• Korean Journal of Environment and Ecology
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• v.28 no.2
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• pp.263-269
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• 2014

This study explored agroforestry strategies to achieve ecological and economic effects simultaneously for Elsentasarhai region in Mongolia under desertification, based on attitude survey with a questionnaire, field survey on planting sites, and literature review. The agrosilvopastoral approach was suggested as a type of agroforestry practices which combined tree planting for combatting desertification and wind damage to crops, agricultural crop production for income improvement, and livestock raising, a major industry in the study region. Populus sibirica and Ulmus pumila native to desert regions were selected for tree planting, and Hippophae rhamnoides, potato, and fodder appropriate for the short growing season were chosen for income crop production, reflecting residents' attitudes and growth environments. As a strategy of land allocation to satisfy multiple effects of the agrosilvopastoral approach, the alley cropping technique was recommended which arranged alternately strips of trees as windbreaks and income crops in multiple rows. The study also explored desirable planting techniques to improve conditions of income crop production and tree growth against drought and strong winds in the alley cropping. Study results will be useful as fundamental information to implement sustainable agroforestry in Mongolia and other semi-arid regions where knowledge concerned is lacking.