Agroforest technologies for a tropical dry forest: a methodological proposal

Abstract

The design and implementation of agroforestry technologies has some problems due to their complexity and the lack of technology packages in Mexico. The aim of this work was to propose a land evaluation methodology, to design appropriate agroforestry technologies in the ejido of Ajuchitlán, Tlaquiltenango, Morelos. The method consisted in the diagnosis of biophysical and agroforestry aspects to define relatively homogeneous basic units (UP), identify the most representative species and detect the main limitations. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with producers to learn about other limitations, determine their main economic interest and select the preferred tree and shrub species for the design of agroforestry technologies and assess their economic viability. The secondary vegetation of the low deciduous forest in its different densities, climatic and physiographic conditions was the UP that represented the use with the largest area in the region. The limitations detected were: fencing in agricultural and grassland areas, degradation of the soil in the upper part of the study area and reduction of plant diversity in land units with low tree density. The proposed agroforestry technologies were live fences in the agricultural-livestock area, live barriers in the upper part and secondary vegetation enrichment in the unit of land with low tree density. Good silvicultural management of the proposed technologies can increase the economic income of farmers, mainly through the sale of firewood. This research helps to obtain local information about the area.