Photo by Gabriela Brändle, Agroscope
Italy
Elm Farm, Berkshire, UK
Photo by João Palma
Photo by João Palma
June 2011 by Organic Research Center.
SouthEast Portugal. by João Palma
Portugal, photo by Michael den Herder
Photo: Anastasia Pantera
Rosa Mosquera-Losada presenting an overview of EURAF activities
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Trees planted at wide spacing naturally develop a shorter trunk, with a greater tendency to a sinuous and forked shape. They often bear many vigorous lateral branches that can hamper the movement of agricultural machinery.
Successful tree establishment depends on minimising competition from other vegetation for water and nutrients. Mulching is one of the most beneficial practices a farmer can use to establish healthy tree plants.
The effectiveness of a mesh tree guard in protecting individual trees from wildlife damage depends not only on careful selection of the device itself and the stakes supporting it, but also on the care taken during installation.
Successfully planting a tree in agroforestry does not only mean buying good quality seedlings. Die off after planting is primarily attributable to inadequate management beforehand. Drying out of roots or exposure to excess sun, wind, or frost can substantially hamper the development of young trees.
A comprehensive diagnosis of the land potential to bear trees (studying the soil, climate, topography, etc.) allow farmers to choose the appropriate species to plant. It also helps identify appropriate soil cultivation operations to be carried out before planting.
Wildlife is integral to the life of fields. As they seek to satisfy their natural needs (food and reproduction), animals can cause damage to trees and shrubs.
A lot of silvoarable systems exist, with a broad range of varying tree densities and tree spacings. Almost all combinations are viable if the appropriate tree species and the crops are selected to match the environmental conditions.
The plant quality determines success in agroforestry establishment; particularly in relation to root development. Once the farmer has selected which tree species to use it is then important to select seedlings that are best suited to the farm conditions but also ensure that the seed stock is healthy (i.e. it comes without pests or diseases).
Not every tree will be suitable for a given area of agricultural land. An important first step is to conduct a biophysical assessment to identify the potential suitability of a site for agroforestry.
In an alley cropping system, trees are multifunctional: the aim is to provide a range of ecosystem services alongside wood and fruits. These include shelter for crops, host beneficial organisms, increase soil fertility and carbon storage, mitigate climate change, and provide protection against soil erosion.