Summary
This study evaluated an agroforestry system integrating apples with arable crops using primary field data combined with ecosystem service and financial modelling. Although arable yields declined by up to 11% in agroforestry, projected gross mixed income was higher in 15 of 18 scenarios over 20 years, with carbon sequestration payments potentially covering 47–88% of establishment costs. The findings suggest diversified farming can improve farm profitability where carbon finance is available, though initial financial barriers would benefit from grant support.
Regional applicability
This research was conducted in the United Kingdom and directly applies to UK farming conditions, policy context, and practice. The findings are particularly relevant to UK farmers considering diversification under emerging environmental land management schemes (such as Defra's Sustainable Farming Incentive) that offer payments for ecosystem services including carbon sequestration.
Key measures
Arable crop yields (% reduction), apple seed set (pollination proxy), apple yields, weed cover, carbon sequestration, gross mixed income projections (20-year), establishment costs, carbon payment contribution
Outcomes reported
The study compared arable yields, apple productivity, pollination services, carbon sequestration, and projected farm income over 20 years between an integrated apple-arable agroforestry system and conventional arable monoculture. Financial projections modelled gross mixed income and the contribution of carbon payments to establishment costs.
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