Agroforestry systems: The key to biodiversity in Brandenburg!

Agroforestry systems: The key to biodiversity in Brandenburg!

Agriculture is facing one of the greatest challenges of our time: preserving biological diversity. In this context, at the Brandenburg Technical University Cottbus-Senftenberg (BTU) under the direction of Dr. Tobias Rütting and Prof. Dr. Klaus Birkhofer researched an innovative project that focuses on agroforestry systems. These systems combine sustainable agricultural practices with trees and shrubs and could make a significant contribution to supporting biodiversity. b-tu.de reports that…

An important aim of the project is to combat the negative effects of the intensification and monotonization of agriculture, which are responsible for the decline of many animal and plant species. Collaboration with the German Association for Agroforestry (DeFAF) e.V. and the German Association for Landscape Management (DVL) e.V. is of central importance. The research project receives funding totaling 1.37 million euros from the Federal Agency for Nature Conservation, the Federal Ministry for the Environment, Nature Conservation, Nuclear Safety and Consumer Protection and the NaturSchutzFonds Brandenburg Foundation. The BTU Cottbus-Senftenberg alone will receive 1.02 million euros.

Agroforestry systems and their benefits

Agroforestry systems that combine crops or grassland with trees and shrubs not only have the potential to promote biodiversity, but also numerous ecological benefits. These systems store water more effectively, reduce soil erosion and create new habitats for wildlife, while farmers do not face significant restrictions on crop management. The investigations now being carried out aim to analyze the number and frequency of insects such as ground beetles, wild bees and butterflies under different climatic conditions. bfn.de provides information about...

The research work is carried out on four specially selected agroforestry areas in Brandenburg, which are comparable in structure and vegetation in order to enable statistically sound data analysis. In addition to the targeted investigations of the insect populations, the spatial distribution and frequency of the groups of organisms are also recorded. The results could provide valuable insights into how such systems can increase biodiversity in intensively used agricultural landscapes.

Biodiversity in the context of agriculture

Agriculture is closely linked to biodiversity and is increasingly recognized as an important area of ​​applied biodiversity research. Historically, human activities such as clearing forests have led to the development of small-scale cultural landscapes that have supported high levels of biodiversity. It is important to preserve this heritage, as many species, such as the bluebird, rely on specific habitats and must be protected by human use. However, overuse of the land, for example through pesticides, has negative effects on pollinator populations and the overall ecological balance, which has direct consequences for agriculture. ufz.de highlights that…

Natural pest control and the preservation of beneficial insects are essential to reduce the use of pesticides in the long term and thus preserve biodiversity. Biodiversity protection should be considered a shared concern between farmers and society in order to preserve the natural and cultural heritage of biodiversity. The results of the project at the BTU could not only contribute to the scientific discussion, but also offer practical approaches for farmers to make their businesses more environmentally friendly.