Agroforestry systems of the lowland alluvial valleys of the Tehuacán-Cuicatlán Biosphere Reserve: an evaluation of their biocultural capacity

Agroforestry systems (AFS) in the Tehuacán-Cuicatlán Valley, Mexico, demonstrate remarkable biocultural capacity by combining traditional and intensive agricultural practices without significantly compromising biodiversity. The study found that 81% of the 66 tree and shrub species recorded in AFS were native, representing 38% of the perennial plant species found in unmanaged forests. Plant diversity decreased with higher agricultural intensity, but maintaining vegetation cover did not conflict with intensive practices. Key reasons for preserving wild plants included shade provision, beauty, fruit production, and soil/water retention. The research highlights the potential for expanding and enriching vegetation in terraces and borders of AFS, offering valuable insights for regional biodiversity conservation programs that leverage these systems as keystones.

Vallejo, M., Casas, A., Pérez-Negrón, E., Moreno-Calles, A. I., Hernández-Ordoñez, O., Tellez, O., & Dávila, P. (2015). Agroforestry systems of the lowland alluvial valleys of the Tehuacán-Cuicatlán Biosphere Reserve: an evaluation of their biocultural capacity. Journal of Ethnobiology and Ethnomedicine, 11(1). https://doi.org/10.1186/1746-4269-11-8