Trees on farms regenerate soil and protect water
RESOURCE
Riparian Forest Buffer Infosheet
- Learn about the benefits and challenges of planting natural buffers along waterways
- Learn about the benefits and challenges of planting natural buffers along waterways
- Free to print for events, classrooms, or office literature
- Available in English, Spanish, and Hmong
Our Research
Ecosystem Science
Our Ecosystem Services Team monitors water and soil quality to quantify agroforestry’s impact on the ecosystem. At demonstration farms in Wisconsin and Illinois, we’ve dug 100 cores each one meter deep to track soil carbon. This research will help inform standards for how climate mitigation is quantified across carbon markets.
Systems-level Change
Bare fields and annual cropping systems can lead to soil erosion, nutrient loss, lack of biodiversity, and polluted water.
Perennial systems hold soil and nutrients in place, increase biodiversity, and boost water quality.
Assistance For Landholders
Water Quality Program
Planting trees on farms and along shorelines can reduce nutrient pollution in local lakes, rivers, and streams. Our Water Quality Program establishes demonstration farms around the Great Lakes, and shares research and education on the potential for agroforestry systems to meet the challenge of the water crisis.
Online Courses
Our online agroforestry courses focus on key tree crops and practices, marketing, land access and finances, agroecology, and climate change.