richness and abundance. Native trees, especially mesquites, were especially important for many birds observed foraging, nesting, and perching. The most important landscape-scale variables were the density of hedgerows around field margins and the distance to natural vegetation remnants (scrub forest). Bird species richness and abundance were positively affected by the length of the hedgerows within 100 and 200-m-radius circles centered on each field margin. Field margins closer to natural vegetation also had more bird species and individuals. On the basis of our results, we suggest some general management recommendations for improving the habitat for birds in tropical agricultural landscapes. Content Type Journal Article Pages 1-17 DOI 10.1007/s10457-012-9558-9 Authors Iriana Zuria, Appalachian Laboratory, University of Maryland Center for Environmental Science, 301 Braddock Road, Frostburg, MD 21532-2307, USA J. Edward Gates, Appalachian Laboratory, University of Maryland Center for Environmental Science, 301 Braddock Road, Frostburg, MD 21532-2307, USA Journal Agroforestry Systems Online ISSN 1572-9680 Print ISSN 0167-4366

Description:    Agroforestry is a new name for a rather old practice. From a historical point of view, various agroforestry systems existed in Europe, of which the wood pastures (Neolithicum), the Dehesas in Spain (~4,500 years old) and the Hauberg of the Siegerland (established in the Middle Age) are the most prominent. Other widespread systems in Europe were hedgerows, windbreaks and Streuobst (orchard intercropping). Due to mechanisation and intensification of agriculture, trees have been progressively removed from agricultural fields and traditional agroforestry systems slowly disappeared. Today, agroforestry systems are again increasing in interest as they offer the potential to solve important ecological and, especially, biodiversity problems, while at the same time enabling the production of food, wood products and fodder for cattle. Although agroforestry systems offer many advantages, many farmers are sceptical of these systems and are critical and risk-averse with regard to adopting new practices. However, in comparison to traditional systems, modern agroforestry systems can be adapted to current farming practices. By selecting suitable trees and appropriate tree management, high-quality timber can be produced without influencing agricultural crops excessively. In future, agroforestry systems will become increasingly important as they offer the prospect of producing woody perennials for bioenergy on the same land area as food and/or fodder plants, while enhancing overall biodiversity. Content Type Journal Article Category Book Review Pages 1-18 DOI 10.1007/s10457-012-9560-2 Authors K. Nerlich, Institute of Crop Science, University of Hohenheim, Fruwirthstr. 23, 70599 Stuttgart, Germany S. Graeff-Hönninger, Institute of Crop Science, University of Hohenheim, Fruwirthstr. 23, 70599 Stuttgart, Germany W. Claupein, Institute of Crop Science, University of Hohenheim, Fruwirthstr. 23, 70599 Stuttgart, Germany Journal Agroforestry Systems Online ISSN 1572-9680 Print ISSN 0167-4366

Description:    The need to carry out biological conservation outside protected areas requires avoiding, minimizing or mitigating impacts brought about by habitat transformation upon the biota. Usually, forest plantations hold fewer species than the original forest. However, structurally complex plantations support more species and individuals than simpler ones. Here we test if this phenomenon occurs in amphibian and reptilian assemblages, analyzing information regarding their richness and abundance in forestry plantations from 14 countries and 72 case studies which compare species richness and abundance in plantations and forests. Among amphibians, species richness is lower in plantations than in forests while among reptiles there is no significant difference. The abundance of reptiles increases in plantations. Three studies dealt with reptile assemblages in relation to structural complexity of plantation, which suggest that species richness and abundance is higher in complex plantations. Despite accounting for 50 % of the terrestrial vertebrates, herpetological studies account for 15 % of the research available regarding the impact of plantation upon vertebrates, information deficiency that hampers decision-making on the conservation of herpetozoans outside protected areas. Content Type Journal Article Pages 1-7 DOI 10.1007/s10457-012-9571-z Authors Camila P. Palacios, Departamento de Ciencias Ecológicas, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad de Chile, PO Box 653, Santiago, Chile Belén Agüero, Departamento de Ciencias Ecológicas, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad de Chile, PO Box 653, Santiago, Chile Javier A. Simonetti, Departamento de Ciencias Ecológicas, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad de Chile, PO Box 653, Santiago, Chile Journal Agroforestry Systems Online ISSN 1572-9680 Print ISSN 0167-4366

Description:    During the spring of 2006, three willow varieties (SV1, SX67 and 9882-41) were established on marginal land in an agroforestry tree-intercropping arrangement where plots of short rotation willows were planted between rows (spaced 15 m apart) of 21-year-old mixed tree species. As a control, the same varieties were established on an adjacent piece of land without established trees (conventional willow system). This study investigated the magnitude of carbon pools, fine root and leaf biomass inputs and clone yields in both the tree-based intercropping (agroforestry) and conventional monocropping systems. Willow biomass yield was significantly higher in the agroforestry field (4.86 odt ha −1  y −1 ) compared to the conventional field (3.02 odt ha −1  y −1 ). In both fields, varieties SV1 and SX67 produced higher yields than the variety 9882-41. Willow fine root biomass in the top 20 cm of soil was significantly higher in the intercropping system (3,062 kg ha −1 ) than in the conventional system (2,536 kg ha −1 ). Differences in fine root biomass between clones were similar to that observed for differences in biomass yield: SV1 〉 SX67 〉 9882-41. Leaf input was higher in the intercropping system (1,961 kg ha −1 ) than in the conventional system (1,673 kg ha −1 ). Clonal differences in leaf inputs followed the same trends as those for root biomass and yield: SV1 〉 SX67 〉 9882-41. Soil organic carbon was significantly higher in the agroforestry field (1.94 %) than in the conventional field (1.82 %). A significant difference in soil organic carbon was found between the three clones: soils under clone 9882-41 had the lowest soil organic carbon at 1.80 %. Content Type Journal Article Pages 1-8 DOI 10.1007/s10457-012-9572-y Authors Rémi Cardinael, AgroParisTech, 75231 Paris Cedex 05, France Naresh Thevathasan, School of Environmental Sciences, University of Guelph, Guelph, ON N1G 2W1, Canada Andrew Gordon, School of Environmental Sciences, University of Guelph, Guelph, ON N1G 2W1, Canada Rachelle Clinch, Golder Associates Ltd., 2390 Argentina Road, Missisauga, ON L5N 5Z, Canada Idris Mohammed, School of Environmental Sciences, University of Guelph, Guelph, ON N1G 2W1, Canada Derek Sidders, Canadian Wood Fibre Centre, 5320, 122nd Street, Edmonton, Alberta, T6H 3S5 Canada Journal Agroforestry Systems Online ISSN 1572-9680 Print ISSN 0167-4366

Description:    No information is available about carbon (C) sequestration potentials in ecosystems on Andisols of the Chilean Patagonia. This study was undertaken to measure the size of C stocks in three predominant ecosystems: Pinus ponderosa -based silvopastoral systems (SPS), pine plantations (PPP) and natural pasture (PST), and examine how clover affect tree growth and stocks of soil C. The C contents of trees and pasture were determined by destructive sampling and dry combustion. Soil samples were taken at 0–5, 5–20, 20–40 cm depths in order to determine soil C and N. For PPP and SPS total aboveground tree C was 38.4 and 53.1 kg tree −1 and belowground was 21.3 and 23.4 kg tree −1 , respectively. Annual diameter increment at breast height was 1 and 2 cm in PPP and SPS, respectively, and was significantly higher in SPS. Trees in SPS, due to lower density and the presence of leguminous pasture, demonstrated enhanced growth and C sequestration. Soil organic C (SOC) stocks at 0–40 cm depth were 193.76, 177.10 and 149.25 Mg ha −1 in SPS, PST and PPP, respectively. The conversion of PPP to SPS and PST to PPP resulted in an increase of 44.51 Mg ha −1 and a decrease of 27.85 Mg ha −1 in SOC, respectively. Favorable microclimatic conditions in relation to air temperature and soil moisture were observed in SPS as well as a synergy between trees and pasture. Content Type Journal Article Pages 1-16 DOI 10.1007/s10457-011-9471-7 Authors Francis Dube, Department of Silviculture, Faculty of Forest Sciences, University of Concepción, Victoria 631, Casilla 160-C, Concepcion, VIII Region, Chile Miguel Espinosa, Department of Silviculture, Faculty of Forest Sciences, University of Concepción, Victoria 631, Casilla 160-C, Concepcion, VIII Region, Chile Neal B. Stolpe, Department of Soils and Natural Resources, Faculty of Agronomy, University of Concepción, Vicente Mendez 595, Casilla 537, Chillan, VIII Region, Chile Erick Zagal, Department of Soils and Natural Resources, Faculty of Agronomy, University of Concepción, Vicente Mendez 595, Casilla 537, Chillan, VIII Region, Chile Naresh V. Thevathasan, School of Environmental Sciences, University of Guelph, Guelph, ON N1G 2W1, Canada Andrew M. Gordon, School of Environmental Sciences, University of Guelph, Guelph, ON N1G 2W1, Canada Journal Agroforestry Systems Online ISSN 1572-9680 Print ISSN 0167-4366

Description:    Riparian buffers in agricultural landscapes should be designed to trap pollutants in overland flow by slowing, filtering, and infiltrating surface runoff entering the buffer via sheet flow. However, observational evidence suggests that concentrated flow is prevalent from agricultural fields. Over time sediment can accumulate in riparian buffers forming berms that restrict sheet flow; these berms ultimately back up surface runoff, resulting in an eventual breakthrough that concentrates overland flow. This study examines the occurrence of concentrated flow paths (CFPs) in riparian buffers at both the field and watershed scale. At the field scale, intensive topographic surveys were conducted at ten field sites in southern Illinois. To assess the prevalence of CFPs at the watershed scale, three watersheds in southern Illinois were selected for walking stream surveys along randomly selected 1,000 m reaches. CFPs were identified in all topographic surveys and all walking stream surveys. Among field sites, concentrated flow accounted for 82.5–100% of the drainage leaving the agricultural fields. Sediment berm accumulation was identified at all field sites and was positively correlated with CFP size. At the watershed scale, CFPs were more abundant in agricultural areas compared to forested land. Results from this study indicate that concentrated flow was prevalent across all study sites at both the field and watershed scale. Thus, surface water quality may suffer in areas with poorly functioning buffers, and managers must consider the occurrence of CFPs when designing and maintaining riparian buffers to protect stream water quality. Content Type Journal Article Pages 1-15 DOI 10.1007/s10457-011-9457-5 Authors R. C. Pankau, USDA-NRCS, 1213 N. 14th Street, Murphysboro, IL 62966, USA J. E. Schoonover, Department of Forestry, Southern Illinois University Carbondale, Mail Code 4411, Carbondale, IL 62901, USA K. W. J. Williard, Department of Forestry, Southern Illinois University Carbondale, Mail Code 4411, Carbondale, IL 62901, USA P. J. Edwards, USDA Forest Service, Timber and Watershed Laboratory, P.O. Box 404, Parsons, WV 26287, USA Journal Agroforestry Systems Online ISSN 1572-9680 Print ISSN 0167-4366

Description:    Domestication of desirable forest resources in agroforestry is expected to contribute to community based forest conservation efforts, but there may be an optimum level of domestication in this respect. Aren or sugar palm (Arenga pinnata (Wurmb) Merr.) is a multipurpose tree that provides livelihoods for local people and food for other biota in the landscape. However, its domestication is still limited in many places, such as in Batang Toru Forest Block, an area of high conservation value, including habitat for the Sumatran orangutan (Pongo abelii). Options for aren management were prioritized as part of a landscape-scale conservation study by comparing domestication levels in the area. Data on economic indicators and ecological knowledge were gathered through interviews with key farmers, focus groups and transect walks. Four representative villages were selected for the study, that is, (i) two villages with no domestication of aren; and (ii) two villages with aren cultivation in rubber-based land-use systems. Costbenefit analyses suggested that in a rich biodiversity area, such as Batang Toru, although aren was one of the sources of local livelihoods, additional investment for domestication beyond cultivation was not an option considered by farmers. Farmers still perceived wildlife as an efficient mode of aren regeneration, supported by the coexistence of people and other biota in the area. It appears the value of aren for local people’s livelihoods and conservation can be enhanced by increasing its stocking density. There is also scope for improving market access and share of end-user value received by farmers. Content Type Journal Article Pages 1-17 DOI 10.1007/s10457-011-9441-0 Authors Endri Martini, World Agroforestry Centre (ICRAF), Jl. CIFOR Situ Gede, Sindang Barang, Bogor, West Java, Indonesia James M. Roshetko, World Agroforestry Centre (ICRAF), Jl. CIFOR Situ Gede, Sindang Barang, Bogor, West Java, Indonesia Meine van Noordwijk, World Agroforestry Centre (ICRAF), Jl. CIFOR Situ Gede, Sindang Barang, Bogor, West Java, Indonesia Arif Rahmanulloh, World Agroforestry Centre (ICRAF), Jl. CIFOR Situ Gede, Sindang Barang, Bogor, West Java, Indonesia Elok Mulyoutami, World Agroforestry Centre (ICRAF), Jl. CIFOR Situ Gede, Sindang Barang, Bogor, West Java, Indonesia Laxman Joshi, World Agroforestry Centre (ICRAF), Jl. CIFOR Situ Gede, Sindang Barang, Bogor, West Java, Indonesia Suseno Budidarsono, World Agroforestry Centre (ICRAF), Jl. CIFOR Situ Gede, Sindang Barang, Bogor, West Java, Indonesia Journal Agroforestry Systems Online ISSN 1572-9680 Print ISSN 0167-4366

Description:    Shifting cultivation, which is still prevalent in the uplands of eastern Bangladesh, contributes significantly to forest loss and is the main cause of land degradation. This paper presents the causes and consequences of shifting cultivation and its potential land use alternatives. The analysis presented is primarily qualitative with a supplementary quantitative analysis of the causes of forest loss by logistic regression. The results of the study show that traditional land practices, exacerbated by poverty and associated with a lack of technical knowledge is the main cause for the continuation of unsustainable shifting cultivation. Population pressure, inadequate land for cultivation, low education levels, policy planning and implementation without local participation are all factors that influence farmers’ decision to continue shifting cultivation. Intensive land management through agroforestry is a promising alternative that can sustainably manage the remaining forest resources. If adopted, such systems potentially provide good economic returns, and may significantly reduce rural poverty. Content Type Journal Article Pages 1-15 DOI 10.1007/s10457-011-9422-3 Authors Syed Ajijur Rahman, Center for International Forestry Research (CIFOR), Bogor Barat, 16680 Indonesia Md. Faizar Rahman, Department of Sociology, University of Rajshahi, Rajshahi, 6205 Bangladesh Terry Sunderland, Center for International Forestry Research (CIFOR), Bogor Barat, 16680 Indonesia Journal Agroforestry Systems Online ISSN 1572-9680 Print ISSN 0167-4366

Description:    Intercropping Ginkgo and crop species in southern China is receiving increasing attention because it offers potential advantages for resource utilization, higher economic income to farmers and increased sustainability in crop production, We carried out a 2-year field intercropping system composed of Ginkgo with wheat, broad bean, and rapeseed, respectively, to determine the competitive interactions between the different species, and productivity and the economic yield of each intercropping system. The density of Ginkgo and crop species was varied systematically in a two-way density matrix composed of three monoculture densities and nine intercropping of all possible pairwise combinations of monoculture densities. Intercropping systems were assessed on the basis of several intercropping indices such as land equivalent ratio, relative crowding coefficient, relative competition intensity and vector competition analysis. The results showed that the combined biomass production of the component crop species was significantly greater in the Ginkgo/crop mixtures than in monocultures crops (Ginkgo, broad bean, wheat, and rapeseed). Ginkgo: rapeseed ratio 24:12, Ginkgo: bread bean ratio 24:5, and Ginkgo: wheat ratio 24:200 had the best total biomass production. Ginkgo: rapeseed (and broad bean) ratio 24:5 and Ginkgo: wheat ratio 24:200 in respective Ginkgo/crop mixtures had the maximum economic yield. Vector competition analysis showed that Ginkgo/rapeseed mixture exhibited an antagonistic interaction type and therefore is not suitable for intercropping. Ginkgo/broad bean mixture demonstrated the most beneficial effects among the three intercropping systems. Content Type Journal Article Pages 1-15 DOI 10.1007/s10457-012-9485-9 Authors Fu-liang Cao, Faculty of Forest Resources and Environmental Sciences, Nanjing Forestry University, Nanjing, 210037 Jiangsu, China J. P. Kimmins, Faculty of Forestry, The University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC V6T 1Z4, Canada J. R. Wang, Faculty of Natural Resources Management, Lakehead University, 955 Oliver Road, Thunder Bay, ON P7B 5E1, Canada Journal Agroforestry Systems Online ISSN 1572-9680 Print ISSN 0167-4366