Integrating agroforestry with the fifth cascade of DREVO Living Mountains

Integrating agroforestry with the fifth cascade of DREVO Living Mountains

Fifth Cascade - Foothills

The main agricultural production zone of the entire system

The fifth cascade is the central link between mountain ecosystems and agricultural plains. It is here that the water accumulated by the previous four cascades becomes the basis for sustainable agriculture, horticulture, livestock farming, and food processing.

The main principle:

The foothills should become an area where the natural water cycle ensures high agricultural productivity with minimal use of artificial irrigation.

Main function

The footrests perform several functions at once:

accumulation of flood water;

replenishment of aquifers;

distribution of water between agricultural areas;

protection of plains from floods;

creation of the most productive agricultural landscape.

This is where the transition from natural restoration to a sustainable bioeconomy begins.

Water infrastructure

Infiltration basins

Large pools of varying depths are created.

Their functions:

flood mitigation;

slow infiltration;

groundwater replenishment;

sedimentation of fertile sludge;

water reserve for dry periods.

Most swimming pools are designed asmultifunctional natural reservoirs, and not like concrete tanks.

Seasonal lakes

Areas are formed that:

filled in winter and spring;

gradually release water in summer;

create a favorable microclimate;

support biodiversity.

Infiltration fields

Some of the flood water is directed to special areas where it slowly seeps into the soil and replenishes aquifers.

Main agricultural zone

The most intensive production is located here.

Gardens

Created:

apple;

pear;

plum;

apricot;

peach;

garnet;

citrus fruits (in suitable climate);

olive (in Mediterranean regions).

Nut farms

Used:

walnut;

hazelnut;

chestnut;

pecan;

almond;

pistachio.

Vineyards

Placed in well-drained areas.

Used:

table varieties;

technical grades;

pergolas and agroforestry schemes.

Vegetable growing

Growing zones are being created:

open ground vegetables;

melons;

potatoes;

onion;

garlic;

cabbage;

greenery.

Greenhouse complexes

They are placed next to water storage tanks.

Used:

drip irrigation;

reuse of purified water;

solar energy;

automatic microclimate control.

Agroforestry

The foothills become the largest zone of multi-tiered agriculture.

Created:

fruit alleys;

walnut groves;

forest belts;

honey corridors;

protective tree strips;

berry patches.

The fields are never completely open.

Protective forest belts

Each field is surrounded by strips of trees and shrubs.

They:

reduce wind speed;

reduce evaporation;

retain snow;

increase humidity;

serve as a habitat for pollinators;

protect the soil from erosion.

Integration of livestock farming

Systems are being created:

Forest pastures

Used:

cattle;

sheep;

goats (only in specially designated areas);

horses.

Rotational grazing

Animals constantly move between areas.

This allows:

restore grass stand;

distribute organic matter evenly;

reduce soil degradation.

Feeding systems

Grown:

alfalfa;

clover;

sainfoin;

perennial herbs;

forage shrubs.

Beekeeping

The foot becomes the center of the systemDREVO Bee Ecosystem.

Created:

honey fields;

apiaries;

forest honey corridors;

robotic hive maintenance stations.

Pollination significantly increases the yield of gardens and vegetable crops.

Product processing

The following are located in the immediate vicinity:

refrigeration systems;

sorting lines;

fruit processing;

juice production;

drying complexes;

oil production;

nut processing;

packaging centers.

Minimizing transportation reduces product losses and emissions.

Closed organic cycle

All organic residues are returned to the system.

Used:

composting;

biochar;

mulch production;

anaerobic fermentation to produce biogas and organic fertilizers;

wood chip processing;

vermicomposting.

In this way, soil fertility is restored.

Digital control

DREVO Smart Agriculture

Controls:

soil moisture;

plant nutrition;

watering;

productivity;

state of technology.

WOOD AI

Calculates:

water balance;

sowing dates;

development of cultures;

risk of disease;

efficiency of agroforestry.

TREVO AeroSense Drone

Performed by:

crop monitoring;

plant stress assessment;

humidity mapping;

erosion control;

analysis of the state of protective forest belts.

Economic model

The base becomes the most profitable part of the entire system.

Sources of income:

vegetables;

cereals;

fruits;

berries;

walnuts;

grape;

honey;

dairy products;

meat products;

processed foods;

planting material;

biopreparations;

ecotourism;

educational centers.

High product diversity reduces economic risks and increases the resilience of farms.

Ecological functions

Fifth cascade simultaneously:

retains flood waters;

replenishes aquifers;

prevents erosion of plains;

protects soils;

supports biodiversity;

reduces the need for artificial irrigation;

reduces the effects of droughts;

connects natural and agricultural ecosystems.

The role of the fifth cascade

If the first four cascades create and accumulate water, thenThe fifth cascade transforms this natural capital into sustainable food productionA major agroforestry, horticulture, and food processing zone is being developed here, where every element—from the infiltration basin to the shelterbelt—simultaneously fulfills both ecological and economic functions. The foothills are becoming an example of how natural restoration can be the foundation of highly productive, economically sustainable, and climate-adapted agriculture.