This book discusses both temperate and tropical agroforestry with extensive use of tables and figures. Fifty contributors from 17 different countries have written 19 chapters, each of which has its own reference list. Chapter length varies from 10 to 12 pages in general to some 40 pages each for two case studies and a comprehensive study on litter dynamics in plantation and agroforestry systems of the tropics. The introductory chapter is an excellent overview with conclusions and suggestions for the way forward.

The first two sections contain 13 contributions on above- and root mediated below-ground ecological interactions, including alley cropping, pest management and allelopathy but excluding home gardens. The third section deals with modelling by presenting a theoretical hypothesis and demonstrating progress in the use of computer-based designs for shelterbelts, albeit in regions with rich access to data. The final section provides examples of the impact and socio-economic aspects of agroforestry technologies with lessons learnt. Although their widespread adoption still faces constraints, agroforestry technologies can play a crucial role in future land use. Since the users require more knowledge, highlights on future training needs would have been helpful. Also, successful implementation of agroforestry requires more attention to policy issues, e.g. scaling up activities and mechanisms for creating policy conducive to agroforestry in conventional ministries of agriculture and/or forestry. This informative volume on ecological interactions is recommended to scientists and researchers of agroforestry, university teachers and students of both agriculture and forestry.