19th European Biomass Conference and Exhibition, 6-10 lune 2011, Berlin, Germany COMBINING SHORT ROTATION COPPICE \VITH ANNUAL CROPS MODERN AGROFORESTRY SYSTEMS FOR SUSTAINABLE LAND USE 1 M. Bärwolff , C. Böhm 2, C. Sclunidt 3, K.-U Schwarz 4, A. Vetter 1 I Thuringian State Institute ofAgriculture, Apoldaer Straße 4, 07774 Dornburg-Camburg, Germany, Tel.: +49 36427 868-117, Fax: +49 36427 22340,
[email protected] 2 Brandenburg University ofTechnology, Konrad-Wachsmann-Allee 6, 03046 Cottbus, Germany, Tel.: +49 35569-4145, Fax: +4935569-2323,
[email protected] 3 Justus Liebig University, Senckenbergstraße 3, 35390 Gießen, Germany, Tel.: +49 0641 99-37244,
[email protected] 4 Julius Kühn-Institute, Bundesallee 50, 38116 Braunschweig, Germany, Tel.: +49 531 596-2335, Fax: +49 531 596-2399,
[email protected] ABSTRACT: The production offuelwood in short rotation coppice (SRC) is considered as one compartment in the upcoming intensification of the generation of renewable resources, which importance is undoubted in terms of reducing carbon dioxide in the atmosphere and gaining independence offossil fuels. Increased production ofbiomass for energy recovery will intensify the pressure on land, leading to further intensification ofagricultural management. Combining forestry and agricultural systems seem to be a promising solution. In a joint research project four agroforestry systems combining SRC strips and crop strips were established in Germany. Each site otTers different initial conditions for combined wood and crop production. Main focus on all sites is the evaluation of economic and ecological issues. The objective is to deduce possibilities ofimprovement and to make relevant information available for practice and consultancy.