Introductory Agroforestry: 2nd Revised and Enlarged Edition

The origins of agroforestry, which involves the cultivation of trees, shrubs, and crops together, are deeply rooted in tradition and date back to antiquity. However, the scientific study of agroforestry is a relatively recent development. Through extensive experimentation and practical experience, it has been established that agroforestry, as a land-use system, can produce both food and timber while also contributing to the preservation and restoration of ecosystems.

This book is comprehensive and covers all aspects of agroforestry, including its history, fundamental concepts, system classification, the interactions between tree crops, planning and management, diagnosis and design, policy and project development, and propagation and management practices for multipurpose trees. It is divided into ten informative chapters.

Alok Kumar Patra has published more than 90 research papers, 130 popular scientific articles, nine books and 35 book chapters. He has about 30 years of experience in research and teaching on agronomy and agroforestry. Presently he is working as Chief Agronomist in the All India Coordinated Research Project on Integrated Farming Systems, Odisha University of Agriculture & Technology, Bhubaneswar- 751003, Odisha.