Author Bentrup, G. & Leininger, T.

Year of publication 2002

The advent of agricultural monocultures in the United States has not only contributed to the decline in water and soil quality, wildlife habitat, and other natural resources, it’s also reduced profit margins for many farmers and ranchers (NRC, 1993). Marketing uncertainties, increasing fuel and fertilizer costs, high interest rates, and climate variations are forcing farmers to rethink traditional agricultural approaches. Agroforestry offers a solution. It not only helps landowners reduce soil erosion, improve water quality, and enhance wildlife habitat but it also allows them to diversify farming operations by sustainably harvesting agroforestry specialty products.