Tree rows in modern agriculture reduce damage to environment

Alley cropping: an agricultural system where rows of trees (or bushes) are planted in fields of crops or grassland. Photo: Göttingen University / Xenia Bischel International team led by Göttingen University compares agroforestry with conventional cultivation "Alley cropping- is the agricultural practice of planting rows - or alleys - of trees in fields of crops. According to a new study by an international, multidisciplinary research team led by the University of Göttingen, this type of land use rapidly leads to significant ecosystem improvements in farmland. The scientists compared different environmental measures in alley-cropping agroforestry, open fields of crops, or grassland. Their study was published in the journal. Intensive agriculture in Europe concentrates on high yields and profitability. However, it causes environmental problems, such as carbonand nutrient-poor soil, loss of biodiversity, water pollution and greenhouse gas emissions.