Agroforestry-compatible harvesting

Below is a professional, field-ready, and TESDA-aligned module on Agroforestry-Compatible Harvesting for Aquilaria spp., designed for Oud Academia training, community plantations, and ESG-compliant agroforestry systems.

This is leaf-based, non-resin, and growth-preserving.

Agroforestry-Compatible Harvesting

Sustainable Agarwood Leaf Production within Mixed-Crop Systems

1. Core Agroforestry Principle

Harvest in a way that strengthens the system, not just the tree.

In agroforestry, Aquilaria is part of a living, interconnected landscape that includes:

  • Companion crops
  • Soil organisms
  • Shade dynamics
  • Farmer livelihoods

Leaf harvesting must enhance—not disrupt—system balance.

2. Why Leaf Harvesting Fits Agroforestry

FeatureAgroforestry Advantage
Renewable leavesContinuous yield
Non-destructiveTree preserved
Partial canopySupports understory crops
Manual harvestingLow impact
Seasonal flexibilityFits cropping cycles

3. Compatible Companion Crops

Understory / Shade-Tolerant

  • Turmeric, ginger, galangal
  • Taro, yam
  • Pineapple
  • Coffee, cacao (young stages)

Border / Nitrogen Support

  • Gliricidia
  • Leucaena
  • Sesbania

4. Harvest Timing within Agroforestry Cycles

  • Schedule harvesting:
    • After understory crop harvest
    • During dry season
  • Avoid harvesting when:
    • Companion crops are flowering
    • Soil is waterlogged

Goal: minimize disturbance and labor overlap.

5. Canopy Harmony & Light Ethics

  • Maintain filtered shade
  • Avoid sudden canopy opening
  • Rotate harvest zones to preserve:
    • Light balance
    • Microclimate stability

6. Harvest Intensity Rules (System-Safe)

ParameterAgroforestry Standard
Leaf removal20–25% per cycle
Harvest frequency2–3× per year
Recovery window6–8 weeks
Canopy retention≥75%

7. Soil & Root Zone Protection

  • No heavy machinery
  • Manual pruning preferred
  • Mulch with:
    • Leaf trimmings
    • Companion crop residues
  • Avoid root zone compaction

8. Pest & Disease Considerations

  • Avoid excessive pruning that:
    • Exposes trees
    • Encourages pest entry
  • Promote biodiversity for:
    • Natural pest control

9. Labor & Community Ethics

Agroforestry-compatible harvesting:

  • Uses family or cooperative labor
  • Encourages skill sharing
  • Reduces input costs
  • Supports year-round income

10. System-Level Benefits

BenefitOutcome
Diversified incomeReduced risk
Soil healthImproved
Tree longevityExtended
Climate resilienceIncreased

11. Field Checklist (TESDA Practical Assessment)

✔ Harvest synchronized with crop cycle
✔ Leaf maturity index applied
✔ Canopy balance maintained
✔ No soil or crop damage
✔ Recovery window respected

12. TESDA-Aligned Learning Outcomes

Learners will be able to:

  • Integrate agarwood leaf harvesting into agroforestry systems
  • Maintain canopy and soil harmony
  • Coordinate harvesting with companion crops
  • Apply ESG-aligned practices

13. Training Disclaimer

This module applies to food-grade agarwood leaf harvesting only.
Resin induction and destructive harvesting are excluded.

✅ Ideal For:

  • TESDA CBLM & assessment
  • Oud Academia advanced agroforestry modules
  • Plantation SOPs
  • ESG & climate-smart agriculture training

If you want next, I can:

  • Create a system diagram infographic
  • Write a community-level SOP
  • Add this to your TESDA competency map
  • Develop a case study (Philippine setting)

Just tell me what you’d like to build next.