Fundamentals and methods of biodiverse agroforestry
Regenerative agriculture requires a deep understanding of natural processes. Here we explain the difference between agroforestry and biodiverse agroforestry. Let’s start with the following picture which explains the different types of land use (forestry, natural forest, food forest, the different forms of agroforestry to traditional agriculture) and the parameters to understand the added value of these forms, namely: carbon sequestration, biodiversity, external input and climate resilience. You will learn which methods and principles are crucial for the successful design of a food forest, also known as a species-rich agroforestry system.
Basics of Food Forests
Species-rich agroforestry is based on the combination of agriculture and forestry in harmony with nature. This promotes biodiversity, improves soil fertility and enables sustainable yields. Many see permaculture as an ideal starting point, as it is based on natural cycles, resource-conserving cultivation and high diversity. Permaculture principles such as mixed cropping, closed nutrient cycles and regenerative soil management provide a solid foundation for the establishment of species-rich agroforestry systems.
1. High species diversity (biodiversity)
– Mixture of trees, shrubs, herbs and agricultural crops
– Promotion of beneficial organisms and natural pest control
– Creation of a stable, resilient ecosystem
2. Multi-layered structure (tier system)
– Combination of tall trees, medium-sized shrubs, low shrubs, ground cover and root plants
– Different plant layers
– Efficient utilisation of light, water and nutrients
3. Integration of livestock (optional)
– Animals contribute to the nutrient cycle (e.g. through manure)
– Promotion of regenerative pasture management systems
– Reduction of pests through natural processes
4. sustainable soil management
– No pesticides and chemical fertilisers
– Promotion of microorganisms and humus formation
– Protection against erosion and improvement of water storage
5. long-term profitability and resilience
– Combination of rapid (annual) and long-term yields (perennial plants, wood)
– Adaptation to climate change through resilient systems
– Diversified sources of income for farmers
Species-rich agroforestry systems thus offer a sustainable alternative to conventional agriculture by harmonising productivity, ecology and profitability. Permaculture serves as an inspiring starting point for many, as it offers a holistic, practical and tried-and-tested method for designing sustainable agricultural systems.
Methods of biodiverse agroforestry
We present three pioneers of biodiverse agroforestry, each with different concepts:
Syntropic Agroforestry (Ernst Götsch), Dynamic Agroforestry (Noemi Stadler-Kaulich) und ‘Voedselbosbouw’ (Wouter van Eck)
What is syntropic agroforestry according toErnst Götsch?
Syntropic agroforestry is a regenerative land utilisation system developed by the Swiss agronomist Ernst Götsch. It is based on the idea that agriculture is not only sustainable, but can even be regenerative for soils, biodiversity and ecosystems. Through a targeted combination of plants with different growth cycles and regular pruning measures to promote soil life, a system is created that regenerates itself in a similar way to a natural forest.
Important principles:
- Mimicking natural succession: plants are planted in a dynamic sequence that resembles natural forest growth;
- Targeted pruning (‘chop and drop’): to promote growth impulses and humus formation. The clippings are used as mulch to return nutrients to the soil;
- Carbon storage and water regulation: Syntropic systems significantly improve soil structure and water retention;
- High productivity without external inputs: no chemical fertilisers or pesticides needed as the system is self-sustaining.
This model shows that agricultural production and forest ecosystems do not have to be in conflict, but can work together synergistically.
Read our blogpost on syntropic agroforesty
What is dynamic agroforestry according toNoemi Stadler-Kaulich?
Dynamic agroforestry (DAF) is an innovative cultivation system developed by the agroecologist Noemi Stadler-Kaulich. It is based on the close interaction between plants and the use of biodiversity as a central tool for soil regeneration and productivity.
Key aspects:
- High plant diversity: Various useful and wild plants are combined to utilise synergies;
- Intensive utilisation of plant layers: Similar to a forest, there are tall, medium and ground-level plants to optimally utilise sunlight;
- Regular pruning: Biomass is produced through targeted pruning measures, which enriches the soil with organic material;
- Dynamic agroforestry promotes the self-organisation of nature, improves soil fertility and creates resilient food systems.
Dynamic agroforestry promotes the self-organisation of nature, improves soil fertility and creates resilient food systems.
How does Wouter van Eck envisions Food Forestry ?
The Dutch ecologist Wouter van Eck is one of the leading pioneers of ‘Voedselbosbouw’ (Food Forestry) and sees it as a sustainable alternative to industrial agriculture. His best-known project, the Voedselbos Ketelbroek, shows how an edible forest can develop in the long term without artificial intervention.
Key aspects of his vision:
- Nature as a model: an edible forest is understood as a multi-layered and self-regulating system designed by humans, in which plants thrive naturally by the rules of succession and the role of wildlife;
- Minimal human intervention: After the initial planting, the system continues to develop largely on its own (no external input);
- High yield through permaculture approaches: In addition to nuts, fruit and berries, edible plants and wild plants are also utilised;
- Ecological and economic resilience: edible forests can not only provide healthy food, but also store carbon and promote biodiversity. Furthermore, the economic added value is greater in the long term than in a agricultural system based on monoculture.
His approach shows that ‘Foodforestry’ is not just an agricultural method, but a long-term concept for a regenerative future.