Michovka

The  Michovka research station (23 ha) was originally established for field research of trees and perennial crops to be used for landscaping and energy utilization and included breeding of native and introduced tree species (> 600 genotypes). There are about 4 hectares of experimental plantations of short rotation coppices. Later floriculture field research of ornamental flower species (tulips, Echinacea, dahlias etc.). was also initiated.

Agroforestry research started in Michovka in 2017 with a survey of suitable fields and tree stands for research work on this new agronomic system in Czech conditions. The alley cropping system from a transformed old nursery is the first such experiment.  The following were the research goals: to monitor and study influence of AFS on soil, climatic parameters, crop productivity, biodiversity and water regime.  It requires cooperation of more research teams and the agro-cooperative, for which we had to build a new gate for large machinery.

• The agroforestry system as well as the conventional field have been equipped with a monitoring system to observe climatic, soil and hydrological parameters as well as ecophysiological parameters of trees (photosynthesis, sap flow, diameter growth). Third monitoring system have been installed in poplar SRC about 200 meters from agroforestry system.
• Among the first results of pilot monitoring is knowledge about differences in tree growth and root development of solitary and semi-solitary trees.

The agroforestry system was established by research institute for research purposes. It was inspired by experimental fields in other countries esp. France (INRA in Restinclières) and using experience from research of fast-growing trees in short rotation coppice.

There are no subsidies currently available for agroforestry systems in the Czech Republic, but some are under preparation for silvopastoral and alley cropping systems for the next CAP (from 2021-22). At the moment there are only direct payments for short rotation coppices on agricultural land which may be combined with animal production.

We have learned some methods for transforming an old nursery or similar tree growth into an agroforestry system including the use rotary cutter for stump removal and of horses (with forest harness) for felling and transporting   of trees. We have negotiated cooperation with a large agro-cooperative for annual crop production in AFS.

Description of used technics during establishing of agroforestry systems

The original nursery alley trees was established in 2004 and 2005 using standard planting mechanization and young transplants in scheme 4m x 1-2m.  After 15-16 years while most of the trees were still unsold in nursery, selected rows had been cut down according to meet the design of the new agroforestry experiment. Spaces between the six remaining tree rows are 7, 10 and 15 meters. The techniques used for clearing were chain saw for felling and horses for trunk transportation outside the plantation. Stumps in soil were  removed and homogenized using a strong rotary cutter. Soil was then ploughed and prepared using standard mechanization (harrowing, disking) for seeding of annual crops. The prepared soil between rows have been sown with winter wheat in 2019 and it will continue according to the crop rotation of the neighboring field farmed by agro-cooperative. They will use their common agriculture machinery of the appropriate dimension.

 

Row	Species	Mean distance in tree line (m)
1	large-leaf linden	3,5
2	field maple)	1,0
3	maples, European ash	1,5
4	maples, rowan	2,0
5	largeleaf linden	3,5
6	European ash, Turkish hazel	2,5

Threats/Challenges

• We expect problems with tree growth and survival due to damages to root system after using rotary cutter and plowing soil close to old trees and also lower yields of conventional annual crops close to trees due to large and un-pruned tree crowns.

It is possible to transform old nurseries and possibly also spontaneous tree growths into alley cropping systems using standard forestry and heavy farming mechanization. Such a stand is suitable for wide range of research goals.
most trees species have handled the reduction of their root systems by rotary cutter and plow well.  It seems that the remaining trees have profited from decreased competition from felled trees.

Future plans In the coming years, we expect that plots that are more experimental will be established at Michovka research station with AFS focused on erosion control, agronomy and planting scheme as well as the selection of tree species for different stand conditions.

Knowledge about growth of trees on farm and in local conditions is essential (suitable species, planting and maintenance).  We recommend using more information sources – local traditions/knowledge, expert literature and courses in forestry and landscaping.

Basic recommendation:

 „Make a good map of existing nursery or growth including position, size and taxonomy of essential trees before you start felling trees for AFS. Use all available spatial and field data e.g. satellite pictures, soil and terrain maps and combine them with your or invited expert field survey of tree stand. “