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Trees and crops: making the most of the space - Managing the tree understorey for increased food production and biodiversity

Why manage the understorey?

In many agroforestry systems, the area between the trees and under the tree canopy is an overlooked and underutilised space. Unmanaged, this can create problems with weed control. This space can be put to productive use through planting crops that are adapted to shady conditions. In addition, when managed correctly, the tree understorey can be a resource for biodiversity, providing a habitat for beneficial insects and a food resource for crop pollinators.

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Featured Farm of the day

"The Heather-Farm": From an Old Tradition to Sustainable Modern Agriculture in France

The Heather-Farm is an estate in Limousin in Central France. According to old documents and pictures, after the clearing of large forest areas in the Middle Ages, there were not many trees in the hilly landscape of that region until the 18th century.

Clover ley and apple trees

2nd EURAF Conference, 4-6 June 2014, Cottbus, Germany

Grazed orchard

Olive trees + grazing + traditional stone walls

Walnut and Maize

Celtic Pigs in Silvopastoral Systems

Switzerland

Silvoarable agroforestry under cork oak (Quercus suber)

Sheep in Apple Orchards Loughgall

Darliner Farm

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