Alley Cropping is a system which enables farmers to integrate tree crops into their already existing arable or pasture system. This can result in significant increases in overall productivity and create a number of ecological benefits which support both the farm operation and biodiversity.

It can enable farmers to diversify their sources of income while reducing inputs.

The introduction of trees can have substantial biodiversity benefits. Perineal roots can support a thriving soil microbiome. The above ground woody growth can support birds, insects and small mammals which can aid in crop protection and support greater biodiversity beyond the farm through their trophic associations. The tree species selected can be chosen with consideration for their natural animal and microbial associations so as to create further positive interactions between the trees and the crops.

Alley Cropping can result in significant increases in overall productivity.

The structure of the system is to have rows of trees with either croppable area or permanent pasture in-between to create an alley. The spacing between the trees is designed to accommodate farm machinery and the trees chosen. On flat land the tree rows are of North/South orientation, on sloped land the trees can be planted on contour.

This system enables fairly high densities – up to 1,000 trees per hectare – to be integrated into an arable or pasture system. The maximum area occupied by the trees is about 25-30% of each hectare, with the remaining land continuing to be available for cropping and/or grazing. The tree roots can be pruned at the edges of the alleys so as to prevent the tree roots which are higher in the soil from encroaching into the croppable or pasture area. In some cases trees can be chosen that come into leaf or drop their leaves at complimentary times to the crops in production.

• Improved soil structure
• Increased productivity
• Diversified sources of farm income
• Employment opportunities for other farm businesses
• Increased soil organic carbon
• Increased soil biology
• Increased availability of water
• Mitigation of flood and drought
• Crops shaded from wind
• Reduced evaporation
• Reduced soil erosion

The introduction of trees can have substantial biodiversity and climate resilience benefits.