Silvopastorales Agroforstsystem

On this area, fruit cultivation is combined with poultry farming. The system also serves as a demonstration and experimental site within the framework of the model project 'Company Revier'. Management is carried out according to Demeter guidelines. The goals are profitability, sustainability, and biodiversity.

21 different fruit trees and shrubs were planted in rows. The planting distances within the row depend on the type of fruit, while between the rows it is usually 3.7 m, but was partly adjusted to the respective type of fruit. Previously, the area was occupied by a pure apple plantation. To demonstrate an economically interesting conversion of an apple plantation to an agroforestry system, a part of the apple rows was initially left standing. When choosing the additional types and varieties of fruit, marketability and site conditions were taken into account. Some 'experimental' types of fruit were also cultivated at this site, such as a cold-tolerant fig variety, to investigate whether other interesting types of fruit can be cultivated in this region, especially with increasingly warmer winters.

Grazing is carried out with chickens of an old dual-purpose breed (mobile coops). Both hens and roosters are raised. The field is surrounded by hedges, and beehives are set up. The site is characterized by the following features: sandy loam; annual average temperature: 14°C; USDA winter hardiness zone: 7b (-14.9 to -12.3°C) to 8a (-12.2 to -9.5°C); annual precipitation: approx. 600 mm. The marketing of the products is planned through a farm shop, the farm café, the castle restaurant, self-harvesting, and other marketing channels. The high biodiversity of the facility allows for a high variety of products. The project is scientifically monitored, including studies of soil carbon accumulation, the development of nutrient content, and economic efficiency. Collaborations with research institutions that conduct studies on the facility are welcome.