Practice Abstract - Research and innovation

Agroforestry with organic outdoor sows (Network: Denmark | ICOEL and Aarhus University)

Farmers in the MIXED network in Denmark have tried out Agroforestry in large-scale organic pig production. The trees were planted in rows in paddocks for lactating sows. The farmers’ aim of establishing an agroforestry system was mainly to improve the conditions for pigs as well as wildlife. Besides improving animal welfare, other aspects were also important for the farmers such as potential improvements of biodiversity, carbon sequestration, nutrient recycling, and farm economy.
When evaluating the agroforestry system, the farmers consider the trees as very beneficial for animal welfare. The pigs use the trees for thermoregulation, and the farmers report fewer problems with heat stress. The trees create good habitats for wildlife and the farmers have seen an increase in e.g., partridges and hares – thus the increased on-farm heterogeneity has been a benefit for biodiversity. Furthermore, the farmers find that the agroforestry system improves the aesthetics on the farm.
Regarding which tree species to plant, the farmers have good experience with poplar, cherry plum, spruce, and aronia, which appear to be robust in systems with outdoor pigs on the locations in Denmark.
Main Recommendations from the practice:
1 – Select species of trees and bushes robust towards pigs and adapted to the climatic conditions on the farm.
2 – Protect the trees in the first years after establishment from weed, mice, rabbits, hares, and deer e.g., with Spiral tree guard and Weed barrier rings.
3 – Fence off the trees for the first 4-5 years to avoid the sows destroying the trees. The piglets can get access after two years.
Source Project
MIXED - Multi-actor and transdisciplinary development of efficient and resilient MIXED farming and agroforestry systems
Ongoing | 2020-2025
Main funding source
Horizon 2020 (EU Research and Innovation Programme)
Geographical location
Denmark
Project details

Project Keywords