Comments

Comments

1. The purpose of the forest garden

First, you need to determine the purpose of the system. A single area may have multiple functions, but priorities need to be established:

It is necessary to separately indicate which part of the site is:

food;

restorative;

remediation;

nature conservation;

experimental;

economic.

In contaminated areas these zones cannot be mixed.

2. Initial diagnostics of the site

Before choosing plants, you need to make a planterritory passport.

Climate

It should be recorded:

minimum winter temperatures;

late spring frosts;

duration of the frost-free period;

amount and seasonality of precipitation;

summer temperature maximums;

prevailing winds;

snow depth;

periods of drought;

climate change expected in 20–40 years.

It is advisable to select plants not only for today's climate, but also for a hotter, drier, and more unstable future.

Relief

The following are plotted on the map:

peaks;

slopes;

lowlands;

directions of surface runoff;

erosion areas;

frost pockets;

wet areas;

places where cold air accumulates;

winter and summer shade areas.

Soil

It is necessary to determine:

soil type and depth;

pH;

organic matter content;

structure;

compaction;

water permeability;

nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium content;

calcium and magnesium;

salinization;

groundwater level;

presence of heavy metals and organic pollutants.

For the contaminated area, a map is additionally created:

total content of pollutants;

mobile forms;

depth of contamination;

hot spots;

directions of transport by water and dust.

3. Water architecture

Water should be considered before trees. Tree roots and litter can improve infiltration and reduce surface runoff, but the trees themselves also consume water, so their density must match the site's moisture reserves.FAOHome)

The document requires a separatewater plan.

What to include

where does the water come from;

where is she going;

where it accumulates;

where erosion occurs;

how much water can you safely retain;

which plants are closer to the water source;

Which species can live without constant watering?

Possible elements

It is necessary to establish a rule: water must move across the siteslowly, distributedly and without destructive erosion.

If the soil is contaminated, it is not possible to create ditches without analysis, as they may carry dissolved contaminants into clean areas or groundwater.

4. Tiered structure of the forest plantation

The classic forest garden model includes several vertical levels, but the number of layers is not a goal in itself. It is more important that the plants do not create excessive competition.

Main tiers

It is also necessary to describe not only the height of the plants, but alsodepth of roots:

superficial;

average;

deep;

rod;

fibrous;

rhizome.

This helps distribute the consumption of water and nutrients.

5. Lighting architecture

One of the main mistakes is planting young trees too densely without taking into account their future crown.

The plan must indicate:

maximum height of each species;

width of the adult crown;

orientation of rows;

movement of the sun;

winter and summer shading;

areas of full sun, partial shade and shade;

periodic pruning;

final density after thinning.

In temperate climates, tall trees are usually positioned so they don't obscure low-growing crops on the south side. Northern and windy boundaries are more suitable for tall, protective plantings.

Two scenarios should be considered:

young forest garden, while the crowns are still small;

mature forest garden, when the trees occupy the full volume.

For the first 5–10 years, the space between rows can be temporarily used for vegetables, grains, alfalfa, amaranth, or flowers. As the canopy closes, sun-loving plants are replaced with shade-tolerant ones.

6. Functional groups of plants

Each plant should have not only a name, but also a function.

Required groups

Major manufacturers

fruit trees;

nut-bearing;

berry bushes;

perennial vegetables;

medicinal and spicy plants.

Nitrogen fixers

alfalfa;

clover;

sucker;

they have become sea buckthorn;

alder;

to look at;

broom - only where it is ecologically acceptable.

Nitrogen fixers don't "give" all their nitrogen directly to their neighbors. A significant portion of it enters the general cycle after leaf litter, pruning, and root death.

Plants with deep root systems

alfalfa;

chicory;

comfrey;

sorrel;

some trees and shrubs.

They create deep root channels and return some of the elements to the upper horizon through litter and cut biomass.

Mulching plants

comfrey;

miscanthus;

alfalfa;

clover;

nettles in clean areas;

fast-growing willows;

grass for periodic mowing.

Mulch helps retain water, suppress weeds and support soil organisms. (agroforestry.org)

Plants for pollinators

A continuous flowering calendar is needed:

early spring;

late spring;

summer;

end of summer;

autumn.

An abundant honey plant alone isn't enough. A consistent supply of species is necessary to ensure insects have food throughout the season.

Plants for beneficial insects

Plants with small open flowers are especially important:

yarrow;

dill;

fennel;

carrots for seeds;

coriander;

thyme;

mint;

buckwheat;

local umbellifers and asteraceae.

7. Plant guilds

The concept should be addedguilds- a local group of plants around a tree.

An example of an apple guild

But guilds can't be copied mechanically. Their composition depends on:

climate;

soils;

precipitation;

rootstock;

tree height;

available light;

local pests.

8. Succession: a forest garden is built in stages

A sustainable forest garden cannot be planted in its final form overnight. A gradual development program is needed.

Stage 0. Preparation

soil analysis;

garbage cleaning;

hot spot removal;

erosion protection;

water design;

construction of roads and main communications.

Stage 1. Pioneer cover – 1–2 years

Used:

ryegrass;

fescue;

alfalfa;

clover;

mustard;

amaranth;

fireweed in natural areas;

temporary windbreak crops.

The goal is to close the soil and initiate soil biology.

Stage 2. Bush-fruit frame – 2–5 years

Landing:

main fruit trees;

berry bushes;

nitrogen-fixing shrubs;

hedges;

windbreak strips;

perennial herbs.

Stage 3. Formation of a young forest garden – 5–12 years

pruning is carried out;

temporary pioneers are removed;

the light is adjustable;

shade-tolerant species are added;

a mushroom and shrub layer is formed.

Stage 4. Mature system – after 10–20 years

a mixed-age structure is supported;

old trees are gradually replaced;

some of the wood is left for the environment;

light windows are preserved;

Vines and aggressive rhizomatous plants are regulated.

9. Wind protection and microclimate

The document should contain a separate diagram of the prevailing winds.

A properly arranged forest belt:

reduces wind speed;

reduces evaporation;

protects flowering;

holds snow;

reduces wind erosion;

creates a shelter for animals.

Agroforestry systems can protect crops from wind and reduce erosion, but excessive planting density can increase competition and shading.FAOHome)

A good protective strip usually doesn't have to be a completely blank wall. Moderate permeability distributes airflow more smoothly and reduces strong turbulence behind the strip.

It can include:

high tree row;

middle shrub row;

lower grass edge;

flowering species;

evergreen and deciduous plants.

10. Soil system

The stability of a forest garden is created primarily in the soil.

You need to write a program:

permanent coverage;

minimal disturbance;

return of organic matter;

mulching;

composting;

preserving roots in the ground;

maintaining the mushroom network;

preventing compaction;

acidity and salinity control.

Sources of organic matter

leaves;

mown grass;

a branch;

thin branches;

compost;

green manure;

dead roots;

safe straw;

tree mushrooms.

It is necessary to separate:

fresh green mass;

dry carbon material;

wood chips;

mature compost;

contaminated and clean biomass.

In remediation areas, plant matter cannot be automatically transferred from the contaminated zone to the food forest garden.

11. Mycorrhiza, bacteria and fungi

A separate chapter on soil biology should be added.

Main groups

nitrogen-fixing bacteria;

phosphate-mobilizing bacteria;

mycorrhizal fungi;

saprotrophic fungi;

cellulose-degrading organisms;

earthworms;

soil arthropods.

Mycorrhiza shouldn't be viewed as a one-size-fits-all, commercially available product. The key conditions for its development are:

living roots;

no constant digging;

organic coating;

moderate use of fertilizers;

absence of toxic fungicides;

suitable host plants.

The zones for mushroom cultivation should be prescribed:

shaded paths;

areas with wood chips;

stumps;

log;

damp edges of the forest garden.

12. Biodiversity and animals

A forest garden should contain more than just food plants.

Required:

native flowering plants;

a body of water or a wet area;

stone piles;

dead wood;

hollow stems;

shrub shelters;

areas of unmown grass;

places for birds;

safe passages for hedgehogs and small animals.

Agroforestry can maintain a significant proportion of the biodiversity of a natural forest, especially if the system maintains a variety of layers, native species, and non-productive habitats. (FAOHome)

You need to write down the balance:

beneficial insects;

birds;

amphibians;

predatory insects;

small mammals;

protection of young trees from damage.

13. Pests and diseases

Resilience doesn't mean the absence of pests. It means that damage doesn't destroy the entire system.

It is necessary to provide:

diversity of species and varieties;

different flowering and ripening periods;

resistant rootstocks;

sanitary pruning;

ventilation of tree crowns;

removal of diseased fruits;

attracting beneficial insects;

trunk protection;

quarantine of new seedlings;

monitoring of invasive pests.

Hundreds of identical trees of the same variety should not be planted close together. This creates a single, receptive massif.

14. Genetic diversity

For each important type it is advisable to use:

several varieties;

different ripening periods;

different rootstocks;

local forms;

frost-resistant and drought-resistant options;

plants from different nurseries;

part of the seedlings for future selection.

You should create:

register of varieties;

boarding pass;

origin log;

seed collection;

replacement nursery;

reserve mother plants.

15. Productivity and the seasonal calendar

The forest garden should produce products not for one month, but for as long as possible.

You need to make a calendar:

The following are prescribed separately:

fresh market;

storage;

drying;

freezing;

fermentation;

juices;

jam;

seeds;

planting material;

wood chips;

medicinal and spice crops.

The USDA also views forest farming as a way to diversify income from non-timber products, not just the main tree crop. (US Forest Service)

16. Paths, equipment and maintenance

It is necessary to determine in advance:

main roads;

pedestrian paths;

access for fire-fighting equipment;

turning points;

harvest transportation routes;

width of the passage between rows;

location of water supply;

tool storage locations;

compost sites;

nursery;

processing zone.

The mistake is to plant trees first and then try to move equipment between them.

Each tree must be accessible to:

trimmings;

inspection;

watering;

harvesting;

removal of diseased parts;

possible replacement.

17. Fire resistance

For hot and dry regions a special section is required.

It is necessary to provide for:

mineralized or low-grass firebreaks;

water access;

fire engine access;

removal of dry mass near buildings;

safe placement of conifers and resinous plants;

dividing plantings into sectors;

regular thinning;

deadwood management;

fire-fighting ponds.

The shrub layer is beneficial for biodiversity, but if not managed, can increase fire risk. (agforward.eu)

18. Forest garden in a polluted area

This should be a separate, strict section.

The basic principle

First safety and remediation, then food production.

It is necessary to distinguish four types of zones:

Red Zone

high pollution;

food plants are prohibited;

access restricted;

removal or isolation is carried out.

Orange zone

phytostabilization;

industrial crops;

non-food trees;

biomass collection and control.

Yellow zone

buffer;

flowering and protective plants;

regular monitoring;

food use only after risk assessment.

Green zone

clean or replaced soil;

proven safety;

Food production is permitted.

Tree roots may extend beyond the design area, so it is necessary to consider not only the location of the trunk, but also the future area of ​​the root system.

What not to do

plant fruit trees directly into unknown contaminated soil;

consider fruits safe without analysis;

transfer leaves and wood chips from the contaminated area to the food area;

place playgrounds on remediated land;

use contaminated water for irrigation;

keep free-ranging animals there;

Keeping bees near highly dusty industrial waste without risk assessment.

19. Economic model

Sustainability must be not only environmental, but also organizational.

You need to write:

design cost;

site preparation;

planting material;

watering;

fencing;

care for the first five years;

annual pruning;

harvesting;

processing;

laboratory control;

insurance;

replacement of dead plants;

sales of products.

Income must be divided by terms:

You can't rely on the economy just to harvest mature trees in ten years.

20. Control system

For a collective forest garden it is necessary to specify:

owner of the land;

operator;

responsible agronomist;

who makes decisions about landings;

who finances the care;

who owns the harvest;

rules of general assembly;

sanitary requirements;

rules for the use of chemicals;

responsibility for pollution;

plant replacement procedure;

procedure for maintaining a map and journal.

Without a responsible long-term manager, a forest garden can quickly become an overgrown, unsafe area.

21. Stability monitoring

Every year it is necessary to evaluate not only the harvest.

Soil parameters

organic matter;

pH;

density;

water infiltration;

humidity;

erosion;

affordable food;

pollutants.

Plant indicators

survival rate;

annual growth;

crown condition;

fruiting;

diseases;

frost and drought damage;

need for watering.

Ecosystem indicators

number of plant species;

period of continuous flowering;

presence of pollinators;

birds;

soil organisms;

areas of open soil;

volume of dead wood;

state of the reservoir.

Farm performance indicators

labor costs;

cost of care;

harvest volume;

losses;

processing;

income;

number of plants replaced.

22. Failure tolerant plan

It is necessary to prescribe actions in advance in the event of:

drought;

flood;

late frost;

fire;

mass pest;

fruit diseases;

breakdown of the irrigation system;

water pollution;

death of the main variety;

lack of funding;

lack of people to care for them.

A sustainable system must have:

water reserve;

reserve seedlings;

various varieties;

alternative sources of income;

manual and mechanized care options;

emergency plan.

23. Recommended structure of the complete document

Part I. Project Basis

The purpose and purpose of the forest garden

Geography and climate

Soil and water analysis

History of the site

Pollution and restrictions

Map of functional zones

Part II. Environmental Project

Water architecture

Relief and erosion

Soil restoration

Tiered structure

Lighting architecture

Root architecture

Functional groups of plants

Guilds

Pollinators and animals

Fungal and microbial system

Wind protection

Fire safety

Part III. Plant Plan

Main trees

Fruit trees

Nut-bearing plants

Berry bushes

Nitrogen fixers

Mulching plants

Ground covers

Lianas

Perennial vegetables

Medicinal plants

Plants for remediation

Local natural species

Part IV. Implementation

Stages for 1, 3, 5, 10 and 20 years

Site preparation

Nursery

Landing

Watering

Mulching

Trimming

Thinning

Path maintenance

Biomass management

Part V. Production

Harvest calendar

Storage

Recycling

Seed production

Nursery products

Economic model

Distribution channels

Part VI. Security and Management

Separation of food and remediation zones

Laboratory control

Fire plan

Sanitary rules

Organizational structure

Responsibility of participants

Monitoring and reporting

Project adaptation

The main principle of a sustainable forest garden

A sustainable forest garden isn't a system that's abandoned for maintenance. It's a system where the need for external resources diminishes over the years, while maintaining prudent management.

Its basis:

Proper water → living, closed soil → diverse roots → multi-layered vegetation → constant flowering → adjustable light → recycling of all clean organic matter → gradual renewal of trees → safety and yield monitoring.

For the DREVO project, it is especially important to connect two sequences:

land restoration → creation of a sustainable ecosystem

and only then:

safe food production → processing → product distribution.