Enhancing Food Productivity through Intensive Agroforestry Cropping for Sustainable Soil Practice in Bangladesh
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.24925/turjaf.v13is3.4012-4021.8151Keywords:
Agroforestry, Intensive Cropping, Fertilizer Types, Food Production, Soil HealthAbstract
Adoption of sustainable agriculture through agroforestry systems presents a viable solution to address declining soil fertility, land degradation and food insecurity in Bangladesh. This review examines intensive agroforestry systems characterized by high-density, multispecies cropping, highlighting their potential to improve crop yield, restore soil health and enhance ecosystem services. Practices such as homestead gardening, multi-storey cropping, orchard-based systems and boundary plantations contribute to nutrient cycling, biodiversity conservation and climate resilience. However, widespread use of chemical fertilizers continues to degrade soil quality and diminish productivity. Integrating organic and biofertilizers within an integrated nutrient management (INM) framework offers a sustainable alternative that improves soil structure, increases nutrient availability and supports long-term agricultural productivity. The paper also emphasizes the need for policy interventions to promote balanced fertilizer use, incentivize sustainable practices and enhance extension services. Insights from local case studies and regional models underline agroforestry’s role in securing food systems. This review demonstrates intensive agroforestry and diversified fertilizer management as practical pathways toward sustainable food production, ecological balance and improved rural livelihoods in Bangladesh.
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