What are the disadvantages of agroforestry?

If you would mention agroforestry, you can count on people saying good things about it. You cannot help but wonder if there are actually some downsides to this. There are a few but the advantages usually overtake the disadvantages.

One of the disadvantages is you have to wait for a long time before you start to see the effects of the agroforestry. It cannot happen quickly because plants always need time to grow.

Another disadvantage is that this method will require a lot of skills and knowledge. Not everyone will be able to make this happen the way that they want. This technique may fail miserably if it is not done correctly.

The main problem with agroforestry is the cost of planting trees and other bushes in the rows or near the rows of crops. Since those trees and bushes have no significant monetary value that will be gained by the famer, it is taking up space that could be used for planting other crops. The farmer only has a certain amount of land. Plus, it takes a lot of time to see the results.

It sometimes may take years for those natural items to help the main crops. The farmer must have a lot of patience in order to make this work. Another problem or disadvantage is that it is not an easy process. The land must be managed in order to work.

One of the major disadvantages of agroforestry is that it is far more complex than a straight forward forestry operation or monoculture farming because it involves diverse use.

Successful agroforestry require knowledge and technology. Sometimes it may fail when technology is applied to the wrong situation. This is why it is important to access its advantages and disadvantages before proceeding with this method.

Another big problem of agroforestry is that it also requires a huge amount of time to reap the yields. Remember, it involves integrating long lived perennial crops or tress with other plants and livestock. Even the fastest specie can take years to grow.