FuLaWi

Work packages

FuLaWi contains four working packages (WP, in German Arbeitspakete AP)

WP1 Harvesting and grazing fresh leaves

AP1 Ernte und Beweidung von Frischlaub comprises three subsections:

A) Research on practical implementation of forage-leaf agroforestry on demonstration farms 

  • Planning, successful establishment, maintenance, harvesting, and grazing of fodder leaf systems
  • Nine demonstration farms across Germany with tree planting in spring 2024 for use in subsequent years
  • Application of various harvesting methods and techniques, including manual harvesting
  • Europe-wide networking with farms with fodder leaf systems

B) Preference for fresh fodder foliage on practical farms

  • Investigation of preferences for fresh leaf species on already established areas from 2024 and on the project areas from 2025 (data collection through observational studies)
  • Integration of fodder leaves into pasture management, allowing small ruminants to eat twigs and leaves ad libitum 
  • Potential leaf harvesting and supplementary feeding at central locations in pastures

C) Leaf harvesting methods 

  • Testing of various harvesting methods
  • Selection of possible harvesting techniques in collaboration with fruit and wine growers, the agricultural engineering sector and agricultural practitioners
  • Results on practicality, cost-effectiveness and labour requirements
  • Harvesting and provision of forage foliage for the preservation and feeding trials in WPs 2 and 3

WP 2 Preservation methods for foliage

AP 2 Konservierungsverfahren für Laub contains two subparts.

A) Laboratory silage experiments

  • Analysis of the silage potential of 10 leaf species (summer-cut leaves from willow, black poplar, beech, ash, field maple, Norway maple, alder, lime, birch, aspen)
  • Laboratory scale with addition of different silage additives in 4 variants, each fresh and wilted
  • Other influencing factors: harvesting time (spring, summer, autumn) and inclusion of branches 
  • Analyses for raw nutrients, fibre fractions (NDF, ADL, ADL), fermentation acids,alcohols, ammonia-N, pure protein, non-protein-N, total phenols, tannins and flavonoids

B) Studies on the preference of preserved foliage with goats 

  • Preference trials under controlled conditions with dried and ensiled leaves (willow, black poplar and balsam poplar) and alfalfa hay as control variant
  • Feed presentation once a day and comparison of feed intake rate and feed residues

WP 3 Feeding of preserved leaves to small ruminants

AP 3 Fütterung von konserviertem Laub an kleine Wiederkäuer is divided into two subparts.

A) Studies on the digestibility of raw nutrients, bulk and trace elements and tannins as well as the potential for reducing CH4 emissions

  • “Weiße Edelziege” and „Coburg Fuchs Schaf”
  • Analysis of nutrient digestibility and balances
  • Hay-based rations supplemented with up to 30 %  dried black poplar, balsam poplar, and willow leaves
  • Feed analysis of dry matter, energy and nutrient content, including macronutrients Na, K, Ca, Mg, P and trace elements Cu, Fe, Mn, Zn and Se
  • Analysis of secondary metabolite groups: total phenols, total tannins, condensed tannins, total flavonoids
  • Metabolic status for measuring daily feed intake and quantitative fecal and urine excretions (analysis of digestibility)
  • Respiration chamber for measuring individual methane emission and metabolic heat production

B) Studies on Ca and Se supply and oxidative stress status 

  • Feeding trials with with pregnant or lactating dairy goats and sheep (production breeds)
  • Weekly monitoring of individual body mass and analysis of feed components
  • Approximately 20 % poplar leaf ration for pregnant sheep and 30 % for lactating goats
  • Blood and milk samples after lambing

WP 4 Economical analysis

AP4 Wirtschaftliche Betrachtung.

  • Study of cost structures and necessary investments for the establishment and maintenance of fodder leaf agroforestry systems , including assessment of yield potential Assessment of economic viability and quantification of beneficial properties
  • Monetarisation and evaluation of  environmental and climate impacts on a qualitative data basis (possible quantification of the CO2 storage potential through woody plant cultivation, humus formation and the reduction of methane emissions through leaf feeding)
  • Development of a business decision-making tool for farmers
  • Creating a knowledge base  for political decision-makers to support framework and funding conditions for agroforestry fodder leaf systems

WP 5 Evaluation, communication and knowledge transfer

AP 5 Evaluation, Kommunikation und Wissenstransfer comprises four main focuses.

A) Evaluation and documentation of the project 

  • Project evaluation through analysis of practical suitability and support for work packages 1 and 4: qualitative expert interviews (at the start of the project, halfway through the project and at the end of the project) with participating practice partners
  • Questionnaires on key economic indicators and personal assessments

B) Preparation of the results for educational events 

  • Knowledge transfer through preparation of findings from all work packages
  • Target group-specific educational formats

D) Public relations, networking and knowledge transfer 

  • Continuously engagement throughout the entire project
  • Informing and empowering practitioners and other interested stakeholders to implement tree-based feeding approaches via  associated scientists, advisors and multipliers
  • Hosting of website, social media, newsletter, professional print and online media
  • Speaking activities starting in spring 2024 at internal and external events (e.g. also integration into university teaching)