Alley cropping is the practice of planting trees and shrubs in rows that create alleys within which agricultural crops can be planted. The trees employed can be hardwood lumber breeds, softwood species, or specialty crop trees or shrubs, depending on the context of the land and personal preference. By intercropping the land planting both long-term trees and short-term agricultural crops landowners can make more effective use of cropland and resources, improving overall farm yields with the same acreage.
Alley cropping can provide several benefits for conservation and agricultural productivity. Diversifying production with trees and crops allows for short-term economic gain from crops as well as medium- to- long-term gain from slower maturing trees, whether from produce, timber, or both. Root networks created by mixed vegetation help to protect soil from wind and water erosion on sloping ground, it can also help hold soil in place. Water retention and quality are boosted by the tree deep-root systems minimizing the leaching of chemicals into groundwater systems and tree coverage reducing evaporation in soil surrounding forage crops. Diversifying habitats supports more robust wildlife while reducing damage from pests by disrupting their movement and fostering beneficial insect and animal populations.
Effective alley cropping requires consideration of multiple factors over a period of time and can be done using various systems and configurations. Learn more about the particular requirements of alley cropping, as well as the different options, benefits, and limitations on the CA Field Office Technical Guide website.
The following sections highlight some of the most applicable and effective methods for the Sacramento region and provide access to additional sources to learn more.
