Description
Similar names: Alley farming, Intercropping, farming with shading trees, Nalaad (Philippine)
Alley cropping is a farming method where trees and shrubs are planted in rows, and crops are grown in the spaces between these rows. This technique helps reduce soil erosion by slowing down water runoff and allowing the soil to absorb more water. The trees protect crops from strong winds, provide habitats for wildlife, and attract pollinators like bees. Depending on the type of trees or shrubs planted, they can also provide extra benefits such as fodder for animals, food, firewood, or materials for mulching.
Farmers can start alley cropping on a small scale by planting hedgerows around their fields or farms. On larger farms, the distance between the rows can be increased to allow for the use of machinery. Common crops used in alley cropping include corn, soybeans, wheat, and potatoes, which can be combined with trees that produce valuable products like hardwood timber or nuts. This technique is flexible and can be adapted to meet the specific needs of any farm, making it a practical way to improve productivity and sustainability.
NOTE: This method works particularly well in humid and semi-humid regions but can also be successful in dry areas with careful planning. In drier regions, it is important to ensure that hedgerows do not compete with crops for soil moisture.
PRE-CONDITIONS FOR IMPLEMENTATION
- Climate: Alley cropping is most successful in tropical or subtropical climates with warm temperatures and abundant rainfall. However, it can also be adapted to other climatic conditions, such as arid or semi-arid regions, but must be well planned in dry areas as hedgerows can compete with crops for soil moisture
- Soil conditions: This intervention requires soils that are well-drained and not too compacted. Soils should be deep enough to accommodate the root systems of both crops and trees and/or shrubs, with a good balance of nutrients and organic matter. The ideal soil depth is at least 1.5 metres
- Topography: The topography of the land can affect the effectiveness of alley cropping. Steep slopes or uneven terrain can make it more difficult to establish and maintain the system - flat or gently sloping land is generally more suitable
- Farmer goals: The objectives of the farming system should be considered when implementing alley cropping. For example, if the goal is to increase soil fertility and reduce erosion, certain tree and crop species may be more appropriate than others
- Tree availability: If no seed nursery is available, establishing an alley cropping system can be expensive as seeds will need to be acquired and transported (depending on the species to be planted). The availability of good quality seeds, or access to a tree nursery, is important.
- Crop choice: Leguminous trees and other nitrogen-fixing species should be planted to increase the amount of nitrogen fixed in the soil. Additionally, certain tree, shrub, and plant species release chemical substances that have negative impacts on other crops and plants which can inhibit growth. Careful consideration of hedgerow species should be made in relation to the planted crops to reduce chemical leaching.
Disclaimer (Ownership agreement): If you are renting the land you are farming, make sure the owner agrees with the establishment of trees.
If you are not sure the above conditions apply to your land, ask an extension officer in your region or someone who has experience with growing trees in the area.
Some common alley cropping terms.
METHOD OF APPLICATION
Steps of implementation
- Choose the right location: Select a location with suitable soil, adequate sunlight, and access to water.
- Select appropriate species: Determining which species to plant in the hedgerows and which crops are compatible with these trees or shrubs. There are different possible combinations, but it is important to keep in mind the desired function of the hedgerows and the suitability of environmental conditions (see next section). Crops that grow well in shade, such as leafy greens or some root vegetables, are good choices. The most common crops grown tend to be maize, soybean, wheat, groundnut, coffee and cacao.
- Prepare the land: Clear the area where you want to plant your crops and trees. Make sure to remove any debris, rocks, or weeds that could interfere with growth.
- Plant the trees or shrubs: On flatlands to gentle slopes, hedgerows are usually put 2 to 6 m apart. On steeper slopes, the hedgerows should be about 2 m apart and placed along the contour of the land (at right angles to the slope). The distance between each tree should be 5 to 10 m apart to be able to capture eroded material. On such steep slopes it is possible to plant temporary stakes in the ground near the seedlings to form barriers that control soil erosion whilst waiting for the trees to grow.
- Plant the crops: Plant your chosen crops in the space between the rows of trees or shrubs. Be sure to leave enough space for the crops to grow and for you to walk through the rows.
- Maintain the crops and trees: Water, fertilise, and weed your crops and trees as necessary. Monitor their growth and health regularly to ensure they are thriving until harvesting.
For a more detailed description of the method of application, please read this document.
Considerations for application:
- Weeding: in the initial stages of tree growth, weeding must be done to maintain the intervention and ensure continued healthy growth as the trees mature.
- Tree placement: Trees should be arranged perpendicular to the wind direction so as to reduce wind speed, thereby reducing wind-induced soil erosion.
- Biodiversity: To create a biodiversity corridor, plant the hedgerows to connect two nature areas (such as two forests). The hedgerows can be enriched with flowers to stimulate pollinators and have dense vegetation, to shelter small wildlife.
BENEFITS
This intervention contributes to:
COSTS
Table 1. Estimated costs of Alley cropping
| Factor | Estimated Value |
| Establishment Cost | Medium to High. Establishment costs for alley cropping can vary widely depending on tree species, planting area size, and the management practices used. Costs may include site preparation, tree or shrub purchase, fencing, and irrigation. Estimates range from around USD 100/ha to USD 1000/ha. |
| Labour Time | High. Requires significant labour for planting, maintenance, and harvest throughout the year. Labour requirements are crop and tree-dependent, and rely on the size of the planting area and management practices used. However, alley cropping can provide employment opportunities for locals, particularly during the establishment and maintenance phases. |
| Maintenance Cost | Low to Medium. Again, maintenance costs can vary depending on tree species, the size of the area, and management practices. Costs include pruning, weed control, and pest management. However, alley cropping can reduce the need for synthetic fertilisers and pesticides, which results in cost savings. |
| Benefits | High. The trees and shrubs can also provide a source of timber, fruit, or other products, which can diversify farmers' income streams. Additionally, alley cropping can help to build resilience to climate change by providing a buffer against extreme weather events. |
| Material Cost | Low to Medium. Material costs include tree or shrub purchase, fencing, and irrigation. However, these costs can be outweighed by the long-term benefits of alley cropping.. |
CASE STUDIES
Description
In Southern Trelawny, Jamaica, extensive soil erosion has been a major problem for hillside agriculture.. A new program aims to combat this by promoting the hedgerow/alley cropping system, which has been successful in various countries. This method involves planting fast-growing, nitrogen-fixing trees, such as Calliandra, in rows along the contours of the land, with crops grown in the spaces between the rows. This helps reduce soil erosion, improve soil fertility, and provide resources like yam sticks and animal feed. Farmers were given initial seedlings to start the process, and the system was well-received due to its simplicity and cost-effectiveness. Adoption of the hedgerow/alley system has shown positive results, including reduced soil loss and improved water infiltration. While quantitative data on soil conservation is still being collected, early observations indicate significant improvements. The project's success is attributed to thorough preparation, clear communication of benefits, and strong community involvement. Overall, the hedgerow/alley cropping system offers a sustainable solution to soil erosion in Southern Trelawny, benefiting both the environment and local farmers without requiring large financial incentives.
2. SwaYYam and alley cropping to revitalise soils and educate local farmers, India
Description
SwaYYam is an educational centre in South India, which enables local farmers to learn regenerative farming methods, by helping them to create their incomes through healthy soils and rich harvests. Alley cropping is one of the agroforestry methods which they explore, alongside tree planting and water management. For more information on the story of the project and some of the applied techniques, please click here.
3. Alley cropping in a forest garden farm, Scotland
Description
Tap o’Noth Farm is a Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) market garden and permaculture-designed forest garden farm in Scotland. The farm is run by James and Rosa (two enthusiastic owners), where home-scale to small farm-scale agroforestry techniques are being developed. Plenty of regenerative techniques for growing organic fruit and vegetables are being deployed, one of which is alley cropping using the same area of land to grow both annual vegetable crops and perennial tree crops.
4. Alley cropping at the Loess Plateau, China
Description
The alley cropping project at the Loess Plateau is a short-term experiment in China, which compared a short-term improved intercropping distance with conventional intercropping distance to three different apple crop combinations. The results of the study amplified the importance of the right mix of plants when doing alley cropping, which respectively influences the crop yield. Alley cropping can be used in combination with other interventions such as terracing, as in the case of China.
5. Alley cropping in Normandy, France
Description
Alley cropping, an agroforestry practice, integrates trees into cereal fields, enhancing biodiversity, aiding natural pest control, improving water infiltration, providing shade, reducing wind stress, and improving soil health. In Normandy, alley cropping traditionally involved apple trees in cow pastures. This practice declined between 1960 and 2000 due to agricultural restructuring and technological advancements. Since the early 2000s, efforts have resumed reintroducing trees in both grasslands and crop fields.. In practice, trees are planted on grassed strips 24-30 meters apart within cereal fields, spaced 8-10 meters apart within these strips, using species like Quercus, Sorbus, Tilia, Prunus, and Robinia. This supports mechanized farming. Local community and land users finance the reintroduction, involving soil preparation, mulching, and protecting seedlings. Despite these benefits, the adoption of alley cropping remains low. Promoting these practices is essential as they reduce the need for expensive fertilizers and pesticides. The European Interreg project FABulous Farmers supports this effort, aiming to enhance Functional agrobiodiversity (FAB) and reduce reliance on external inputs. For more information, visit FABulous Farmers and Interreg NWE.
