Impact of agroforestry systems on microclimate modification and water cycle regulation

Abstract

Agroforestry is often described as a climate-smart practice, but how much does tree cover actually change the microenvironment within a farming system? This research measured temperature, humidity, soil moisture, and water balance components under four agroforestry configurations—scattered trees, alley cropping, silvopasture, and multi-strata—compared with open cropland at the University of Tokyo’s Tanashi Experimental Station over two growing seasons (2021-2023). Multi-strata systems reduced midday air temperature by 3.6°C, raised relative humidity by 11.4%, and doubled soil infiltration rates compared with open fields. These results confirm that structurally complex agroforestry arrangements provide measurable microclimate buffering and improved water partitioning in temperate settings.