Autor(es):
Olivier, A. 
; Alam, M. ; Paquette, A. ; Dupras, J. ; Revéret, J.-P. ; Messier, C.
Data: 2014
Identificador Persistente: http://hdl.handle.net/10400.5/7290
Origem: Repositório da UTL
Assunto(s): alley cropping; agroforestry
Descrição
Presentation Alley cropping, also known as tree-based intercropping (TBI), holds a great potential in providing, in agricultural landscapes, a number of ecosystem services such as reduction of nutrient leaching, enhancement of soil nutrient status, increase of soil microbial biomass and diversity, biological pest control and global climate regulation. We developed and tested a framework for biophysical quantification and economic valuation of several such ecosystem services through a case study in southern Québec, Canada. We used a range of mathematical models for quantification of the services and valued them in economic terms. In some instances, we used existing models and equations, but in most instances we developed new ones to meet study objectives. We have found that the economic value of ecosystem services ranged from as low as 24 $ ha-1y-1 for pollination to as high as 785 $ ha-1y-1 for agricultural products. Water quality regulation ranked highest among the non-market services, followed by air quality regulation and carbon sequestration. The total potential value of TBI ecosystem services was estimated to be 5 billion dollars a year, if the system was implemented in 20 % of Québec’s 1,93 M ha croplands. The study suggests that incentives are needed to interest farmers in adopting TBI systems that benefit society as a whole.
