Basic Knowledge in Agriculture #90
Forestation is the intentionally planting of trees and vegetation to create a forest where none or little existed before. While this is the general term for the process, forestation is actually two-pronged; afforestation (planting trees on lands where forest has never been before such as grassland or derelict land) and reforestation (replanting trees on previously deforested areas of land).
The ultimate aim is for this processes to balance out nature, slow the rate of desertification and absorb more carbon from our atmosphere.
Forestation isn’t just about growing wood, it is actually playing a significant role in the field of agriculture, helping crops to thrive whilst simultaneously preserving their environments:
Conserving Soil: Forestation plants a living “net” of roots that holds soil in place, helping to prevent it from being carried away by wind and rain erosion.
Controlling Micro-climate: Forests reduce the flow of wind across fields, thereby decreasing evaporation of soil moisture and water from crops, and thus providing help during times of dry weather.
Supporting the cycle of nutrients: Many varieties of trees add nitrogen into the soil through atmospheric fixation. Furthermore, with deep roots, trees are able to bring nutrients up from deep in the soil to the top soil through the decomposition of dropped leaves which improves the quality of topsoil. Helping the water cycle: Tree roots create porous soil, which aids in trapping water and allow moisture to trickle down into underground aquifer storage areas.
Improving natural biodiversity and pest control: the planting of forested belts around and within farms serve as ideal habitats for beneficial birds, beneficial insects and predators.
This supports the population of natural predators to maintain minimum agricultural pest control needs.
Forestation closes the gap between forestry and crop cultivation and, by supporting a healthy farming landscape, ensures resilient farming for future food security.
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