Seeing trees living alongside other vegetation is normal in nature but not something often seen in farming. However, some researchers see benefits in planting crops in between rows of trees in a practice called “alley cropping.”

The more mature, stable trees can have many benefits for the landscape. They can help fight climate change and the effects of extreme weather, as well as provide protection against processes like erosion. In other parts of the world, research has shown that alley cropping can maximize the use of resources such as light, water and nutrients throughout the growing season. It can also result in higher yields and profits.