Agroforestry in Stolzenhagen
On a field in the Lower Oder Valley National Park, between Stolzenhagen and Gellmersdorf, the Lower Oder Valley National Park Foundation established a so-called agroforestry culture on its own land in the last few days. 62 trees were planted in wide rows on 6 hectares of arable land: 44 chestnuts, 11 wild service berries and 7 hazel trees, so-called climate-stable valuable woods. The aim of this field trial is to test an agriculture that will also be possible and productive in the future in view of falling rainfall and rising temperatures in the east of Brandenburg. Climate change poses enormous, unforeseeable challenges for agriculture and forestry, especially in the new federal states. We have to try new solutions. That’s why the Brandenburg Academy at Criewen Castle also probably from 29th to April 30, 2021 an international scientific congress on the subject of ” Necessary adaptations of agriculture and forestry to climate change — agroforestry measures and orchards “.
The trees are planted in such a way that the farmer can continue to work as usual with his previous machine park. We hope that the combination of trees on agricultural land will result in:
- Sustainable secure yields through improvement of the microclimate (protection against extreme climatic influences)
- Erosion protection, reduction of nitrate leaching and soil compaction as well as protection of the organic matter of the soil
- In the long term, in addition to the field crop, there is also a yield of valuable hardwoods that can be used economically
- Appreciation of the landscape
- Increase in biodiversity
Agroforestry systems are under discussion and on the rise. Unfortunately, there has not yet been any public funding for this. We are doing pioneering work on behalf of the other farms. This is also one of the tasks of the National Park Foundation. Everyone can of course look at the plantings alone. If you would like a professional introduction, please contact our managing director, Mr. Michael (Tel .: 03332/219824, ).
Dr. Ansgar Vössing
Foundation chairman