Tree and Vegetable Management under Vegetable-Agroforestry System

In intensive vegetable production systems in the uplands, monoculture
systems are not sustainable, but integrating trees is feasible and offers better
prospects. Tree and vegetable management in the context of' Vegetable-
Agroforestry (VAF) system was studied at Lantapan, Bukidnon, Philippines.
The intent was to improve the net benefits of VAF through improved complementarity and reduced competition among components. This emphasized the integration of valuable trees into the system. This includes among others tree-
vegetable matching, tree Silvicultural and vegetable crops agronomic manage-
ments. Under Vegetable-Agroforestry system, vegetable yields can increase
by up to 40%. This is due to the ameliorative effects of trees on the environment on associated vegetable crops. The Vegetable-Agroforestry system is arguably the most appropriate option for upper watersheds utilized for intensive
vegetable production. It enhances the productivity and profitability of vegetable production, while reducing production risks and environmental hazards.