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Abstract

The post-mining landscape of the Lusatian lignite mining district in northeast Germany is characterized by low precipitation and marginal soils at the initial stage of soil development (low water-retention capacities, low humus and nutrient contents). Due to these conditions crop yield stability is relatively low. Establishing an economically feasible land use on such sites is a challenge for farmers and foresters. Alley cropping systems (ACS) for biomass production offer a promising land-use alternative to enhance the economic value of such sites. The integration of hedgerows can improve the microclimate by shading and the reduction of the wind speed. As a consequence soil moisture and soil temperature will be more balanced and hence crop yield stability could be increased. Furthermore, the additional utilization of the hedgerows as energy wood can be a profitable source of income. In order to assess the overall impact of hedgerows in ACS on crop yields at poor sandy soils, an ACS was established in 2007 in the Lusatian lignite mining district. Hedgerows consist of four double rows of black locust and have a width of 12 m. Alfalfa was established in the alleys with a width of 24 m. Weather and soil data will be determined in different distances from the hedgerows in order to characterize their effects on microclimate and soil properties such as nutrient availability or C sequestration. In addition, crop yield and woody biomass data will be collected. Based on these investigations we expected a precise characterization of effects of hedgerows in ACS on microclimate, crop yield and soil properties. The results will be the basis for recommendations for an optimization of the tree-crop interaction in order to increase the reliability of plant production as compared to mono-cropping systems.