II.2.1.5. Agroforestry (Tree Integration)
Trees are important component of Rwanda agricultural system.
In most farming systems in SSA, trees are associated with other crops. The
system operates as a dynamic, ecologically based that, through the integration
of trees in farms and in agricultural landscape, diversifies and sustains
productions for increased social, economic and environmental benefits for land
users at all levels (Louise et al., 1998). Agroforestry enhances
ecological stability; allows better management of below ground resources. Crops
grown beside trees on the same field benefit from nutrients uptaken by trees
from the sub-soil. In most cases leguminous perennials trees are used in the
systems and these are known to fix atmospheric nitrogen that can be used by
annuals. In some case, however, perennials may produce allelopathic compounds
that can suppress weeds. This is an additional advantage of the system
(National research council, 1993).
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