Alley cropping is defined as the planting of rows of trees and/or shrubs to create alleys within which agricultural or horticultural crops are produced. The trees may include valuable hardwood veneer or lumber species; fruit, nut or other specialty crop trees/shrubs; or desirable softwood species for wood fiber production.

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Photo courtesy of Tracey Coulter

Alley cropping system consisting of chestnuts and raspberries.

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Photo courtesy of Shibu Jose

Alley cropping system consisting of pine trees and cotton.

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Photo courtesy of Mike Gold

Alley cropping system consisting of chestnuts and winter wheat.

Alley cropping can vary from simple systems such as an annual grain rotation between timber tree species to complex, multilayered systems that can produce a diverse range of agricultural products. Alley cropping systems are sometimes called intercropping, especially in tropical areas. It is especially attractive to producers interested in growing multiple crops on the same acreage to improve whole-farm yield. Growing a variety of crops in close proximity to each other can create significant benefits to producers, such as improved crop production and microclimate benefits and help them manage risk. Alley cropping systems change over time. As trees and shrubs grow, they influence the light, water, and nutrient regimes in the field. These interactions are what sets alley cropping apart from more common monocropping systems.

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USDA National Agroforestry Center Illustration

Common terminology used when discussing alley cropping systems are alley, alley crop, tree row, and within row spacing.

Some producers plan alley cropping systems to provide additional functions that support and enhance other aspects of their operation. For example, a livestock producer might grow crops that supply fodder, bedding, or mast crops for their livestock. Some producers may be interested in how alley cropping can support soil health. Other producers may want to produce biomass for on-farm use. Organic producers may choose tree species that fix nitrogen.

Farmers may also use alley cropping systems to transition from one farming system to another. The annual crops grown in alleys can provide short-term annual income until the trees are mature. The versatile nature of this practice allows a producer to react to markets, labor limitations and changing goals. Like all agroforestry systems, alley cropping systems should be considered as part of the whole farm operation.