Average tree cover in agricultural land

Calculation

Values from the Global Tree Cover and Biomass Carbon on Agricultural Land Database obtained through remote sensing analysis using MODIS 250 m resolution in combination with Global Land Cover 2000 for focusing on agricultural lands.

Definition

Average percentage of tree cover on agricultural land in 2010.

Relevance

The amount of desirable tree cover on cropland will vary depending on the crop. Some crops are very well suited to agroforestry systems, such as coffee and cocoa, while others are less suited, such as wheat and barley. All crops can be grown with low levels of tree cover, such as around the field edge. Countries with average tree cover values below 5% signals potential for tree adoption in croplands with minimal yield reduction. The 5% tree cover target should be increased to 30% for cocoa and coffee systems if crop specific analyses are conducted.