František Bartoš
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Basic information
| Year of foundation | 1992 |
| Specialization | Mixed farm system with plant and animal production |
| Farm area | 150 h |
| Number of employees | 4 family members |
| Year of starting agroforestry practices | 1999 =>2004 (SRC =>poultry) |
| Location | Nová Olešná, South Bohemian Region |
| Webpage | – |
František Bartoš
Small agroforestry system (0,6 ha) in village Nová Olešná consists of short rotation coppice (SRC) combined with poultry breeding and homegardening of vegetables. It was established for self-provision of woodchips, vegetables and eggs/meat. Poultry flock consists of typically 20-30 hens with one cock and several specimens of ducks, turkeys and geese. A henhouse with water and feeder is located inside the plot. Poultry are fed with locally produced cereals and some commercial pellets ad libitum. Agroforestry system is fenced.
Their first reason for tree planting was production of wood chips for energy. After a few years the farmer’s wife started keeping poultry close to the plantation and found, that hens and chickens entered the plantation not only for feeding on insects and plants but also to protect themselves against birds of prey.
Improved welfare for chicken free range breeding in SRC (temperature, moisture, feed, hide) has led to better production of eggs until some predators appear (fox, marten). Monitoring of soil and climatic parameters (nutrients, pH, Cox resp. temperature, moisture) have shown improved trends for both soil productivity and poultry welfare.
Improved welfare for chicken free range breeding in SRC (temperature, moisture, feed, hide) has led to better production of eggs until some predators appear (fox, marten). Monitoring of soil and climatic parameters (nutrients, pH, Cox resp. temperature, moisture) have shown improved trends for both soil productivity and poultry welfare.
- Promotion self-sufficiency of the farm in food and energy
- Protection of poultry against birds of prey (esp. Eurasian sparrowhawk, hawk)
- Protection of trees against pests, insects, weed through chicken grazing
- Contribute to diversification of agricultural landscape in the region
Information was provided through the long-term cooperation with research (VÚKOZ Průhonice). AFS is registered as SRC which is suitable for direct payments (SAPS). Homegarden is within front manipulation space 12 m wide. Knowledge and equipment for secure free range breeding of poultry and for growing short rotation coppice of fast-growing trees.
Description of used technics during establishing of agroforestry systems
Agroforestry system (AFS) was established gradually from 1999 to 2004 and it is divided into three resp. four parts on a total area of 0.6 ha (Picture 1). The short rotation coppice part consists of the clone test of poplars and willows (0.2 ha; 36 genotypes of poplar and willow; scheme 2m x 0,5m; 10000 pc/ha), plantations for firewood/woodchips (0.15 ha; 5 best clones of poplar and willow, same planting scheme and density) and stool bed for cuttings (planting material) on 0.1 ha with poplar clone J-105. Garden which is used for small-scale vegetable production (0.1). Facilities for small-scale poultry breeding are movable and situated according to situation.
Threats/Challenges
Description of used technics during establishing of agroforestry systems
Agroforestry system (AFS) was established gradually from 1999 to 2004 and it is divided into three resp. four parts on a total area of 0.6 ha (Picture 1). The short rotation coppice part consists of the clone test of poplars and willows (0.2 ha; 36 genotypes of poplar and willow; scheme 2m x 0,5m; 10000 pc/ha), plantations for firewood/woodchips (0.15 ha; 5 best clones of poplar and willow, same planting scheme and density) and stool bed for cuttings (planting material) on 0.1 ha with poplar clone J-105. Garden which is used for small-scale vegetable production (0.1). Facilities for small-scale poultry breeding are movable and situated according to situation.
Threats/Challenges
- Since last 3-4 years, there is a problem with foxes or marten when harming the flock during day. For night flock is closed in henhouse. Variety of different measures are used to prevent further damages including better fencing, hunting etc..
Mostly positive trends were found of monitored soil parameters in topsoil (5-15 cm) under SRC with poultry after 17 years including stable or increasing levels of Cox, pH, P, K, Ca, Mg despite no fertilization being applied and tree biomass being removed (5 harvests). Additionally, closed canopy of SRC improved welfare of poultry by lowering temporal variations of air temperature and humidity especially on hot days and by providing shelter against raptors. Combining poplar/willow SRC for biomass production with poultry breeding can be recommended for its multilateral positive effects on soil, microclimate, welfare and adaptation/mitigation effects.
Future plansFarmer would like to finish his idea of self-sufficiency in energy for heating using SRC as source of biomass/woodchips/pellets. Farmer’s wife would like to continue with AFS with chicken and home garden.
Future plans
Knowledge about tree planting and maintenance (weeding being crucial in the first years of SRC establishment), knowledge or (better) experience with poultry keeping.
Basic recommendation of Daniel:
„Start with this AFS close to the house as it requires often visits. Make a good fence. If you want produce more – make a “plan” for utilization of all products – wood chips, eggs and …have a fun with it! “
