PDC PDC Food Forest & Agroforestry Systems

Question 1

Which layer is considered the canopy layer in a food forest design?

Accepted Answer

Tall fruit and nut trees

Answer

The canopy layer consists of tall fruit and nut trees that form the uppermost stratum of a food forest.

Question 2

What is the primary purpose of a nitrogen-fixing tree in a food forest?

Accepted Answer

To improve soil fertility through atmospheric nitrogen fixation

Answer

Nitrogen-fixing trees like black locust or alder host root bacteria that convert atmospheric nitrogen into plant-available forms, enriching the soil.

Question 3

In agroforestry, what does the term 'alley cropping' refer to?

Accepted Answer

Growing crops in rows between lines of trees or shrubs

Answer

Alley cropping places rows of trees or shrubs with crops grown in the alleys between them, benefiting from tree shade, leaf mulch, and root interactions.

Question 4

Which of the following best describes 'guild planting' in a food forest?

Accepted Answer

A community of mutually beneficial plants grown together around a central species

Answer

A guild is a group of plants selected to support each other through functions like nitrogen fixation, pest deterrence, and pollinator attraction around a central crop tree.

Question 5

What is 'succession' as applied to food forest development?

Accepted Answer

The natural progression from pioneer species toward a mature, stable ecosystem

Answer

Ecological succession describes how pioneer species modify conditions to allow more complex species to establish, and food forest designers harness this process deliberately.

(PDC) Permaculture Design Certification Practice Test

(PDC) Permaculture Design Certification Practice Test

PDC PDC Food Forest & Agroforestry Systems