Microclimatic modification through agroforestry in the context of climate change: An eco-physiological appraisal

Abstract

Basic and strategic aspects on the microclimate and its moderation through agroforestry have been critically discussed in the article. Trees as an integral component of agroforestry system have been noted to be very crucial for contributing in moderation of microclimate towards enhancing better opportunity and scope for coping with climate change scenarios. Reduction in canopy temperature, increase in relative humidity (RH) and low incident photosynthetic photon flux density (PPFD) are noted to be major factors, which contribute towards microclimatic moderation. Even Nitrogen-fixing tree based agroforestry system could enhance C stock of the agroforestry system apart from augmenting Nutrient Use Efficiency (NUE) indicating the importance of microclimate of the rhizospheric zone. Ecophysiological aspects of water use (canopy transpiration) of tree species in the backdrop of semi-arid agroclimate have been emphasized. Most important aspects of microclimatic benefit in agroforestry would be through tangible/intangible processes like crop phonological changes and ecosystem services especially through buffering capacity of extreme harsh climate in the changing climate scenarios. Various aspects relating to the future perspectives for agroforestry system in the direction of present topic has been discussed.