Moderate shading did not affect barley yield in temperate silvoarable agroforestry systems

Abstract With climate change and an increasing global human population, the concept of agroforestry is gaining economic environmental interest. The practice growing trees crops on same land mainly applied in (sub)tropical rarer temperate areas where farmers fear decreased understorey crop yields due to competition with trees. However, whether stronger below- (soil moisture, nutrients) or aboveground (light) a silvoarable system (AFS) not clear. effects different treatments light, water nutrient availability production two AFS Central Switzerland were investigated, summer barley ( Hordeum vulgare L.) was grown as under 90%, 40% 0% shade nets, without irrigation and/or fertilisation fully factorial design. Yield reduced by 26% heavy shade; yield reductions moderate significant. Fertilisation increased 13% 6–9%, respectively, independent from shade. Individual seed mass significantly average 0.041 g (± 0.008 SD) unfertilised 0.048 0.010) fertilised treatments. had biggest impact total number p < 0.001) 36 26) seeds per individual plots 61 33) plots. This study demonstrates that (as can be expected modern AFS) major limiting factor for these Switzerland, indicating appropriate management combined suitable selection are option agricultural regions significant losses.