URBAN AGROFORESTRY

Agroforestry, in its essence, is a planting methodology that seeks to understand how the forest naturally develops, allied to sustainable cultivation practices. In other words, in an agroforestry it is possible to combine the planting of native species with fruit trees, vegetables, and legumes, bringing diversity and richness of species. In this concept, the soil and the various types of plants have specific roles, either to improve the quality of the soil, to serve as fertilizer, or to protect against the wind, creating an integrated and harmonious environment. Concept of Ecological Succession and Principles

Thinking about how forests regenerate, the agroforestry seeks to bring the same principles, following the concept of ecological succession, where the species more resistant to heat, wind, and rapid growth start to consolidate the space (pioneer species), making possible the beginning of the appearance of species with greater need of shaded areas and protected from winds (secondary and climax species).

In addition, to structure an agroforestry it is necessary to keep in mind the ecological principles, which follow, for example, no need for fertilizers or pesticides, respect for the natural ecological succession of species, the understanding that different species will help each other, the use of pruning as food for the soil, and the production of food.

Methodologies and Ways to Create an Agroforestry

Now, based on these principles, how can we think of using this method in cities, squares, backyards, or even in pots on balconies?

According to the creator of this method, the Swiss Ernst Götsch, it is possible to create agroforestry from large to small scales, and he even defends that this methodology also transforms the form of human relationships: "Try to perceive the forms given by nature itself! And you will come to create more intimate bonds with it. This will lead to more sensitivity in our dealings with our brothers and sisters (living beings) in the field and in the forest, as well as in the relationships among human beings.

Well, based on this, it is necessary to have in mind what the objective of your project is, thinking about the size of the area where the planting will be done, to define if the diversity of species will be native trees with fruit trees and vegetable gardens, for example, or focused on vegetables, flowers, and legumes in pots.

The main thing is to create species diversity and provide a soil rich in organic matter, for this, one must understand how each species will behave in your agroforestry. As an example, if the goal is to produce food and create an environment of natural beauty, you can opt for the relationship between passion fruit planting with daisies, or rosemary planting, oregano with acerola seedlings, the diversity of combinations and ways to structure are immense, using a well-thought-out goal allied to a lot of creativity and personality. Basic Care

Agroforestry care is closely linked to complexity, that is, the greater the number of species, the greater the complexity of the system. However, in any agroforestry planting it is necessary to pay attention to

1 - Drainage: The soil needs to be well aerated, being necessary to revolve it periodically to oxygenate and provide the exchange of organic matter;

2 - Organic Matter and Pruning: In this type of plantation, organic matter and pruning are directly related, and it is recommended to periodically perform pruning on your species that will serve as fertilizer for the soil itself;

3 - Burlap: Also known as dead blanket, is the layer formed by the deposition of plant remains (leaves and branches) and accumulation of organic material, this can be acquired within your own plantation (if there are plants that shed leaves) or in pruning gardens.

Agroforestry brings up the principle of sustainability and the relationship of human interaction itself, of the creation of an environment that is self-sustaining, bringing economic, ecological, and social benefits. This method of planting is already part of environmental legislation and public policy formulation, and may bring a promising future for the creation of these environments in the cities.

Now that we understand what an agroforestry is and how to develop it, are you ready to plant yours?

Source: Maria Beatriz Ayello