idw – Informationsdienst Wissenschaft
Nachrichten, Termine, Experten
Nachrichten, Termine, Experten
idw - Informationsdienst
Wissenschaft
As part of the project “Climate-resilient agricultural woody species for drought-prone regions” run by the Hochschule für nachhaltige Entwicklung Eberswalde (HNEE), a total of 600 trees were planted between 7 and 17 December 2025 at three partner farms: Sonnengut Gerster in Dietrichsroda (Burgenland district), Warnke Agrar in Cobbel (Altmark), and Biohof Kepos in Heinrichsfelde (Ostprignitz). The aim is to assess the suitability of drought-tolerant tree species for agroforestry systems under real-world farming conditions.
The woody strips are integrated into an agroforestry system combined with arable farming.
Planted are drought-tolerant tree species that show strong potential both for fruit production and high-value timber: walnut, sweet chestnut and mulberry.
The trees are established as individual tree plantings using an auger.
Planting distances range from 6 to 12 metres, with arable strip widths of 27 to 50 metres, creating a spatial structure that can be readily integrated into existing crop rotations.
Over the next three years, the stands will be monitored for growth, survival rate and establishment success. To date, there is very limited robust evidence on climate-resilient woody species in agroforestry systems, particularly in dry regions of Germany. Many earlier agroforestry trials failed due to high mortality rates or insufficient adaptation of tree species to site conditions.
This project aims to demonstrate whether a targeted selection of woody species and varieties can improve establishment under drought stress, and whether agroforestry can therefore become a practically viable option for drought-prone regions. In addition, different nursery production methods are being tested, including bare-root stock, container-grown plants and AirPot plants.
The overarching goal of the project is to provide practice-oriented recommendations for farmers on how agroforestry systems can be successfully implemented in dry regions.
The project is funded by the Deutsche Bundesstiftung Umwelt (DBU). The planted areas are designed in compliance with Eco-scheme 3, making them additionally eligible for funding of €600 per hectare of woody strips under the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP).
Fachkontakt
Leonie Steinherr (HNEE)
Email: Leonie.steinherr@hnee.de
+49 172 / 72 54 306
Criteria of this press release:
Journalists
Zoology / agricultural and forest sciences
transregional, national
Research projects
English
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