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Supporting Agricultural Production
Numerous factors make farm forestry an attractive option for
many farmers.Trees on farms may be able to increase or enhance
agricultural productivity through the provision of shade and
shelter, the production of alternative sources of stock fodder
or by assisting in the control of pests or disease.. In some
cases, such as shelter for stock, the evidence that trees
can improve production is well established. However, less
is known for example about the potential of trees to assist
in controlling pests and disease in farming systems. There
is some evidence that suggests that shelterbelts can enhance
crop production, especially where winds cause physical damage
or increase soil erosion. In horticulture it is common to
establish shelterbelts to protect valuable fruit and vegetable
crops from wind damage as bruising downgrades the product.
Shade and shelter
In drought-prone regions in particular, many farmers are keen
to explore opportunities for native and introduced trees to
provide drought fodder. It is unlikely that tree fodders will
replace pasture or fodder crops. However, experience suggests
that during annual feed shortages or extended droughts it
may be possible to rely on trees with palatable foliage or
even edible fruits as a substitute or a supplement to expensive
fodder alternatives.
Fodder
It is often suggested that increasing the diversity of habitats
on a farm may assist in controlling agricultural pests and
diseases. Unfortunately, there has been little research on
this complex subject. What we do know is that tree planting
can increase the diversity and number of native insect-eating
birds and small mammal species, and that the habitat value
of farm forestry can be increased through the selection of
species, management and layout. Trees can howevermake the
control of other pests and diseases more difficult. Foxes,
rabbits and other vermin may harbour in plantations and the
presence of trees may make the use of pesticides impractical
or expensive. This is a complex subject.
Planting Trees
to Reduce the Impact of Pests
Planting
Trees to Reduce the Spread of Weeds
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