{"id":6777,"date":"2025-07-23T13:50:00","date_gmt":"2025-07-23T17:50:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.umes.edu\/extension\/?p=6777"},"modified":"2026-08-25T13:05:17","modified_gmt":"2026-08-25T17:05:17","slug":"alley-cropping-for-extreme-weather-variability-what-to-know","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.umes.edu\/extension\/alley-cropping-for-extreme-weather-variability-what-to-know\/","title":{"rendered":"Alley Cropping for Extreme Weather Variability: What to Know"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong><em>Dr. Lila B. Karki<\/em><\/strong>,<strong><em> Dipendra Gurung<\/em><\/strong> <strong><em>and Anuj Dhakal<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong><em>REVISED: August 2026<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"702\" src=\"https:\/\/www.umes.edu\/extension\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/139\/2026\/08\/Alley-Cropping-factsheet-photo-1-by-Anuj.jpg\" alt=\"Alley cropping offers multiple benefits to growers.\" class=\"wp-image-8903\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.umes.edu\/extension\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/139\/2026\/08\/Alley-Cropping-factsheet-photo-1-by-Anuj.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.umes.edu\/extension\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/139\/2026\/08\/Alley-Cropping-factsheet-photo-1-by-Anuj-300x206.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.umes.edu\/extension\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/139\/2026\/08\/Alley-Cropping-factsheet-photo-1-by-Anuj-768x527.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><br>An alley cropping system is an agroforestry practice in which trees or shrubs, often bearing fruit or berries, are planted in rows with vegetables or medicinal herbs planted in the alleys in between. This system can provide long-term benefits in addition to short-term income from seasonal companion crops, soil health and ecosystem improvements.<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"alignright size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"768\" height=\"1024\" src=\"https:\/\/www.umes.edu\/extension\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/139\/2025\/07\/Picture-for-the-Alley-Cropping-Brochure-thumbnail_IMG_4444-768x1024.jpg\" alt=\"Planting underway for alley cropping.\" class=\"wp-image-6778\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.umes.edu\/extension\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/139\/2025\/07\/Picture-for-the-Alley-Cropping-Brochure-thumbnail_IMG_4444-768x1024.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.umes.edu\/extension\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/139\/2025\/07\/Picture-for-the-Alley-Cropping-Brochure-thumbnail_IMG_4444-225x300.jpg 225w, https:\/\/www.umes.edu\/extension\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/139\/2025\/07\/Picture-for-the-Alley-Cropping-Brochure-thumbnail_IMG_4444-1152x1536.jpg 1152w, https:\/\/www.umes.edu\/extension\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/139\/2025\/07\/Picture-for-the-Alley-Cropping-Brochure-thumbnail_IMG_4444-1536x2048.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/www.umes.edu\/extension\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/139\/2025\/07\/Picture-for-the-Alley-Cropping-Brochure-thumbnail_IMG_4444.jpg 1920w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 768px) 100vw, 768px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">What technology and agricultural practices can help?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Practices and technologies used in alley cropping include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Crop variety and placement<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Regenerative agriculture<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Cover cropping<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>No-till\/minimum tillage<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Soil and water management<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Mulching and composting<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Integrated pest management<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Rainwater harvesting<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Economic benefits<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Some potential economic benefits of alley cropping include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Land-use efficiency<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Varied income streams<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Short term: seasonal vegetables, culinary herbs and cover crops<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Long term: fruit\/nut trees, berries<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Tax credits for alley cropping practice<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Value-added products: premium price for fresh produce and products<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Reduced economic risks<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Lower production costs<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Enhanced crop pollination and yield<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Ecosystem benefits<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><br>Potential ecosystem benefits are wide ranging, such as carbon capture; improved land- and water-use efficiency, soil health and fertility; natural pest management; and reduced wind stress through windbreaks. Pollinator strips help attract beneficial insects. Alley cropping systems incorporate nutrient cycling and have the potential to help withstand extreme weather.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Challenges of implementing alley cropping system<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">It is a complex system requiring a broad agricultural knowledge base, along with physical management and skills. The balance of tree versus crop shifts over time as light, water and nutrients change, requiring adaptations. Initial capital investments can be substantial to establish fruit trees and shrubs. Alley cropping is a commitment that is best for long-term land-use efficiency.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">How UMES Extension can help<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">UMES Extension\u2019s Community and Economic Development Program hosts training workshops and meets with individual farmers to teach about alley cropping systems.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">More information<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Contact Lila B. Karki, University of Maryland Eastern Shore (UMES) Extension program evaluation specialist and associate professor of agriculture economics, at <a href=\"mailto:lkarki@umes.edu\">lkarki@umes.edu<\/a> or 410-651-6693.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Visit <a href=\"https:\/\/www.umes.edu\/extension\/\">UMES Extension website<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><em>Dipendra Gurung and Anuj Dhakal are graduate students at UMES.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">This work is supported by project award no. NR243A750004G014, subaward 303124423776190 from the U.S. Department of Agriculture\u2019s Natural Resources Conservation Service and 2024-38821-42089 from USDA\u2019s National Institute of Food and Agriculture.<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"566\" src=\"https:\/\/www.umes.edu\/extension\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/139\/2025\/07\/alley_cropping_chart_redesign-1024x566.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-6779\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.umes.edu\/extension\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/139\/2025\/07\/alley_cropping_chart_redesign-1024x566.png 1024w, https:\/\/www.umes.edu\/extension\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/139\/2025\/07\/alley_cropping_chart_redesign-300x166.png 300w, https:\/\/www.umes.edu\/extension\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/139\/2025\/07\/alley_cropping_chart_redesign-768x424.png 768w, https:\/\/www.umes.edu\/extension\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/139\/2025\/07\/alley_cropping_chart_redesign-1536x849.png 1536w, https:\/\/www.umes.edu\/extension\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/139\/2025\/07\/alley_cropping_chart_redesign-2048x1132.png 2048w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-buttons is-layout-flex wp-block-buttons-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-button\"><a class=\"wp-block-button__link wp-element-button\" href=\"https:\/\/www.umes.edu\/extension\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/139\/2025\/07\/UMES_EXT_Factsheet_Alley_Cropping_JUL25_v6.pdf\">download pdf<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Dr. Lila B. Karki, Dipendra Gurung and Anuj Dhakal REVISED: August 2026 An alley cropping system is an agroforestry practice in which trees or shrubs, often bearing fruit or berries, are planted in rows with vegetables or medicinal herbs planted in the alleys in between. This system can provide long-term benefits in addition to short-term&#8230;<span class=\"cpschool-read-more-link-holder\"><a class=\"btn btn-basic cpschool-read-more-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.umes.edu\/extension\/alley-cropping-for-extreme-weather-variability-what-to-know\/\">Read more <span class=\"sr-only\">Alley Cropping for Extreme Weather Variability: What to Know<\/span><\/a><\/span><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2245,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"_coblocks_attr":"","_coblocks_dimensions":"","_coblocks_responsive_height":"","_coblocks_accordion_ie_support":"","wds_primary_category":71,"footnotes":""},"categories":[71],"tags":[],"post_folder":[],"class_list":["post-6777","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-umes-extension"],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.umes.edu\/extension\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/6777","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.umes.edu\/extension\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.umes.edu\/extension\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.umes.edu\/extension\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2245"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.umes.edu\/extension\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=6777"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.umes.edu\/extension\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/6777\/revisions"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.umes.edu\/extension\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=6777"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.umes.edu\/extension\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=6777"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.umes.edu\/extension\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=6777"},{"taxonomy":"post_folder","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.umes.edu\/extension\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/post_folder?post=6777"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}