SISTEMAS AGROFORESTALES COMO ESTRATEGIA PARA LA CONSERVACIÓN DEL SUELO: REVISIÓN DEL CASO DE GUERRERO

Soil degradation is a critical issue in the state of Guerrero, Mexico. Agroforestry emerges as a viable strategy to harmonize agricultural production with ecosystem conservation by integrating trees, crops, and livestock into diversified production systems. This review article explores the relevance, experiences, limitations, and research needs surrounding agroforestry as a tool for conserving and restoring degraded soils in Guerrero. Despite the state's high agroecological potential, institutional support for establishing agroforestry systems has been limited, in addition to the fact that agroforestry is not a widespread practice in the state. Nevertheless, valuable examples exist, such as traditional “tlacolol” systems and home gardens, which stand out for their sustainability and local adaptation. While the ecological benefits of these systems are widely acknowledged, empirical and quantitative evidence on their effectiveness in restoring soil functionality remains scarce. Most agroforestry initiatives in Guerrero are oriented toward subsistence production, drawing on landscape elements and traditional knowledge. Recent programs such as “Sembrando Vida” present a key opportunity to document case studies and generate concrete data on the impacts of agroforestry on soil health. Finally, there is an urgent need to develop integrated monitoring and evaluation tools that include physical, chemical, and biological soil indicators. Such tools would enable a more precise understanding of degradation and recovery processes and support informed decision-making for the implementation of more efficient and sustainable agroforestry systems.