Diseño agroforestal y restauración ecológica
Agroforestry and Ecological Restoration: A Climate Resilience Strategy
Introduction to Agroforestry and Ecological Restoration
- The joint implementation of agroforestry and ecological restoration can mitigate climate change impacts such as erosion, landslides, loss of environmental services (e.g., aquifer recharge, CO2 capture), soil degradation, and biodiversity loss.
Strengthening Capacities for Climate Resilience
- SITIA has created this video to enhance capacities and promote climate resilience in Latin American and Caribbean cities. It serves as supplementary content to the guide on nature-based solutions for addressing climate change in mountainous areas.
Key Phases in Agroforestry Design
- Successful agroforestry systems require a clear understanding of species lifespan and combinations used. The design process includes several phases:
- Site Characterization: Assessing geography, soil quality, water availability, etc.
- Diagnosis: Evaluating site fertility and environmental health.
- Prospection: Testing potential plant types based on local knowledge.
- Executive Design: Determining species placement, spacing, quantity per hectare, size requirements, and logistics.
Data Collection Techniques
- Initial steps involve visiting parcels to collect soil samples for laboratory analysis while observing geographical features that define each location (e.g., slope steepness).
- Small plots often necessitate detailed information; drone flights are utilized to gather data. Each frame corresponds to a photo taken by the drone.
Mapping Essential Environmental Factors
- Specialized software combines drone images into a 3D mosaic that generates digital elevation models and contour lines. This allows for the creation of essential maps:
- Solar Radiation Map: Identifies areas with varying sunlight exposure.
- Slope Angle Map: Highlights steepness across different zones.
- Soil Quality Map: Indicates areas with good versus critical soil conditions based on sample analysis.
Key Concepts in Agroforestry Design
- Two key concepts emerge from analyzing terrain:
- Keyline Concept: Identifying inflection points in relief where runoff occurs; these points help retain water effectively across slopes.
- The selection of species is influenced by factors like soil type, topography, solar radiation levels, and available water resources.
Species Selection Criteria
- Choosing appropriate species involves considering:
- Soil characteristics,
- Relief features,
- Sunlight availability,
- Water supply.
Agroforestry Practices for Soil Retention
Importance of Root Systems in Erosion Control
- The use of bamboo and various types of bananas is highlighted as a method to retain soil on slopes, preventing erosion.
- Lightweight species such as lemon grass, cardamom, and others are integrated into the system to minimize weight while providing stability to the hillside.
- These plants contribute to maintaining the integrity of the slope by reducing soil dislodgment during rainfall or other erosive events.
Productive Strips in Agroforestry Systems
- The arrangement of productive strips within an agroforestry system is discussed, showcasing how different plant species are grouped based on their size and growth characteristics.
- Cinnamon is alternated with smaller stature plants, followed by larger trees like macadamia, creating a diverse ecosystem that maximizes land use efficiency.