Sustainable Agriculture: Agroforestary for Enhanced Soil Fertility and Food Security

Abstract

In the past four decades the global cereal production has increased mainly resulting from greater inputs of fertilizer, pesticides, new crop strains, water and other technologies of the 'Green Revolution which are essential for global political and social stability and equity. But doubling food production and sustaining food production at this level are huge challenges for the sustainability of food production and of terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems and the services they gives to the society. Agricultural practices determine the level of food production, sustainability and largely the state of the global environment. The present agricultural practices that have greatly increased global food supply have had adverse impacts on the environment and on ecosystem services are calling for the need for more sustainable agricultural methods. Sustainability implies maintain high yields in the face of major shocks^, and agricultural practices that have acceptable environmental impacts. This review paper examines how and why agro-forestry would be the best alternative for sustainable agriculture and food security. Different researches are explain that agro-forestry is highly efficiency to insure agricultural sustainability through enhancement of soil fertility, plant nutrients (n, p, k, mg, ca, s), organic matter, soil carbon sequestration, retention of soil moisture, regulate  soil temperature and climate change. It also help for food security via increased crop productivity, ensuring nutrition security and balanced diet, diversified crop production, boost income generation, and other multi functional value. To achieve such a scenario particularly in the developing countries knowing the multiple benefits of agro-forestry and expanding the agro-forestry system is not only an important for enhanced soil fertility and food security, but it is the question of sustaining life on the earth.

Keywords: sustainability, agriculture, agro-forestry, soil moisture, soil carbon sequestration, plant nutrients (N, P, K, Mg, Ca, S), food security, income generation.