Dear James, agroforestry combines agricultural and forestry. It is an integrated approach, as opposed to the monoculture approach. Trees and shrubs or other woody species are integrated into farming landscapes (i.e. with crops and also with livestock; but possibly also with aquaculture) for conservation and profit. The overall aim is to improve the environmental, social and economic values of the farmland. But in general it should be said that there are several specific forms of agroforestry, used with different intentions. A quick overview is given eg. in wikipedia: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Agroforestry Benefits include, but are not limited to: Nitrogen fixation and nutrient cycling, Maintaining vegetative soil cover, Weed suppression, Enhancing soil structure and water infiltration and penetration, Food, fodder, fuel, fiber and income from tree products, Carbon storage, Biodiversity conservation, Wind breaks, ... The dust bowl has shown what healthy soils and combinations of plants, trees, shrubs, etc. are worth. I hope this helps somewhat. Best, Markus

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Dear James, agroforestry combines agricultural and forestry. It is an integrated approach, as opposed to the monoculture approach. Trees and shrubs or other woody species are integrated into farming landscapes (i.e. with crops and also with livestock; but possibly also with aquaculture) for conservation and profit. The overall aim is to improve the environmental, social and economic values of the farmland. But in general it should be said that there are several specific forms of agroforestry, used with different intentions. A quick overview is given eg. in wikipedia: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Agroforestry Benefits include, but are not limited to: Nitrogen fixation and nutrient cycling, Maintaining vegetative soil cover, Weed suppression, Enhancing soil structure and water infiltration and penetration, Food, fodder, fuel, fiber and income from tree products, Carbon storage, Biodiversity conservation, Wind breaks, ... The dust bowl has shown what healthy soils and combinations of plants, trees, shrubs, etc. are worth. I hope this helps somewhat. Best, Markus