Modern agroforestry systems combine the cultivation of arable crops with trees, are managed using modern agricultural engineering methods, and are economically attractive.
Agriculture contributes to climate change and soil degradation. This means that the sector is facing one of the greatest challenges of our time. Agroforestry and/or mixed farming can be part of the solution.
To actively shape this change, AGROMIX brings together participants from agriculture, research and politics. They aim to explore agro-ecological solutions for more resilient land use in Europe and to develop tools to implement these practices.
Agroforestry on 9 % of Europe's agricultural land could mitigate up to 43 % of agricultural greenhouse gas emissions.
Overview of environmental deficits at the national level
Deficits can be selected individually (in french) on the interactive map (top right area):
Source : Kay S., Jäger M., Herzog F. (2019). Protection des ressources grâce aux systèmes agroforestiers adaptés aux régions. Recherche Agronomique Suisse 10(9), 308–315.
SRF Tagesschau, 21.09.2019: Mit Agroforstwirtschaft das Klima retten
Impact on the agricultural landscape and on environmental services
After just seven years, the agroforestry system in central Switzerland (apple trees and arable crops) had brought about a substantial humus enrichment of 18 per cent compared with the cultivated area, not only in the topsoil, but down to a depth of 60cm.
By contrast, no root competition was found between arable crops and tree strips in an eight-year-old agroforestry system (sown meadow, apple and pear trees). Owing to tillage of the arable land, the trees rooted exclusively in the tree strips as well as in deeper soil layers.
In Schwarzbubenland (canton of Solothurn and Basel Country), the pollinator speciesBombus terrestris (buff-tailed bumblebee) and Osmia bicornis (red mason bee) benefitted from agroforestry systems with cherry trees and extensively-managed meadows owing to under-utilisation of the food supply for a long period of time over the year, and supported the investigated populations.
A tool box for modelling environmental services of the agroforestry systems within a landscape was developed using the example of standard fruit-tree cultivation in Schwarzbubenland.
It was found that traditional agroforestry systems – irrespective of type, region or composition – have the potential to make an important contribution to soil, climate and water protection – i.e. to deliver regulatory environmental services.
SRF, Schweiz aktuell, 05.07.2010: Hochstammbäume: Eine alte Form von Landwirtschaft
Social and economic values
Agroforestry systems can also be worthwhile in economic terms. As an example, the production of high-quality wood from wild cherry (Prunus avium) or walnut (Juglans regia) can represent a good long-term investment.
In the assessment of overall economic performance, once account is taken of the previously unmarketable environmental services in addition to the marketable services (fruit and wood), agroforestry landscapes are superior to agricultural landscapes.
Moreover, we humans also perceive agroforestry systems (positively). Using Web-based maps (ppGIS), the population of the Franches-Montagnes district (canton of Jura), among others, was questioned on the environmental services in their surroundings. According to this survey, a varied and diversified landscape offered the most perceived benefits.
Interviews on the topic of "vitiforestry in Switzerland" with Swiss winegrowers, experts and viticultural consultants show that promotion of biodiversity and landscape aesthetics are the principal reasons for planting trees in vineyards, along with economic diversification. However, the study also shows that little is currently known about the economic and ecological advantages and disadvantages of vitiforestry systems.
Can growing almond trees be a new way forward for Swiss fruit growing? What is the potential here in terms of production and marketing? Answers to these questions are being provided by Agroscope researchers in partnership with representatives from practice and administration.
