Agroforestry – bringing farming and nature together
More trees in fields and pastures. More diversity in the landscape.
Agroforestry combines farming with trees and shrubs on the same land. Hedges, tree rows and woody strips add structure and can benefit both agriculture and nature. They provide wildlife habitats, can protect soils from wind and erosion and, in suitable conditions, improve water retention and movement.
eMission-X supports the development and practical delivery of agroforestry planting on clients’ agricultural land.
What types of agroforestry are there?
Silvoarable systems – trees on arable land
Rows of trees and woody strips are combined with crops. They can provide shelter from wind, add structure to farmland and create additional habitats. Planting distances and species must suit farm operations.
Silvopastoral systems – trees on grazing land
Trees and shrubs are combined with livestock farming. They can provide shade and shelter and enhance the ecology of pasture landscapes. Protecting young plants from browsing is important.
Forest gardens and multi-layered systems
Trees, shrubs and herbaceous plants grow at different levels. Depending on design and management, they can form diverse plant communities, some of which are also productive.
What benefits can agroforestry offer?
Ecological opportunities
- Additional habitats and better connections for animals and plants
- Protection against wind and water erosion
- Improved soil structure and support for water retention
- Conditions that support a more balanced microclimate
- Long-term carbon storage in woody biomass and, in some cases, soil
- More structure in intensively farmed landscapes
Agricultural opportunities
- Additional uses, such as timber, fruit or nuts
- Depending on the system, shelter for crops or livestock
- Long-term diversification of production
- Combining productive use with ecological enhancement
Actual effects depend on the site, choice of species, management and long-term care. Not every benefit will occur on every site.
Agroforestry needs careful planning
Agroforestry systems are long-term projects. Planting trees and shrubs requires an initial investment, and young plants need care and protection. Planning must consider competition for light, water and nutrients alongside machinery widths, access routes and existing land-use requirements.
Our services
eMission-X supports the development and practical delivery of nature-friendly agroforestry planting. Depending on the commission, we can provide:
- Site visits and assessment of suitable land
- Planting concepts suited to the site
- Planning tree rows, hedgerows and woody strips
- Selection and procurement of suitable plants
- Practical planting and organisation of planting days
- Documentation of the woody features created
- Agreed establishment care and monitoring
Agroforestry and rewilding – different approaches
On our own rewilding properties, the focus is on permanently protected natural development. We generally avoid commercial management there. Agroforestry, by contrast, adds trees and shrubs to clients’ land that remains in agricultural use. The two approaches have different aims and are kept clearly separate at eMission-X.
Planning an agroforestry project?
Whether you are a farm, business or municipality, we will gladly discuss local opportunities, your aims and the scope of planting work.