Agroforestry Systems

Motivation

The project focuses on research into an established agroforestry system consisting of fast-growing woody plants (willows) and arable crops at the Reiffenhausen site (Göttingen district) and accompanying research into the establishment of a new agroforestry system consisting of value and nut trees in combination with arable crops on the Frankenhausen state domain in Hesse.

Goals and approach

Research in Reiffenhausen focuses on investigating the root and pore space, determining carbon dynamics and recording plant development and biomass yield. To this end, three working groups from Department 11 at the University of Kassel are working closely together to investigate these aspects, which are important for agroforestry research.

In Frankenhausen, the focus is on the establishment of a new agroforestry system, which is to be scientifically monitored. The focus of the research is on the combination of value and nut trees with arable crops. In addition to the crop development (above and below ground), this includes the recording of soil biological parameters and the effects on faunistic aspects.