The Organic Research Centre (ORC) has launched AgroBox, a free online platform that helps farmers explore the impact of agroforestry—the integration of trees within agricultural fields—on crop yield and pesticide use. Developed by ORC Senior Agroforestry Researcher Dr. Colin Tosh, AgroBox allows users to simulate different farming scenarios and assess how changes in their practices affect agricultural outcomes.
One of the standout findings from AgroBox is its prediction of a significant reduction in pesticide applications when trees are planted within fields. According to the model, farmers using in-field trees would require just six pesticide applications for pests, three for disease, and three for weeds over a growing season. In contrast, fields without trees would require nearly double the treatments—eleven applications for pests, six for disease, and one for weeds.
These results suggest that agroforestry could play a crucial role in reducing the agricultural sector’s reliance on chemical pesticides, leading to cost savings for farmers and environmental benefits such as improved biodiversity and soil health.
AgroBox is designed to cater to a diverse audience, including:
- Farmers and growers seeking to optimize pesticide use, boost crop yields, and better understand the dynamics of their farming systems.
- Agriculture and ecology educators looking for a hands-on tool to demonstrate agroecosystem interactions in classroom settings.
- Policy researchers exploring methods to reduce agrochemical dependence and enhance the ecosystem services provided by trees.
By allowing users to test an almost infinite number of scenarios, AgroBox serves as a valuable resource for both practical decision-making on farms and academic research into sustainable agricultural practices.
AgroBox is free to use and available online, offering an accessible way for farmers, researchers, and educators to explore the benefits of agroforestry.
To start using the tool, visit: AgroBox on ORC
With AgroBox, the ORC is paving the way for more sustainable farming practices, helping farmers make informed decisions that benefit both their crops and the environment.
