Agroforestry: Trees as a future savior for our fields!

Agroforestry: Trees as a future savior for our fields!

The University of Hohenheim is dedicated to intensive research into agroforestry, an approach that combines trees and shrubs with agriculture and pasture management. Loud Gabot This method not only serves to increase biodiversity, but also to increase the robustness of agricultural systems against climate risks. A long-term study in particular has shown that rows of trees, even in temperate climate zones, can offer real benefits for stabilizing crop yields.

The study at the Ihinger Hof in Renningen shows that various factors such as tree species, distance between tree rows, soil quality and climatic conditions significantly influence the yield. Students analyze how trees regulate the microclimate and reduce temperature extremes and wind speed. These findings strengthen the view that agroforestry can be a promising strategy for future agriculture.

Advantages and challenges of agroforestry

Agroforestry systems are characterized by their ability to combine agricultural crops with perennial woody plants. The goal is to create resilient agroecosystems that not only provide food and feed, but also generate energy and timber. This is particularly relevant in times of increasing climatic challenges such as droughts or heavy rain. If planned well, the combination of woody plants and subcultures can increase overall productivity by as much as 36 to 100 percent Progressive agricultural transition highlights.

However, there are also challenges that need to be overcome. Competition for resources such as light, water and nutrients between trees and cultivated plants can lead to reduced yields. For example, the results of the study at the University of Hohenheim show that willow planting in the immediate vicinity of arable land can lead to significant losses in yield, while hedges have a protective effect on the adjacent plant locations.

The need to conduct long-term studies on the impact of agroforestry under extreme weather conditions is evident. Particularly in Germany, where agroforestry was widespread until the 19th century, this approach is now experiencing a renaissance due to urban sprawl, market requirements and the decline in orchard areas.

Political support and future prospects

The EU has been promoting agroforestry since 2005, but this has not yet been implemented into national agricultural law. The upcoming Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) will see party-political support for agroforestry. Therefore, innovative projects and adapted planning are necessary in order to make sensible use of the advantages of this form of economy. The coordination office for agroforestry system research will be funded with 260,000 euros until the end of 2025 to support research projects and networking among researchers.

An exciting novelty is the planned introduction of a master's module on agroforestry at the University of Hohenheim in the summer semester of 2024. Such measures are intended not only to advance research, but also to raise public awareness of the advantages of agroforestry, which can make a sustainable contribution to food security through the respectful use of natural resources. As they say, the best time to plant a tree was twenty years ago; the second best time is today.