Homegardens are the most intensively managed of all traditional agroforestry systems:
They feature high species diversity (multitier canopy consisting of tall coconut/arecanut palms, fruit trees, spices like black pepper/cardamom, and root crops/vegetables).
Because of proximity to the farm house, they receive continuous, day-to-day management with heavy inputs of organic compost, family labor, kitchen waste recycling, hand weeding, and continuous year-round multi-product harvesting.
Shifting cultivation and silvopasture, in contrast, are extensive low-input systems.