'Sivohorticulture’ is a term being popularised by Raskin (head of horticulture and agroforestry for the Soil Association) and Dibben (head grower at Abbey Home Farms) who want to bring trees back into horticultural systems and support farmers by giving them the best information and case studies available on this. This is the aim of Silvohorticulture, which shares information from forestry with commercial fruit and vegetable producers, maximising the benefits and minimising the negative impact of the trees.
On smaller plots, forest gardens, with trees, shrubs and perennial plants planted to mimic the structure of a natural forest.
Raskin says: "Most gardens are likely to already have some trees/bushes within the system, so might be practicing the principles unknowingly. Hopefully the book would help them to understand the various dynamics at play, but also guide them in any new plantings or redesign."
Dibben adds: "Although the book has been written with a focus on commercial vegetable production, the authors believe all the principles discussed in the book are applicable to integrating trees and vegetables on any scale.
"In fact, the benefits that trees potentially offer to vegetable production are relevant to even one tree surrounded by some vegetables. The importance of good design, tree choice, crop layout and tree root management are still vital and are discussed in the book in a way that that can be understood and applied on a domestic scale. Crucially, building resilience to the impacts of climate change applies to gardeners as much as farmers."
The authors say growers can improve existing crop production through better management of water, wind and sunlight. Trees and their understorey can be a valuable tool for Integrated Pest Management strategies, reducing farm inputs and improving soil health, trees also introduce increased resilience in the form of perennial cropping options and with their ability to offset some of the intensifying effects of climate change.
Trees causing shadow is a potential issue but the authors say when tree rows are orientated from north to south all crops will be in direct sunlight for a large proportion of the day. Or you can plan cropping around the emergence and fall of tree leaves. Trees can give shade and protection from wind, which means competition for water with crops may be less of an issue than believed. They can also be beneficial in offsetting flooding and erosion control. Trees can provide homes for pests, beneficial insects and predators, creating ecosystems.
Some farms which they highlight in the book are:
Abbey Home Farms in Cirencester – 1600 acre mixed organic farm, intercropping into veg production with mixed top fruit tree, coppice species for woodchip, as well as peach trees in the glasshouses.
Eastbrook Farm in Wiltshire – 200 acre silvopastural system (trialing almonds, apricots, berries and other fruits into a 25year business plan)
Shillingford Farm in Devon – 420 acre fruit and veg farm using alley cropping systems
Troed-y-Rhiw Farm in Wales – 23 acre mixed organic farm growing top fruit and bush fruit, but outside and in tunnels
