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Joint project: Sustainable production of energy wood in agroforestry systems, sub-project 3: Structural diversity and biodiversity (AgroForstEnergie II)
Project
Project code: 22000412, TI-BD-08-PID1573
Contract period: 01.04.2012
- 31.08.2015
Budget: 364,497 Euro
Purpose of research: Applied research
We investigate alley-cropping systems which combine the production of woody biomass as energy feedstock with conventional field crops in Germany. The aim is an ecological assessment of this novel land-use type. Agroforestry describes the simultaneous production of trees and crops on one field. That means a spatial combination of forestry and agricultural elements. The aim is to achieve economic and / or ecological additional value by using synergy between trees and crops. A modern form of agroforestry systems are strips of fast growing trees like poplar and willow on agricultural area. The implementation of short rotation coppice (SRC) strips on cropland as agroforestry systems may result in positive effects for close-by crops as well as for the environment. Essential for optimal success is a thoughtful planning of the structure. The aim of our project is to investigate whether, depending on the conditions of the respective fields, SRC strips can be used to generate wind shelter or reduce water erosion, whether the SRC strips facilitate soil regeneration and carbon storage and whether flora and fauna take advantage from the low-input and structurally diverse agroforestry system. Within workpackage 3.2, we (Thuenen-Institute of Biodiversiy) are studying the significance of poplar strips for the conservation and promotion of functional aspects of biodiversity within the agroforestry system. Research objectives: - Assessment of indicators of ecosystem services within the agroforestry system in comparison to conventional farming systems - Aphid infestation and parasitation rates - Predation rates for insect prey and weed seeds by generalist predatory arthropods - Mineralization of organic material in soil (bait-lamina-test) - Soil formation (activity of earthworms) - Quantification of the exchange of epigeic arthropods between the poplar and the field strips in spring (recolonisation of arable fields) and autumn (seeking for hibernation habitat). - Assessment of spatio-temporal dynamics of pests (aphids) and their natural enemies (epigeic arthropods and parasitoids) in field strips - Comparing the diversity, community composition and activity of pests and their natural enemies in poplar strips and seminatural habitats - Indicator based estimation of the economic value and costs generated by ecosystem services and dis-services respectively within the agroforestry system.
Section overview
Subjects
- Crop Production
- Forestry
- Genetic Resources
- Renewable Resources
- Climate Change
