Alley cropping options feature crops grown between strips of food-bearing trees and shrubs.
Crop options (grown in the “alleys”) are many, and could include cereal as row crops or forage, vegetables or fruits, therapeutic plants, flowers, nursery stock, biomass, etc.
Alley crops are surrounded by trees and shrubs, and for these, the options are also many, from deciduous to evergreen, fruit- or nut-bearing, etc.
One key is to select both alley and surrounding crops that are compatible in climate and soil type, and their root systems are compatible.
Another key is appropriate spacing, along with the flexibility to change alley crops as sun/ shade conditions change as the canopy matures (depending on spacing).
There are numerous benefits to alley cropping (compared to mono-cropping), but there are challenges as well.
If you have a quick question on any of these options, please feel free to contact me at kindness [at] BackardNourishment.com.
Note: the “[at]” should be replaced with “@”, as is customary in email addresses.
If you have more in-depth questions or are seeking help with consultation or design, I am grateful for heart-centered honorariums in compensation.
Here is another, great site for alley cropping options and details:
USDA National Agroforestry Center