Alley Cropping Intensive

Defined as rows of trees and/or shrubs that create alleys within which agricultural or horticultural crops are produced, it is becoming a practice of interest among farms that produce arable or horticultural crops.

The increasing interest in agroforestry has produced a growing interest in education opportunities from both service providers and land stewards. Join us and learn about the principles, design considerations, benefits, and potential challenges associated with alley cropping.

Course Highlights

• Discover the essentials of planning and implementing alley cropping systems and typologies.

  • Assess site considerations for alley cropping

  • Identify design considerations for establishing Alley Cropping

    • Species Selection

    • Layout

      • Spacing considerations (between row and within row; large acreage vs small acreage

    • Tree Crop Interactions

    • Discuss the common pitfalls and recognize how and why to avoid them

• Learn how this approach can safeguard and enhance ecosystem function and improve livelihood strategies.

• Discuss current practice standards, amendments needed, as well as the existing barriers and opportunities for funding.

• Preview the various tools used to implement this practice across various scales.