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Planting trees can benefit your farm. Shelterbelts improve crop water regimes by slowing wind speeds and provide habitat for pollinators and wildlife.Trees protect soils from wind and water erosion, and help prevent fertilisers and pollutants damaging watercourses.
TREES WORK
An estimated 25% of the phosphates and 50% of nitrates in rivers are from agricultural sources.Trees act as nutrient sinks, trapping pollutants and helping stabilise riverbanks.
While plants closest to the trees produce lower yields, higher yields are gained by more efficient water usage in the rest of the crop. Shelterbelts can improve yield in an area up to 30 times their height.
Carbon dioxide from the use of diesel and other farm fuels makes up 9% of UK agricultural greenhouse gas emissions. Planting trees captures and offsets some of these emissions.
Attract pollinators
Crops such as oilseed rape or field beans require insect pollination.Tree windbreaks provide habitat for pollinators and highways to guide them across the farm.
Native trees and woods provide havens for wildlife and help create beautiful landscapes.
Grow your own sustainable supply of firewood and avoid the increasing costs of fossil fuels. 2 -3 hectares of woodland produces enough fuel to heat a typical farmhouse for 1 year.
Water erosion reduces the long term fertility of the soil.Tree belts improve infiltration, helping prevent seeds, fertilisers and pesticides from being washed away, avoiding the costs of repeat operations.
Well-designed woods benefit driven and rough shoots. Sell the crop to make a profit or use it on the farm.