Dispersed tree agroforestry in eastern El Salvador: Local farmer knowledge and management practices for preferred species of an indigenous agroforestry system

Forest resources in rural agrarian areas are often converted to cleared land for agricultural production. A high population density in the same area may shorten the fallow period and, through time, incorporate more forest land into agricultural production. Intensified land use systems in these highly populated areas have historically incorporated woody perennials in fields of staple crops to meet household demands of wood and non-wood products. These intensified land use systems are generally referred to as agroforestry systems and one example is dispersed tree agroforestry.;The study found that dispersed trees were selected on the basis of potential tree use and farmer experience because the wood and non-wood products and benefits were of greater value than staple crops. Multiple purpose tree species were retained by both renter and owner farmers because these species served as sources for tree fodder, fuelwood, shade, tool wood, and medicine. Tree fodder use during the dry season was a critical food source and maintained milk production within 5% of wet season production rates. Twenty-seven tree species were critical for very specific one-time purposes such as corner-posts, rafters, and cross-beams used in house and out-building construction.;This research documented local indigenous knowledge regarding dispersed trees retained by farmers within their fields. Information was gathered using a survey questionnaire to guide informal conversations with resource-poor households in eastern El Salvador to assess: (1) tree species diversity and number of dispersed trees; and (2) the uses and management practices assigned to each species.