Trees on the Great Plains: Agro-Ecosystem Diversity

Authors

Laurie Hodges, University of Nebraska-LincolnFollow
Mary Ellen Dix, United States Department of Agriculture
James R. Brandle, University of Nebraska-LincolnFollow
Mark O. Harrell, University of Nebraska-LincolnFollow
Robert J. Wright, University of Nebraska-LincolnFollow
Ron J. Johnson, University of Nebraska-LincolnFollow
Ronald M. Case, University of Nebraska-LincolnFollow
Kenneth G. Hubbard, University of Nebraska-LincolnFollow
Linda J. Young, University of Nebraska-LincolnFollow
Rebecca L. Fitzmaurice, D. J. Case & Associates
Nathalie J. Sunderman, University of Nebraska-Lincoln
Michele M. Schoeneberger, United States Forest ServiceFollow

Document Type

Article

Date of this Version

1995

Comments

Published in Women in Natural Resources (1995) 17(2): 4-6.

Abstract

Agriculture in the Great Plains faces increasing pressure for environmental stewardship and for more economical farming and pest management practices. The concept of sustainable agriculture was developed to address these needs. A sustainable agricultural system is one that consistently enhances environmental quality and the resource bases, provides basic human food and fiber needs, is economically viable, and enhances the quality of life for farmers and society. In the Great Plains, we define agroforestry as the use of trees to help make agricultural production systems more sustainable. The trees function to conserve soil, water, wildlife, and other natural resources. They also improve water quality while maintaining natural resources and crop and livestock productivity and profitability.