The origins of agroforestry, which entails cultivating trees, shrubs, food crops, and grasses together, are deeply rooted in tradition. However, the scientific study of agroforestry is a relatively recent development. Extensive experience and experimentation have demonstrated that agroforestry, as a land-use system, is capable of producing both food and wood while simultaneously promoting the conservation and rehabilitation of ecosystems. It enhances the overall land productivity, maintains soil nutrient balance, and most importantly, safeguards the environment.

In light of its growing significance, agroforestry has been recommended as a core subject in the curricula of B. Sc. (Forestry) and B. Sc. (Agriculture) programs at agricultural universities. This book has been organized into ten comprehensive chapters that cover all aspects of agroforestry, including its historical background, fundamental concepts, system classification, tree-crop interactions, planning and management, diagnosis and design, policy and project implementation, and propagation and management practices for multipurpose trees.

Alok Kumar Patra has about 25 years of experience in research and teaching at UG and PG level on agroforestry and agrometeorology. Presently he works as Professor (Agronomy) in the All India Coordinated Research Project on Integrated Farming Systems, Odisha University of Agriculture & Technology, Bhubaneswar, Odisha, India.

1. Agroforestry - A Sustainable Land Use System  2. Social Forestry  3. Status of Indian Forests  4. Agroforestry System, Subsystem and Practice  5. Tree Crop Interaction in Agroforestry  6. Selection of Tree Crop Species for Agroforestry  7. Agroforestry Planning and Management  8. Agroforestry Diagnosis and Design  9. Agroforestry Policy and Projects  10. Management Practices of Multipurpose Trees