Agroforestry systems a suitable approach to improve fertility and soil conservation in arid and semi-arid areas

In arid and semi-arid areas that ecosystems are extremely fragile, soil degradation is considered as a common phenomenon in these areas. By the application of modern farming systems, soil losses can be minimized. Agroforestry systems is an integrated management system that through some processes such as soil organic matter and nutrient increase, higher rates of soil organic carbon and nitrogen accumulation and reduction of greenhouse gases transformation from soil to atmosphere will lead to soil fertility and soil conservation improvement. In the recent years, many studies have been done about agroforestry but less attention has been paid to soil conservation in most of those researches. Therefore, this study has tried to focus on the role of trees and their roots in soil protection and fertility and soil erosion control in arid and semi-arid areas.
This is a reviewing research which is done by librarian method and using the results of several studies on agroforestry systems and its effects on fertility and conservation of soil.
Evaluating the role of trees in increasing of farms fertility and protection of other ecosystems are important in Agroforestry. Agroforestry is defined as a land use system in which woody plants with crops, pastures and livestock are growing.
Agroforestry systems are implemented in most of agricultural fields and pastures for soil improvement, especially for food cycle and as a nutrient source for crops. Implementing modern agricultural systems can reduce soil fertility reduction and also the lack of soil required elements can be compensated by intercropping and mixed culture. Agroforestry provides the potential for control of erosion through tree canopy and litter. The results of studies on the implementation of agroforestry systems in order to protect, fertility and properties improvement of soil shows that this system is more cost effective in comparison to other Agricultural and rangeland systems in arid areas. Therefore the implementation of this system in arid zones is an appropriate strategy to enhance soil fertility. Moreover this system helps to improve the inhabitant’s livelihood in these areas. As a result, using the correct management principles of land use and implementation of modern agriculture, it is possible to achieve sustainable development in agriculture and pasture.