Creating your own garden in the dynamic agroforestry is easy and fun. You learn a lot about nature and how plants harmonize together. And of course you can look forward to a very rich yield!

The three principles

Dynamic agroforestry uses and reinforces natural principles. Three principles are used above all:

1. Variety of species,
2. High planting density and
3. Cut of the plants.

With these principles you create a dynamic system.

1. Diversity of the species

The diversity  refers to:

• Biodiversity: genus (trees, shrubs, grasses, etc.) or by species (conifers, deciduous trees, etc.) or families (daisy family, umbelliferae, etc.).

• Elements: Roots, flowering, ripening / harvesting, lifetime, nutrient requirement, plant height and so on.
• Succession:
  • Pioneer (<6 months, potato, pea)
  • Secondary I (<2 years, Swiss chard, parsley)
  • Secondary II (<15 years, elderberry, raspberry)
  • Secondary III (<80 years, apple tree, birch)
  • Primary (> 80 years, oak, beech).

The greater the biodiversity of species, the more stable and healthy your garden will be.

2. High planting density

Nature leaves no room unused, neither horizontally nor vertically. In the dynamic agroforestry is therefore densely planted to make optimal use of the space. Of course, not all plants like to grow together, but in most cases, high density promotes growth dynamics and plant health.

A few examples:

• Roots: The roots of different species interlock and promote each other, give off mycorrhizal. Since different plants need different nutrients, they do not bother.
• Disease prevention: Local plants have developed certain substances to drive off typical predators. They thus protect the crops as well.
• Windbreak: If the plants are dense, the flowers are not blown off in strong wind and the young trees are not uprooted.
• Heat: At high density, the plot warms up faster, the plants grow faster.
• Biomass: More plants, more biomass, more cutting material and thus organic material for the soil.

The high density in a dynamic plot has many advantages. In order for the plants to stay healthy and grow your favorite plants well and yield enough, the timely cut is important.

3. Cut the plants

By cutting the plants  you moderate the plant system and create light for your favorite plants. By cutting you also produce biomass that is distributed on the soil, keeps it moist and provides long-term nutrients. In many plants, the cut also stimulates growth and thus increases the growth dynamics.

We distinguish five important cutting techniques:

1. Rejuvenation pruning
2. Space section
3. Air + light section
4. Biomass cut
5. Synchronization cut

Composition of the plants

It should also be noted at the same time the composition of the plants, ideally for a DAF plot applies: 

Maximum 50% useful plants, i.e. plants that can serve as food for humans and animals. 

At least 25% plants that improve the soil. These are, for example, plants such as lupine, broom, pea or bean, which are mainly used for so-called green manuring, the targeted cultivation of plants that are used to improve the soil. These bind nitrogen in the soil and, due to their deep roots, loosen the lower soil layers. At the same time, they can carry water upwards. 

At least 25% local and native plants. These are best found by going out into nature and looking around. These are especially adapted to the local microfauna and can, for example, drive away insect pests with their local strong smell. 

The 50-25-25 distribution is the optimal distribution of plants, which does not necessarily have to be achieved. However, it has been shown in recent years that if these principles are followed, the plants grow faster. They are not only better cared for, but also more resistant to diseases and pests.

Planting plans and plant list

With our planting plans you have direct instructions on how to best combine the plants. In addition, we have an overview of which plants you need to buy. Of course you can combine everything as you like and realize your own ideas!