Agroforestry systems in different forest types of South America: Concepts, state of knowledge and recommendations

SOLER, ROSINA MATILDE; PERI, PABLO LUIS; BAHAMONDE, HECTOR; GARGAGLIONE, VERÓNICA; ORMAECHEA, SEBASTIÁN; SÁNCHEZ-JARDÓN, LAURA; LENCINAS, MARIA VANESSA; GUILLERMO MARTÍNEZ PASTUR

Tartu

Congreso; IUFROLE WG Conference; 2015

To synthesize the state of knowledge on agroforestry systems in South America and to compare the research developed by country, we performed a literature review in seven countries (Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Ecuador, Paraguay and Peru), referring to the components conforming agro-silvopastoral systems, the component under study, and recommendations. For each country we extracted 25 scientific articles and other information. 166 relevant articles were obtained from 1983 to the present, a few of which (11%) dealt with long-term (>5 years), compared with short-term (28%) or punctual studies (61%). The studies were conducted mainly on the wood component (45%), followed by agriculture (32%), social situation (17%) and livestock (7%). This was the case with all countries except Chile, which had increased focus on agricultural issues (43%). Our research aimed at productivity issues (41%) but also conservation (30%) and to a lesser extent restoration (17%) or social questions (13%). Finally, 73% included recommendations mostly orientated towards improving management (52%), but also conservation (25%) and policy (23%). This study demonstrates the growth of research in agroforestry systems in South America and the generation of scientifically based recommendations, also the importance of forestry in the region.