The Agroforestry Handbook

Agriculture and forestry have often been treated as separate and distinct disciplines in colleges, universities and handbooks on farm management. However, on the ground, most farmers manage land that combines agricultural production with trees. The increased uptake of agroforestry in the UK can benefit productivity, climate change mitigation, water management, biodiversity and landscape, as well as animal welfare.

This handbook is the first of its kind for the UK. It introduces the theory of agroforestry and looks at practical management and design considerations. There is also information on markets and pricing. There are countless opportunities to grow a range of tree crops for human and animal consumption, for animal welfare and soil health, for building and even woody products to replace plastics. The authors are leading researchers and practitioners with decades of experience in agroforestry from the UK and around the world. This book will help you to assess the potential for agroforestry for your farm or client and understand the possible benefits to the wider environment, for instance by sequestering carbon and reducing flood risk. We hope this handbook will give farmers and advisors the confidence and inspiration to start planting.