Agroforestry synergies: How altitudes and system design enhance tree growth across diverse species

Agroforestry systems, which integrate trees with agriculture and pastoral practices, are valued for boosting biodiversity, productivity and sustainable resource management. Current study was conducted during the year 2022-2023 in Kulgam district of Jammu and Kashmir, examined the growth and volume dynamics of forest and fruit tree species within agroforestry systems across three altitudinal zones (A-I: 1500-1700 m, A-II: 1701-1900 m, A-III: 1901-2100 m). Species studied included forest trees (Populus deltoides, Ulmus villosa, Salix alba, Aesculus indica, Ailanthus altissima, Robinia pseudoacacia and Morus alba) and fruit trees (Malus domestica, Pyrus communis, Cydonia oblonga, Ficus ovata, Prunus armeniaca, Prunus domestica, Prunus persica and Juglans regia). Results showed that agroforestry systems, particularly agrisilviculture, enhanced tree growth, with better volumes at lower altitudes. Fruit trees like Malus domestica and Pyrus communis performed best in hortisilvipasture system. The study emphasizes the importance of altitude, tree age and agroforestry practices for optimal growth, offering insights for sustainable agroforestry development.