Integrating agroforestry with the first and second cascades of DREVO Living Mountains

Integrating agroforestry with the first and second cascades of DREVO Living Mountains

At first glance, it might seem that the first two cascades have no connection to agriculture. In fact, they determine the crop yields of the entire downstream area. Every liter of water retained on the ridges and upper slopes dramatically increases the productivity of fields, orchards, and pastures.

First Cascade - Ridges and Peaks

Main function

Creation of a natural "water factory".

There is no food production here.

The most valuable thing is produced here - water.

Main objective:

maximum precipitation collection;

snow retention;

fog accumulation;

soil protection;

groundwater recharge;

creating conditions for the formation of springs.

Agricultural role

Despite the absence of traditional agriculture, the peaks provide for the entire agricultural sector of the region.

This is where it begins:

river feeding;

filling of reservoirs;

groundwater replenishment;

moistening of soils on the lower slopes;

sustainability of agricultural ecosystems.

Permitted activities

Forest seed production

Seed production sites are being created:

local forest species;

shrubs;

medicinal plants;

high-mountain meadow species.

Restoration nurseries

Cultivation:

forest seedlings;

shrubs;

plants for slope restoration.

Beekeeping

Placed:

seasonal apiaries;

honey meadows;

areas of high-mountain grasses.

Medicinal plants

Natural populations are being grown:

thyme;

sage;

oregano;

lavender (in suitable climatic conditions);

immortelle;

other local species.

Seed preparation

To restore:

meadows;

forests;

coastal ecosystems.

Ecotourism

Developing:

ecological routes;

educational centers;

scientific stations.

What is prohibited?

The following are not allowed:

plowing;

intensive grazing;

heavy equipment;

capital construction;

industrial agriculture.

The main value of the first cascade is the preservation of the natural watershed.

Second Cascade - Upper Slopes

Main function

Primary accumulation of water and creation of future fertility.

This is where the integration of nature restoration and agriculture begins.

Main directions

Agroforestry strips

Landing:

nitrogen-fixing trees;

honey bushes;

fruit bushes;

protective forest belts.

They are simultaneously:

hold the slope;

reduce wind;

accumulate organic matter;

give products.

Contour farming

All plantings are arranged strictly horizontally.

Used:

contour stripes;

microterrace;

infiltration ditches;

water-retaining shafts.

This reduces surface runoff and increases moisture accumulation.

Production of planting material

Nurseries are being created:

fruit trees;

forest species;

ornamental plants;

local shrubs.

This allows for the restoration of the lower cascades using our own adapted planting material.

Honey systems

Landing:

acacia (where it is not invasive);

linden;

willows;

clover;

sainfoin;

phacelia;

other local honey species.

Continuous feeding corridors for pollinators are created.

Nut crops

The following are placed in stable areas:

hazelnut;

almond;

walnut;

pistachio;

cedar pines (in suitable climatic conditions).

They provide high economic benefits with minimal soil tillage.

Medicinal crops

Used:

rosemary;

sage;

lavender;

hyssop;

thyme;

Melissa;

echinacea;

local medicinal plants.

Forest pastures

After the formation of the tree canopy, the following is possible:

controlled grazing of sheep;

grazing of goats only in specially designated areas and under strict load regulation;

beekeeping;

use of mobile pens.

Grazing is organised in such a way as not to interfere with the natural regeneration of the forest and not to cause erosion.

Mushroom plantations

Under the tree canopy develop:

mycorrhizal fungi;

forest mushrooms;

truffles (in suitable soil and climatic conditions).

Organic farming

Completely excluded:

deep plowing;

burning of vegetation;

destruction of forest litter.

Priority is given to:

mulching;

compost;

biochar;

green manure;

mycorrhiza;

biopreparations.

Integration with DREVO Mountain Sponge

All agricultural elements simultaneously become water storage elements.

Each object is designed so that:

slow down the flow;

increase infiltration;

retain organic matter;

protect the soil;

feed the springs.

Economic model

The second cascade begins to generate income long before the formation of a mature forest.

Sources of income:

nurseries;

seed production;

medicinal plants;

honey;

essential oil crops;

berries;

mushrooms;

walnuts;

ecotourism;

educational programs.

The role of the first two cascades

It is the first and second cascades that determine the stability of the entire system.DREVO Living Mountains.

They:

form the main water reserve;

create future springs;

nourish the forests of the middle zone;

provide agriculture with moisture;

reduce floods;

prevent erosion;

create the basis for sustainable agroforestry.

Thus, the upper part of the catchment area becomes not only a nature conservation zone, but also a highly efficient production area, where economic activity is subordinated to the main task – the conservation and restoration of water, soil fertility, and the sustainability of the entire mountain ecosystem.