Integrating agroforestry with the sixth cascade of DREVO Living Mountains

Integrating agroforestry with the sixth cascade of DREVO Living Mountains

Sixth Cascade - Floodplains

Natural factory of fertility and sustainable agriculture

The Sixth Cascade is the zone where the river interacts with the surrounding landscape. It is here that the water completes its journey across the land, simultaneously creating the most fertile soils.

In traditional farming, floodplains are often drained and isolated by dams. The conceptDREVO Living Mountainsproposes the opposite approach: the floodplain should function as a living natural system, providing safe seasonal flooding, restoring wetlands, accumulating fertile silt, and supporting agriculture.

The main principle:

The floodplain should work with the river, not fight against it.

Main function

The sixth cascade performs several tasks at once:

safe distribution of flood waters;

restoration of fertile alluvial soils;

groundwater replenishment;

water purification;

maintaining biodiversity;

ensuring sustainable agriculture.

Seasonal flooding

Periodic flooding is considered a natural process.

It provides:

supply of fertile sludge;

renewal of organic matter;

soil moistening;

recharge of aquifers;

natural restoration of meadows.

Flooding must be controlled and taken into account in land use planning.

Restoration of swamps

Wetlands are becoming an important part of the agricultural landscape.

They:

retain flood waters;

purify water;

reduce the speed of floods;

create a moisture reserve;

support many species of animals and plants.

Wetlands are seen as an element of natural infrastructure rather than as 'unused' land.

Floodplain meadows

Highly productive natural meadows are created.

Used:

for haymaking;

for seasonal grazing;

as a food source;

as a habitat for pollinators.

Regular natural moisture reduces the need for artificial irrigation.

Floodplain gardens

On non-flooded terraces the following are created:

apple orchards;

pear orchards;

plum orchards;

walnut groves;

berry plantations.

The choice of crops is determined by the estimated depth and duration of flooding.

Agroforestry systems

Mixed complexes are being created:

wood strips;

fruit trees;

berry bushes;

forage plants;

honey plants.

They are simultaneously:

reduce erosion;

increase humidity;

protect the fields;

create products.

Animal husbandry

Used:

Seasonal pastures

After the flood ends.

Haystack

Obtaining high quality hay.

Forest pastures

On elevated areas of the floodplain.

Poultry farming

Possible breeding:

ducks;

geese;

turkeys.

Subject to compliance with sanitary requirements and protection of water bodies.

Fish farming

Created:

spawning areas;

seasonal ponds;

floodplain lakes;

ecologically integrated aquaculture systems.

The main priority is to preserve the natural functions of the floodplain and the migration of local species.

Honey-bearing territories

Floodplains become the largest feeding areas for pollinators.

Landing:

willows;

linden trees;

maples;

meadow grass;

local honey-bearing shrubs.

Integration withDREVO Bee Ecosystemincreases the productivity of adjacent agricultural lands.

Buffer zones

Along the riverbeds, natural strips are preserved, the width of which is determined by hydrological and ecological calculations.

They:

filter surface runoff;

retain nutrients;

reduce water pollution;

protect the shores.

Closed organic cycle

Organic residues are used for:

composting;

mulch production;

biochar;

vermicompost;

humus restoration.

Digital control

DREVO Smart Agriculture

Controls:

groundwater level;

soil moisture;

duration of flooding;

productivity;

condition of pastures.

Living Mountain Observatory

Measures:

water consumption;

water quality;

flood speed;

state of swamps;

condition of meadows.

TREVO AeroSense Drone

Performed by:

floodplain mapping;

erosion control;

vegetation analysis;

assessment of the condition of agricultural land.

WOOD AI

Models:

flood scenarios;

placement of crops;

haymaking time;

pasture pressure;

changes in soil fertility.

Economic model

The sixth cascade provides income from:

hay;

animal husbandry;

dairy products;

fruits;

berries;

honey;

aquaculture;

seed material of meadow grasses;

ecotourism;

recreation.

Ecological functions

Sixth cascade:

receives flood waters;

restores soil fertility;

replenishes aquifers;

purifies water;

supports wetland ecosystems;

creates major biodiversity zones;

reduces the risk of catastrophic flooding.

The role of the sixth cascade

The sixth cascade isnatural fertility factorythe entire systemDREVO Living MountainsHere, the river not only carries water but also annually renews the soil, maintains water balance, and forms the basis for sustainable agriculture. A combination of floodplain meadows, agroforestry, controlled flooding, and restored wetlands creates a productive landscape where agriculture thrives in harmony with natural processes, rather than at the expense of them.