How complex agroforestry systems protect our water resources and regenerate the soil
The quality of our water – be it in rivers, oceans or groundwater – is directly linked to our agriculture. For decades, industrial agriculture has had a considerable influence on the deterioration of water quality. Intensive monocultures, the excessive use of pesticides and fertilisers and the overuse of soil have not only destroyed biodiversity on land, but also aquatic life in rivers, lakes and oceans. But there is hope: complex agroforestry systems show enormous potential to promote not only healthy soils, but also clean groundwater and create a stable microclimate.
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A positive change for our water quality: focus on rivers, oceans and groundwater
Water is the basis of all life. However, rivers and seas around the world are under enormous pressure. Industrial agriculture is a major contributor to the deterioration of water quality. Excessive use of nitrogen and phosphate fertilisers causes these nutrients to enter rivers and ultimately the sea. This leads to an excessive growth of algae, which depletes the water of oxygen and creates so-called ‘dead zones’ – areas in the water where practically no life is possible. At the same time, the use of pesticides and herbicides contaminates not only the soil but also the waterways. These chemicals affect the lives of fish, plants and other aquatic life and have a negative impact on the entire ecology of the affected water bodies.
Groundwater, our most important resource for drinking water, is also heavily polluted by industrial agriculture. Chemicals seep into the ground and pollute underground water resources. This is particularly dangerous in regions where groundwater enters the water supply. Contaminated groundwater poses a significant health risk to humans and animals.
Industrial agriculture: a destructive system
Monocultures, the predominant form of industrial agriculture, not only deplete the soil, but also have a negative impact on water management. The constant cultivation of the same crop over large areas destroys the complex network of microorganisms and nutrients that a healthy soil needs. This degradation of the soil means that less water can be stored in the soil, which in turn contributes to periods of drought. At the same time, the risk of flooding increases as the soil can no longer absorb water effectively.
According to the Food and Agriculture Organisation of the United Nations (FAO), humanity could have around 50 harvests left before the soil is no longer able to produce food. This alarming report emphasises the urgency of fundamentally rethinking the agricultural system.
Agroforestry: A solution for clean water and healthy soils
In contrast to monocultural systems, agroforestry, especially complex agroforestry systems, offers a promising alternative. Agroforestry incorporates trees into agricultural systems, creating diverse ecological communities that support each other. By mixing trees, shrubs, crops and sometimes animals, diverse polycultures are created that strengthen the ecosystem as a whole.
A key advantage of agroforestry is its ability to rebuild the soil and improve water quality at the same time. The deeper root systems of the trees channel water deeper into the soil, replenishing groundwater reserves and minimising surface runoff. This not only leads to better water storage, but also prevents soil erosion as the roots hold and stabilise the soil.
Complex agroforestry systems and their effect on the microclimate
Another advantage of complex agroforestry is the improvement of the microclimate. The combination of different plant species growing at different heights creates its own stable microclimate, which reduces the plants’ water requirements and minimises evaporation. Trees create shade and thus cool the soil, which in turn maintains soil moisture and promotes the growth of microorganisms. These microorganisms are crucial for the decomposition of organic matter and the return of nutrients to the soil – a cycle that keeps soil life healthy and productive.
Conclusion: Agroforestry as the key to a sustainable future
Our soils and water resources are at risk, as the deterioration of water quality in rivers, seas and groundwater shows us. Complex agroforestry systems offer a promising solution. They rebuild the soil, improve the microclimate, protect groundwater and promote biodiversity on land and in water.
Together, we can rethink the agricultural practices of the past and promote sustainable solutions such as agroforestry to ensure the continuity of our natural resources – and therefore our water. (Complex) agroforestry systems show that it is possible to manage land in a way that both secures yields and protects life in the soil and water.
More about water?
Here is a link to the article ‘Can an ocean simply collapse? Die Zeit, 8.9.2024 https://www.zeit.de/2024/38/ostsee-meer-umweltschutz-wasserqualitaet-verschmutzung