general framework for the quantification and valuation of ecosystem services of tree-based intercropping systems

Authors:
Alam, Mahbubul
Olivier, Alain
Paquette, Alain
Dupras, Jérôme
Revéret, Jean-Pierre
Messier, Christian
Type: Journal Article
Year of publication: 2014
Source: USDA
Collected from: AGRIS
Subject:
agricultural products
products
agriculture
farmers
Description:This study provides the first complete framework for the valuation of ecosystem services of agroforestry and uses a tree-based intercropping (TBI) system in southern Québec, Canada, as a case study. Ten ecosystem services were estimated, all of which were of interest and directly applicable to most agricultural systems worldwide: nutrient mineralization, water quality, soil quality, pollination, biological control, air quality, windbreak, timber provisioning, agriculture provisioning, and climate regulation. A mix of mathematical models for the quantification and economic valuation of various ecosystem services were used. The results revealed a total annual margin of $2,645� ha⁻¹� y⁻¹ (averaged over 40� years). The economic value of combined non-market services was $1,634� ha⁻¹� y⁻¹, which was higher than the value of marketable products (i.e. timber and agricultural products). An analysis of the present value suggested that agricultural products ranked highest among the ecosystem services taken singularly, followed by water quality, air quality, climate regulation, and soil quality maintenance. Total economic value of all ecosystem services for the rotation period was $54,782� ha⁻¹, only one third of which was contributed by agricultural products. Although the total value of the ecosystem services provided by TBI was high, farmers only benefited from agricultural and timber products. Thus, government incentives are needed to interest farmers in adopting practices that benefit society as a whole.
 

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