Integrating agroforestry with the seventh cascade of DREVO Living Mountains

Integrating agroforestry with the seventh cascade of DREVO Living Mountains

Seventh Cascade - River Mouths

Natural and economic system of transition from fresh water to the sea

The Seventh Cascade completes the water's journey overland. Here, the river system meets the sea, and freshwater determines the health of coastal lands, aquifers, agriculture, and marine ecosystems.

In many countries, river mouths are the most fertile areas. However, they are also the most vulnerable to salinization, storm surges, pollution, and sea level rise.

In the conceptDREVO Living Mountainsthe mouth is considered ashighly productive natural-economic system, in which agriculture, aquaculture, wetlands and natural filters work together.

The main principle:

Every liter of fresh water should bring maximum benefit to the land before it meets the sea.

Main function

The seventh cascade provides:

final water purification;

replenishment of coastal aquifers;

protection of agricultural lands from salinization;

restoration of deltas;

development of sustainable agriculture;

integration of freshwater and marine ecosystems.

Freshwater protection

The main task is to maintain fresh water pressure.

This allows:

prevent penetration of sea water;

protect wells;

maintain soil fertility;

ensure a sustainable water supply.

For this purpose the following are used:

infiltration fields;

regulated reservoirs;

restored wetlands;

distribution channels;

restored delta branches.

Agroforestry systems

In non-saline areas, stable multi-tiered systems are created.

Upper tier

Used:

poplar;

ash tree;

elm;

oak;

carob;

eucalyptus only where it is ecologically acceptable and does not disturb the water balance.

Middle tier

Landing:

pomegranate;

figs;

persimmon;

olive;

mulberry;

citrus fruits (in appropriate climates).

Lower tier

Used:

berries;

aromatic plants;

medicinal crops;

forage plants.

Salt-tolerant agriculture

In areas with high mineralization, crops adapted to such conditions can be grown.

For example:

some varieties of barley;

quinoa;

salt-tolerant forage grasses;

local halophytic plants;

experimental crops within the framework of scientific programs.

The selection of crops is carried out based on the results of soil and water quality analysis.

Aquaculture

Ecologically sustainable systems are being created.

Possible:

fish farming;

shellfish farming;

algae production;

integrated aquaponic complexes;

lagoon aquaculture.

Priority is given to species that are natural to a given region.

Reed filters

Before water enters the sea, the following are created:

reed fields;

cattail communities;

swamp filters;

coastal bioplateaus.

They:

purify water;

retain nutrients;

reduce eutrophication;

create habitats for birds.

Floodplain-delta forests

Landing:

willows;

alder;

poplar;

elm;

ash tree;

local moisture-loving trees.

These forests:

reduce erosion;

stabilize the banks;

retain sediment;

protect agricultural lands.

Beekeeping

Estuaries become an important part of the systemDREVO Bee Ecosystem.

Used:

coastal honey plants;

meadow communities;

orchards;

wood strips.

Processing of products

The following processing plants are located:

fruits;

vegetables;

fish;

shellfish;

algae;

essential oil crops;

medicinal raw materials.

Logistics centres are being created for the export of agricultural and fishery products.

Blue economy

The seventh cascade combines agriculture and the maritime economy.

Developing:

aquaculture;

seaweed cultivation;

processing of marine biomass;

ecotourism;

bird watching;

scientific stations.

Digital control

Living Mountain Observatory

Controls:

salinity;

water quality;

groundwater level;

delta state;

sediment movement.

TREVO AeroSense Drone

Performed by:

Coastline monitoring;

vegetation analysis;

erosion control;

mapping of agricultural lands.

Mountain Digital Twin

Models:

seawater penetration;

change of coastline;

delta development;

impact of climate change.

WOOD AI

Calculates:

risk of salinization;

optimal cultures;

freshwater management;

sustainability of agricultural systems.

Economic model

The seventh cascade generates income through:

gardening;

vegetable growing;

aquaculture;

fish processing;

algae cultivation;

honey;

medicinal plants;

ecotourism;

processing of agricultural products.

Ecological functions

Seventh cascade:

protects coastal aquifers;

prevents soil salinization;

purifies river water;

preserves deltas;

supports fish migration;

connects river and marine ecosystems;

creates unique habitats for birds and other animals.

The role of the seventh cascade

The seventh cascade becomestransition zone between land and sea, where water completes its journey through the river system, simultaneously supporting highly productive agriculture, sustainable aquaculture, and the restoration of natural ecosystems. The combination of agroforestry, natural filters, freshwater reservoirs, and marine resources creates a landscape that protects the coast from salinization, supports food security, and preserves biodiversity, completing the system.DREVO Living Mountainsbefore moving on to the coastal and marine cascades.