UNHIDE Agroforestry - A Knowledge Exchange Latvia- Sweden 2023-25 - Report - Page 45
Agnis Graudulis.
oak (Quercus petraea, Q. palustris, Q. rubra, Q.
robur), among others, to provide nuts, timber,
honey, and sap. The trees planted in the forest are
grown from seed and established using an earth
auger, without fertilizers, wood chips, or irrigation. Parts of the forest plantings are left unfenced
in order to compare browsing damage. Wildlife
populations in the area are managed through
agreements with local hunters.
A RANDOM,
MULTIVARIATED SYSTEM
Carefully establishing a food and timber system
within an existing forest presents several advan-
Sweet chestnut (Castanea sativa).
tages. Taller surrounding trees reduce evaporation, resulting in higher soil moisture. Native
trees also moderate air movement, compared to
open grasslands where temperature fluctuations
between day and night, sun and shade, are more
pronounced. This reduction of heat and water
stress appears to result in stronger early-stage
growth and improved winter hardiness—the winters here can be harsh. Slightly late leaf-out and
budding also seem to favour young, frost-sensitive
nut trees.
A species-rich vegetation with structural diversity
and multiple age layers provides habitats for beneficial animals that regulate insect pests. Diverse
vegetation also extends the pollen and nectar
season for honey-bees compared to monoculture
