Specialist sees agroforestry gaining ground

For some grain farmers, diversification can mean growing soybeans and raising cattle. For others, it involves planting crops and trees side by side.

The practice known as agroforestry can be a profitable option. Chris Evans, a forestry specialist with University of Illinois Extension, said he is seeing increased interest.

“I think it’s growing some, largely on marginal lands where traditional cropping hasn’t been as lucrative, or the farmer needs to switch because of erosion or something,” he said. “We’re starting to see some alley cropping, which is growing trees usually not used for timber in long rows. Between rows, they are doing some additional cropping.”

The term agroforestry covers several farming practices, from silvopasture (grazing livestock between rows of trees or shrubs) to alley cropping (growing fruits or berries alongside trees). Advantages straddle economics and the environment, according to MJ Oviatt of the Savanna Institute.

“Most people look at their farmland and just see how they can make the most money off of it, which is understandable,” she said. “But we also recognize that whether it’s cover cropping or no-till, keeping the soil healthy and functioning well is going to help in the long term.”