Dear Aggie

What is alley cropping and what plant species would be suitable for use in northern New York State?

Folks aren’t likely to associate trees and shrubs with crop fields, but you’d be impressed at the many benefits they can bring to our farms. Alley cropping is an agroforestry practice that integrates rows of trees or shrubs with crops or forage. The trees and shrubs are planted in rows, creating "alleys" where crops can be harvested. This system enhances land productivity by combining trees' ecological benefits with crop production's economic returns. Alley cropping is particularly valuable in improving soil health, crop diversification, and increasing overall farm resilience.

One of the primary benefits of alley cropping is the improvement of soil health. Trees contribute organic matter through leaf litter, enhancing soil structure and increasing nutrient availability. Deep-rooted species access nutrients from deeper soil layers, cycling them to the surface where crops can use them. In addition, the presence of tree roots helps reduce soil erosion by stabilizing the soil and improving water infiltration. Alley cropping also creates a more favorable microclimate by providing shade and wind protection, which reduces crop stress and increases water-use efficiency. Alley cropping can also aid in pest management as the increase in plant diversity can support beneficial insects while naturally suppressing pest populations.

Northern New York State's cold climate requires careful species selection, but many valuable species endure our harsh winters. Nut and fruit-producing trees suited for this region include black walnut (Juglans nigra), which produces valuable timber and nuts but exhibits allelopathic properties that may inhibit sensitive crops. Shagbark hickory (Carya ovata) and Chinese chestnut (Castanea mollissima) offer valuable nut production, with other disease-resistant chestnut varieties becoming readily available. Fruit-bearing species like American plum (Prunus americana) and apple (Malus spp.) are hardy and support a wide range of wildlife.

Timber species suitable for northern New York include sugar maple (Acer saccharum), valued for both timber and maple syrup production. Eastern white pine (Pinus strobus) and northern red oak (Quercus rubra) are also well-suited for timber production, with red oak providing additional wildlife benefits through acorn production. Shrubs like American hazelnut (Corylus americana) and the well-known hybrid, hazelbert (Corylus sp.), provide a tasty crop while also preventing soil erosion and are a primary species used in riparian buffer projects.

Pollinator-friendly and wildlife-supporting species add further ecological value to alley cropping systems. American elderberry (Sambucus canadensis) and highbush blueberry (Vaccinium corymbosum) produce fruit while supporting a vast array of insects and birds. Blackberries and raspberries (Rubus spp.) thrive in the cold climate providing fruit used for jams and baked goods but are also a valuable resource for birds like thrushes, waxwings, and ruffed grouse.

Crops suited for the alleys in northern New York include cool-season grains such as rye, oats, wheat, and barley. Forage crops like alfalfa, clover, and timothy grass can also thrive in the understory. Shade-tolerant vegetables like potatoes, carrots, cabbage, and squash are suitable for the more sheltered conditions created by tree rows. Cover crops like crimson clover and winter rye can enhance soil fertility and suppress weeds when rotated with other crops.

Effective alley cropping design requires careful consideration of spacing, species selection, and management practices. Rows should typically be spaced 20–40 feet apart to prevent excessive shading but equipment access is also important to keep in mind. Species with different root depths should be combined to minimize competition. Regular pruning and crop rotation are essential for maintaining balance and optimizing productivity. By selecting suitable species and managing the system effectively, alley cropping can improve farm resilience, enhance biodiversity, and increase long-term profitability in northern New York State.

By: Isaac Matlock, Ag & Natural Resources Program Manager

Last updated April 1, 2025