The Central American agroforestry systems Quesungual (QS) and Kuxur Rum (KR) integrate basic grain crop production – mainly maize, common bean and sorghum – with multi-purpose trees. A permanent soil cover with biomass enhances erosion protection, soil fertility and soil moisture retention, especially on susceptible hillsides. In contrast to slash-and-burn cultivation, no burning is applied to clear plots for crop cultivation.