Using PlanetScope and RapidEye nanosatellite imagery, we tracked 0.6 billion farmland trees across India over the past decade. We find that approximately 10% of the large farmland trees have disappeared over this period, primarily owing to changing cultivation practices.
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References
Skole, D. L., Mbow, C., Mugabowindekwe, M., Brandt, M. S. & Samek, J. H. Trees outside of forests as natural climate solutions. Nat. Clim. Change 11, 1013–1016 (2021). A comment article that summarizes the importance of trees outside forests.
Terasaki Hart, D. E. et al. Priority science can accelerate agroforestry as a natural climate solution. Nat. Clim. Change 13, 1179–1190 (2023). A comprehensive perspective article on agroforestry.
Singh, P. et al. Agroforestry improves food security and reduces income variability in semi-arid tropics of central India. Agroforest. Syst. 97, 509–518 (2023). An article on the importance of agroforestry in India.
Reiner, F. et al. More than one quarter of Africa’s tree cover is found outside areas previously classified as forest. Nat. Commun. 14, 2258 (2023). This article provides more information on the PlanetScope nanosatellite constellation.
Coleman, E. A. et al. Limited effects of tree planting on forest canopy cover and rural livelihoods in Northern India. Nat. Sustain. 4, 997–1004 (2021). This paper reports that forest plantations in northern India might have limited ecological and socio-economic impact.
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This is a summary of: Brandt, M. et al. Severe decline in large farmland trees in India over the past decade. Nat. Sustain. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41893-024-01356-0 (2024).
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Tracking millions of farmland trees in India reveals a considerable decline of large trees. Nat Sustain 7, 844–845 (2024). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41893-024-01377-9
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1038/s41893-024-01377-9
