Agroforestry on the rise: universities promote sustainable solutions!

Agroforestry on the rise: universities promote sustainable solutions!

The cooperation between the University of Hohenheim and the Albert Ludwig University of Freiburg aims to promote agroforestry to develop sustainable land use in research, teaching and practice. This method combines trees and bushes with arable farming or pasture farming and is particularly relevant in Germany, particularly in Baden-Württemberg, where old orchards can be revived.

An initial meeting of the cooperation partners identified concrete steps for cooperation. Agroforestry is seen as a solution to many environmental and agricultural challenges. A signed memorandum of understanding in July 2024 marks the start of this promising initiative. The plans not only include joint courses, but also the supervision of master's and doctoral theses as well as the application for research projects.

Strategies for the future

As in the report of Scientific Advisory Board of the Federal Government on Global Environmental Issues As mentioned, sustainable land use strategies are crucial to address challenges such as climate protection and food security. Agroforestry has the potential to both store carbon and preserve biodiversity. Among the proposed measures, agroforestry is highlighted as a key strategy for the restoration of degraded ecosystems and the diversification of agricultural systems.

The advantages of this multifunctionality have been proven in scientific studies. In this way, agroforestry contributes to improving structural and species diversity, reducing erosion and increasing soil fertility and water availability. Over 68 tree species, including walnut and fruit trees, have been identified in German agroforestry systems.

Modern agroforestry systems and their application

Agroforestry systems, which were widespread in Germany until the 19th century, are becoming increasingly important due to the climate crisis. Modern approaches use practical agricultural production techniques and integrate arable farming under trees (silvoarables systems) and pastures under trees (silvopastoral systems). The German Association for Agroforestry (DeFAF) emphasizes the need to take greater account of agroforestry systems in national and international agriculture.

To date, there are 161 registered agroforestry areas in Germany, which cover a total of over 1,304 hectares. The majority of these areas are located in Bavaria, Lower Saxony, Brandenburg and Baden-Württemberg. The federal government plans to expand agroforestry areas to 11,500 hectares by 2027 as part of the 2030 climate protection program.

These developments show how important collaboration between science, policy and practice is for the expansion of agroforestry to address both ecological and economic challenges. Implementing these strategies could not only help ensure food production, but also promote biodiversity conservation.