A review of the potential of agroforestry to contribute to soil conservation. The overall conclusion is that appropriate agroforestry systems have the potential to control erosion, maintain soil organic matter and physical properties, and promote efficient nutrient cycling. This applies to a wide range of climatic zones and soil types. Many obstacles, social and economic as well as technical, need to be overcome if the potential of agroforestry for soil conservation is to be fulfilled. If this effort is successful, then agroforestry can make a major contribution to sustainable land use.