Abstract

Achieving sustainability in agriculture requires more than just individual actions—it demands a fundamental shift toward environmental responsibility. Historically, destructive agricultural practices such as intensive monoculture and excessive tillage have led to severe soil degradation, threatening the long-term sustainability of food production. Joseph Russell Smith’s early advocacy for “tree crops” highlighted the profound benefits of incorporating trees into farming systems, emphasizing their role in restoring ecological balance and preserving soil integrity. Although Smith’s vision was articulated a century ago, it remains highly relevant today, with agroforestry emerging as a particularly effective approach to sustainable agriculture.