Agroforestry Specialist

Agroforestry Specialists combine agriculture, forestry, and ecology to design and manage land so that trees and crops or livestock are sustainably grown together. They work to optimize the benefits of both agricultural and forestry systems, with social, economic, and environmental objectives in mind.

Day-to-Day

Agroforestry Specialists may conduct research, provide consulting services, or work in the field with landowners and managers to develop and implement agroforestry practices. Their day-to-day work may include tasks such as:

• Conducting site assessments to determine the suitability of land for agroforestry
• Developing agroforestry plans and designs
• Supervising the installation and maintenance of agroforestry systems
• Monitoring and evaluating the performance of agroforestry systems
• Providing technical assistance and training to landowners and managers on agroforestry practices

Projects

Agroforestry Specialists may work on a variety of projects, such as:

• Developing agroforestry systems to increase crop yields and improve soil health
• Integrating livestock into agroforestry systems to improve grazing and reduce erosion
• Using agroforestry to create wildlife habitat and corridors
• Developing agroforestry systems to mitigate climate change
• Educating the public about the benefits of agroforestry

Challenges

Agroforestry Specialists may face a number of challenges in their work, such as: