In spring 2026, the first modern agroforestry system in the Saarland was established as part of the AFaktive project. On the 12.4-hectare pilot site of the Bioland farm Dörr near Eppelborn/Wiesbach, five strips of trees and shrubs were planted across an area of around 2 hectares. The agroforestry system combines the farm’s modern, environmentally friendly arable farming with the production of energy wood, protection against erosion and the effects of heavy rainfall, and the enhancement of biodiversity.
A further pilot plot was planted by the AFaktive team on 15th April 2026. The AFaktive team offered with and support from the Dörr organic farm near Eppelborn, the first section of the agroforestry system in Saarland was planted across approximately 12.4 hectares.
Initial situation
The initial discussions with the farm managers revolved around the erosion issues affecting the site, which is situated on a slope. In the past, heavy rainfall on the field often led to surface runoff, which left noticeable traces behind. Over time, water erosion has already formed distinct gullies (see photos below). The farmers wanted to counteract this vulnerability – which is increasing due to climate change. This is precisely where the AFaktive team stepped in – with an alley cropping system that acts as a vertical barrier to water runoff.
Value chains
Two tree species are being planted across the 2.02-hectare wooded area. On 15 April, 2,800 poplars were planted, which are set to be harvested for energy wood. Plans are in place to plant around 40 fruit trees this autumn – cider apples for the production of apple juice, which will be sold directly by the farm. But that’s not all: the strips are designed to create further synergies between the tree species, as the poplars, which are already growing over the summer, will provide protection against cold or drying winds for the future apple trees.
Agro… what?
The AFaktive team is seeing interest in agroforestry become more apparent every day. At the planting event, it wasn’t just ‘technicians’ who were present – the AFaktive team, as well as the skilled team from planting service provider Lignovis– but also other interested parties from neighbouring local authorities and farms. They were keen to see exactly how the planting process works, what agroforestry means for a given area and how the agroforestrz products can be marketed. Thanks to the fantastic weather, there were also plenty of passers-by who stopped to watch the action from the nearby road.
For everyone who couldn’t be there in person, the planting event was filmed and videos will be available soon on our LUCA YouTube channel.
A win-win situation
The planting was a great success. We are now keen to follow the development of the young agroforestry system. Ideally, the trees will not only solve or mitigate the erosion problem, but also generate sources of income for the Wackenbergerhof. To assess the impact of the tree strips on erosion and the water balance, various measurements will soon be carried out on the site. We will keep you updated
