Identifying the existing agroforestry systems practices in Abra [Philippines]

Results revealed that different agroforestry farming systems were practiced in the province of Abra. In particular, there were four distinct agroforestry farming systems identified: multi-storey, hedgerow cropping, live fence/boundary planting, and contour terracing systems. The multi-story, the most prominent farming system in the area, has two variants, the indigenous and introduced multi-storey system. The former evolved from the long farming experiences of the farmers wherein no orderly pattern of crop arrangement and was developed as a result of research and experiments. Currently, farmers still prominently practiced the indigenous multi-storey. To protect their crops from strong winds, farmers planted rows of trees or bamboos to act as windbreakers in areas where these seasonal strong winds prevail. Species commonly used included Yemane trees due to their resistance to unfavorable site conditions and strong winds. Another common practice in the province was planting of trees around farms or home lots, which was done for the protection and privacy of valuable farm products. Moreover, farmers also practiced the establishment of strip of grass vegetation along the contour of sloping areas. Though this is not agroforestry in essence, this can be converted into an agroforestry scheme by planting perennial crops in the farm. Farmers also used terracing along contour in sloping grounds and piling of stones as retaining walls at the base of the terrace. Two scenarios were observed in the study sites in terms of agroforestry landscape. The first scenario, the segregated agroforestry landscape involved intensive cultivation where trees and agricultural crops were kept apart due to limited suitable terrain. The second scenario, the integrated agroforestry landscape entailed inter-planting perennials with annual crops in an organized manner to sustain production and maintain farm integrity. It was noted that the production level in most areas was generally low. This can be attributed to the fact that despite practicing various agroforestry farming systems, many of the farmers do not fully understand what suitable type of agroforestry system to practice. Apparently, they also lacked the appropriate knowledge in plantation/crop management. For instance, proper spacing and cropping combinations to maximize yield were ignored and soil erosion in the area was prevalent, as appropriate preventive measures were not employed.