Soil and Atmospheric Microclimate Research in Poplar Forestry Intercropping System in Hungary

Abstract

Climate change presents growing environmental, economic, and social problems for the industrializing and developing world. Applying new technologies and transitioning to a cleaner, more flexible economy are essential to solving these problems. These solutions focus on climate change mitigation and work toward a complete transformation in line with sustainable development goals. Agroforestry systems are used for climate change adaptation and to support biodiversity. They also help combat desertification and soil erosion. Practical experiences show that applying forestry alley cropping systems can contribute to the climate adaptation of young forest stocks. The present study examined a historical forestry intercropping method known as Vákáncsos following the effects of microclimate stress on poplar seedlings (Populus × euramericana cv. I-214). This study investigated the background of previous observations concerning the practice of using intermediate crops in forest conditions – and the favorable results from these – and compared the stress effects on seedlings. When assessing the microclimate of the system, we used the EC tester (EC–electrical conductivity) to measure soil temperature and conductivity. We employed an agrometeorological hand-held instrument to measure air temperature, humidity, and wind speed. The results show that the agroforestry system significantly reduces temperature extremes and provides more favorable humidity. The agroforestry system reduced soil temperature values by 1–14 Co in the warmest period of the year. Experience and measurements indicate that the applied agroforestry practice can increase stress tolerance, afforestation efficiency, land use maximization, and profitability. Applied agroforestry can also serve other purposes like ecosystem services and feeding. Forestry alley cropping systems can be combined with resource efficiency.