Hi-sAFe: A 3D Agroforestry Model for Integrating Dynamic Tree–Crop Interactions

Christian Dupraz, Kevin J. Wolz, Isabelle Lecomte, Grégoire Talbot, Grégoire Vincent, Rachmat Mulia, François Bussière, Harry Ozier-Lafontaine, Sitraka Andrianarisoa, Nick Jackson, Gerry Lawson, Nicolas Dones, Hervé Sinoquet, Betha Lusiana, Degi Harja, Susy Domenicano, Francesco Reyes, Marie Gosme and Meine Van Noordwijk
Additional contact information
Christian Dupraz: INRA (UMR-SYSTEM), University of Montpellier, 34090 Montpellier, France
Kevin J. Wolz: INRA (UMR-SYSTEM), University of Montpellier, 34090 Montpellier, France
Isabelle Lecomte: INRA (UMR-SYSTEM), University of Montpellier, 34090 Montpellier, France
Grégoire Talbot: INRA (UMR-SYSTEM), University of Montpellier, 34090 Montpellier, France
Grégoire Vincent: IRD (UMR-AMAP), University of Montpellier, 34090 Montpellier, France
Rachmat Mulia: ICRAF, Bogor 16001, Indonesia
François Bussière: INRA (UR ASTRO 1231) Centre Antilles-Guyane, Petit-Bourg, 97170 Guadeloupe, France
Harry Ozier-Lafontaine: INRA (UR ASTRO 1231) Centre Antilles-Guyane, Petit-Bourg, 97170 Guadeloupe, France
Sitraka Andrianarisoa: INRA (UMR-SYSTEM), University of Montpellier, 34090 Montpellier, France
Nick Jackson: CEH, NERC, Wallingford OX10 8BB, UK
Gerry Lawson: CEH, NERC, Wallingford OX10 8BB, UK
Nicolas Dones: INRA (UMR-PIAF), Université Clermont Auvergne, 63000 Clermont-Ferrand, France
Hervé Sinoquet: INRA (UMR-PIAF), Université Clermont Auvergne, 63000 Clermont-Ferrand, France
Betha Lusiana: ICRAF, Bogor 16001, Indonesia
Degi Harja: ICRAF, Bogor 16001, Indonesia
Susy Domenicano: Centre d’étude de la forêt, Université du Quebec, Montreal H2X 3Y5, Canada
Francesco Reyes: INRA (UMR-SYSTEM), University of Montpellier, 34090 Montpellier, France
Marie Gosme: INRA (UMR-SYSTEM), University of Montpellier, 34090 Montpellier, France
Meine Van Noordwijk: ICRAF, Bogor 16001, Indonesia

Sustainability, 2019, vol. 11, issue 8, 1-25

Abstract: Agroforestry, the intentional integration of trees with crops and/or livestock, can lead to multiple economic and ecological benefits compared to trees and crops/livestock grown separately. Field experimentation has been the primary approach to understanding the tree–crop interactions inherent in agroforestry. However, the number of field experiments has been limited by slow tree maturation and difficulty in obtaining consistent funding. Models have the potential to overcome these hurdles and rapidly advance understanding of agroforestry systems. Hi-sAFe is a mechanistic, biophysical model designed to explore the interactions within agroforestry systems that mix trees with crops. The model couples the pre-existing STICS crop model to a new tree model that includes several plasticity mechanisms responsive to tree–tree and tree–crop competition for light, water, and nitrogen. Monoculture crop and tree systems can also be simulated, enabling calculation of the land equivalent ratio. The model’s 3D and spatially explicit form is key for accurately representing many competition and facilitation processes. Hi-sAFe is a novel tool for exploring agroforestry designs (e.g., tree spacing, crop type, tree row orientation), management strategies (e.g., thinning, branch pruning, root pruning, fertilization, irrigation), and responses to environmental variation (e.g., latitude, climate change, soil depth, soil structure and fertility, fluctuating water table). By improving our understanding of the complex interactions within agroforestry systems, Hi-sAFe can ultimately facilitate adoption of agroforestry as a sustainable land-use practice.

Keywords: alley cropping; silvoarable; windbreak; hedgerow; forestry; competition; facilitation; land equivalent ratio; long-term simulation; plasticity (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: O13 Q Q0 Q2 Q3 Q5 Q56 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2019
References: View references in EconPapers View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations: View citations in EconPapers (4)

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