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Agroforestry
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13 guidesBiomass Plants
Explore these trees Choose a tree by its job and your own site conditions. These new species pages explain the first steps, limits and practical trials. Kalahari apple-leaf: plan for a lasting native tree Bauhinia petersiana: identify it, then choose its role The functional lists below preserve earlier Namibian discussion and suggestions. Some functions still […]
Castor Oil Plant
Overview The castor oil plant is a fast-growing shrub or small tree best known for producing castor oil from its seeds. It is hardy, drought-tolerant once established, and often grows in disturbed places such as roadsides, dry riverbeds, abandoned fields and settlement edges. For regenerative agriculture, the plant is interesting because it can grow in […]
Faidherbia albida: the ana tree in a productive landscape
The ana tree, Faidherbia albida, can contribute shade, fodder and habitat to a large landscape.
Albizia trees: choose the species, not just the name
Albizia is a group of trees, not a single interchangeable source of shade, biomass or fodder. A useful planting decision begins with the scientific name, available space and the role the tree will play around people and livestock.
Orchard layout: balance sunlight, wind, water and access
Orchard layout is a long-term decision. Row direction matters, but it must be considered alongside slope, adult tree size, irrigation and the space needed to harvest, prune and move safely.
Pigeon peas: trial food and biomass in a warm garden
Pigeon pea, Cajanus cajan, is a shrubby legume grown for food and other farm uses. It may fill a useful role in a warm, adequately watered garden, but its mature size, season length and competition with nearby crops should be part of the plan.
Tree planting: check biodiversity before counting trees
Planting more trees is not automatically the same as restoring an ecosystem. Species, location, survival and the existing habitat matter. A useful planting plan asks what should improve and how the project will recognise that improvement.
Biomass between fruit trees: test the benefit and competition
Plants between fruit trees can provide mulch, cover and useful harvests. They also use water, light and labour. A small comparison helps you find a useful support planting without hiding its costs beneath a list of possible benefits.
A fruit-tree guild that fits the water budget
A fruit-tree guild is a planned group of plants around a central tree. The aim is to combine useful functions, such as food, ground cover and habitat. In an arid garden, every additional plant must also earn its share of water and space.
Make an agroecology farm visit useful
A farm visit becomes more useful when you arrive with questions and leave with a realistic next step. Look beyond the most attractive plot to the water, labour, timing and decisions that keep it working. Ask permission before photographing people or sharing details publicly.
Trees, rainfall and the water cycle: choose restoration that fits
Trees influence water through their roots, leaves, shade and place in the wider landscape. These connections help explain both the value of restoring appropriate vegetation and the need to consider water trade-offs. Planting trees is not a guarantee of more rain at the planting site.
Kalahari apple-leaf: plan for a lasting native tree
Kalahari apple-leaf belongs in the conversation about native shade and agroforestry. Give it space and patience; do not treat it as a guaranteed fast mulch factory.