Defining competition vectors in a temperate alley cropping system in the midwestern USA; 4. The economic return of ecological knowledge.

摘要: We tested the economic value of ecological knowledge in a midwestern USA alley-cropping system where row crops are planted alleys between fine hardwood trees grown for veneer. Economic models were constructed to compare among agroforestry designs as well with traditional forest plantation culture and crop monoculture rotational management. The general modeling approach was quantify production inputs outputs, estimate costs revenues, simulate tree growth productivity configurations, discounted cash flows. incorporated scenarios that controlled both above- below-ground competition through appropriate management found our previous research. This research showed importance determining yields period time income could be expected from interplanting. Net present values internal rates return systems generally more favorable investments than agriculture forestry. More importantly, use simple techniques targeted at reducing allowed longer cultivation crops, greatly increasing returns landowner. Thus, benefit understanding interactions within plantings dictates accurate assessment alternatives will require an integrated, interactive system.