our main areas of research
Fruit and nut trees in agroforestry systems
Climate change and more frequent extreme weather events such as drought pose major challenges for agriculture and land managers. Adaptation mechanisms such as climate-resilient plants and fruits need to be identified. Apples grow in the Lower Rhine region in orchards, intensive fruit plantations and in modern fruit-based agroforestry systems. The aim of the research is to identify plant physiological mechanisms and indicators that lead to greater drought tolerance and climate resilience in apple roots. Different apple rootstocks are being compared with each other. To this end, a real-world laboratory approach is being pursued, in which research is conducted under real conditions with partners from the field.
Practice-to-practice learning formats
From the perspective of transformation research, the transfer of knowledge from practice to practice in relation to the management of agroforestry systems is being investigated. One format initiated for this purpose is the Lower Rhine Agroforestry Practice Round Table, which takes place several times a year. The focus is on the question of the extent to which so-called practice-to-practice learning formats contribute to the spread of agroforestry systems in agriculture and to the ecological and social resilience of agricultural practice networks.
Agroforestry systems in pot plant cultivation
Horticulture is very important in the Lower Rhine region. However, pot plants, similar to traditional agriculture, are produced on a large scale in monoculture. In order to increase structural diversity, the extent to which agroforestry can be implemented in pot plant cultivation is being investigated.
One possibility is infiltration basins, which serve to infiltrate and evaporate water that falls on the land through rain or irrigation. Infiltration basins are usually covered with grass; trees and shrubs are not planned. However, planting trees and shrubs can have positive effects. These include improved infiltration and water filtration through root penetration, as well as breaking up winds that can displace potted plants. Agroforestry can also provide a refuge for animals. These effects need to be examined.
Why can’t trees and shrubs be planted on large production areas? Integrating trees and shrubs into closely coordinated production systems poses challenges and regulatory hurdles. The foliage of trees and shrubs can fall onto the storage areas and reduce the quality of the potted plants, e.g. through rot. The dispersal of seeds from trees and shrubs also plays a role. If seeds germinate in potted plants, they have to be laboriously removed. In addition, watering trolleys with a width of up to 45 metres are used for irrigation on the closely coordinated storage areas, leaving no room for trees and shrubs.
Animal husbandry in agroforestry
Grazing is considered a key element of animal-friendly livestock farming, as it allows animals to express their natural behaviours – a crucial factor for their health and well-being. At the same time, grazing faces challenges: climate change is leading to more extreme weather conditions such as prolonged heat waves, long dry spells and heavy rainfall. These not only affect pasture management, but also expose animals to increased climatic stress. At the same time, society’s expectations of farming methods that combine ecological sustainability with species-appropriate living conditions are rising. Against this backdrop, agroforestry systems are being researched as a possible solution.
The focus is on observing small ruminants such as goats, sheep and poultry. Their natural behaviour patterns are examined, such as movement profiles or indicators of heat and cold stress. Agroforestry structures such as shaded areas or a diverse range of feed (e.g. through fodder hedges) not only offer protection from extreme weather, but are also intended to promote species-typical behaviour. Sensors are used to record these effects: a self-sufficient camera system, acceleration sensors for measuring activity, and animal location and climate sensors enable continuous monitoring even under challenging grazing conditions such as power and internet outages and inclement weather. The data obtained will provide insights into how agroforestry structures influence animal behaviour and welfare and can lead to resilient, animal-friendly grazing systems.
Economic aspects of agroforestry
The direct costs of establishing and maintaining an agroforestry system play an important role in farmers’ decisions to adopt it. Previous studies on this topic show that the direct costs vary greatly, even for similar systems. In order to supplement the available data and promote cost transparency, data on the introduction of agroforestry systems in the Lower Rhine region is being collected.
The marketing of products from agroforestry systems is a decisive factor as a source of income. Possible products include walnuts, apples, energy wood and goat’s milk. Based on a selection of key products in the Lower Rhine region, the value chains are being examined. What marketing channels are available? What are the preferences of local consumers when buying fresh food? These questions are being investigated using the example of potential agroforestry systems and products in the region.
