Table 1 Main reasons why people from different socio-ecological zones of the Tehuacán-Cuicatlán Valley, central México, let standing trees and shrubs in their agroforestry systems (AFS)

Utilitarian

Edible product

X

X

X

Firewood

X

X

X

Fodder

X

X

X

Edible fruit

X

X

Tools

X

X

X

Medicine

X

X

X

Timber

X

Construction

X

Beverages

X

X

Ecosystem benefits

Shade

X

X

X

Maintenance of fertility

X

X

Erosion control

X

X

Water control

X

Windbreaks

X

X

Attractor of rain

X

Boundary

X

X

Crop management

Support climbing crops

X

Habitat of useful species

X

X

Storing straw

X

Conforming the terrain

Ethics

Part of nature

X

X

Ornamental

X

Ceremonial

X

X

Does not affect

X

X

Use regulations

X