Agroforestry: Future of agriculture for more yield and diversity!

Agroforestry: Future of agriculture for more yield and diversity!

Agroforestry has established itself as a pioneering approach that not only promotes biodiversity, but also increases the resilience of agricultural systems to the risks of climate change. According to the University of Hohenheim, which conducted a comprehensive long-term study, this method successfully combines trees and shrubs with crop and pasture farming. The study, which collected data over a 17-year period, highlights the effectiveness of tree rows in temperate climates in stabilizing crop yields.

Research at the Ihinger Hof in Renningen, one of the oldest agroforestry test areas in Germany, showed that the spacing of the rows of trees, the tree species and the soil and climatic conditions are crucial. The yields of five winter crops - including winter peas, triticale and rapeseed - were analyzed in seven growing seasons between 2012 and 2023. The results are revealing: the highest yields were measured at a distance of 12 to 18 meters from the tree rows, while the middle of the avenue (18 to 24 meters) showed significant declines.

Influence of rows of trees on yields

What is particularly interesting is that willow plantings close to trees resulted in reduced yields due to competition for light, water and nutrients. In contrast, hedges demonstrated a microclimatic protective effect that favored the yields of neighboring plants. Rows of walnut trees, on the other hand, showed no significant differences in yield within the plots. The results also highlight that tree rows can stabilize yields, even during dry periods, by creating a microclimatic gradient.

In order to further advance this research, the Eva Mayr-Stihl Foundation is funding the coordination office for agroforestry system research with 260,000 euros until the end of 2025. This position is aimed at supporting the networking of researchers and stimulating interdisciplinary projects. From the summer semester of 2024, a new master's module on agroforestry will also be offered at the University of Hohenheim.

Sustainable agriculture through agroforestry

The benefits of agroforestry go beyond simply increasing yields. An EU-funded project called AGROMIX aims to make European agriculture sustainable. Professor Ulrich Dirt from the University of Coventry highlights that combining agroforestry and traditional agriculture can reduce income instability and increase sustainability. The project brings together farmers, researchers and policy makers to develop the practical tools for implementing agroecological solutions.

A central aspect of the AGROMIX project is the analysis of the socio-economic services and value chains of agroforestry. By collecting information from eight long-term agroforestry trial sites, the aim is to develop intuitive models and tools that support agricultural operations. Pilots and extensive training in different climate zones across Europe will help promote the transition to better land use systems.

In addition, the project includes the publication of a handbook on the cooperative design of agroforestry and the development of country-specific policy information sheets. These measures will result in the creation of a “European Agroforestry Strategy”, which builds on the EU’s sustainability goals. The comprehensive documentation and the implementation of workshops in different countries serve the long-term implementation of agroforestry solutions.

Overall, the combination of practical findings and scientific research shows that agroforestry is a promising concept for the sustainable development of agriculture. The diversity of nature is used effectively to secure yields and at the same time realize ecological and economic advantages.