Agriculture is one of the most important sectors in the economy and welfare of people around the world. However, the increasing demand for fast and efficient agricultural products often leads to environmentally damaging farming practices and lower soil productivity.
Therefore, a sustainable agricultural system that considers ecosystem stability and is environmentally friendly is needed. A viable option is the ‘Agroforestry‘ farming system.
Agroforestry is an agricultural system that combines plantation crops with forest crops or productive trees. This system is an ideal and sustainable method, as it can increase soil productivity, reduce erosion, increase biodiversity and prevent carbon emissions.
Coffee agroforestry is an example of a sustainable farming system
In this system, coffee is grown together with trees that can provide environmental and economic benefits.
Supriadi and Pranowo (2015), citing the results of several researchers, mentioned that the various trees are fruit plants, plantation plants and forest plants.
The trees can also be used as a source of firewood, industrial raw materials, or as a food source for animals. In addition, the trees can also increase soil productivity by improving soil quality, reducing erosion, and increasing biodiversity.
Coffee agroforestry can improve farmers’ welfare by providing more diverse sources of income. Farmers can sell coffee products and products from planted trees, providing greater economic stability.
Coffee agroforestry can also help mitigate climate change
Planted trees can absorb carbon from the atmosphere and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
Then, improve environmental quality by improving water and air quality. The trees planted can filter water and reduce erosion, and produce enough oxygen. It can also improve the quality of life of communities around the plantation.
The presence of various types of plants other than coffee in the agroforestry system can increase the availability of nutrients. Based on the results of research by Qifli et al (2014), nitrogen (N) content in coffee agroforestry is higher than monoculture coffee plantations.
Then Ebisa (2014), reported that in coffee-based agroforestry there was phosphorus (P) of 5.44 ppm while in monoculture coffee plantations there was none. Likewise for the element potassium (K), coffee agroforestry is higher than monoculture coffee plantations. Therefore, this farming system is ideal for heterogeneous plantations or intercropping.
This means that the dynamics that occur in agroforestry farming systems have many benefits for humans and nature itself. However, coffee agroforestry still needs more research and support to be widely implemented.
It also requires support from the government, industry and society. All parties must work together to raise awareness of managing sustainable agricultural systems. By doing so, we can ensure the availability of nature and its products.
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