Spatial heterogeneity of soil quality within a Mediterranean alley cropping agroforestry system: Comparison with a monocropping system

Alley cropping agroforestry systems are complex agroecosystems highlighted for their positive effects on soil quality. However, the potential spatial heterogeneity of quality created by tree rows at plot scale has seldom been studied. The aim this study was to evaluate scale, under and along transects perpendicular row compare alley with monocropping systems. This performed an system that combined hybrid walnut trees (21 years old) peas. Topsoil sampled between 1 2, 2 4 6.5 m from in system, as well a neighbouring plot. Physical, chemical microbiological indicators were measured. Tree implantation induced indicators, microbial biomass, activities community structure scale. not only improved within but also interrows when compared system. These then integrated into one index (SQI) built through statistical approach. calculated each position After 21 practice, permanent grass cover SQI until interrow. Weighted SQIs relative surface area location entire (i.e., + interrow positions) removing area). weighted significantly increased