Modelling the yield and profitability of intercropped walnut systems in Croatia

Abstract In Croatia, farmers are showing increasing interest in establishing walnut orchards for nut production on arable land due to higher anticipated net margins. One way address the lack of profitability initial years when yields low may be plant intercrops. The impacts this practice were assessed using a biophysical simulation model (Yield-SAFE) determine growth and yield crops trees arable, orchard, silvoarable systems, an economic farm (Farm-SAFE) was used assess their profitability. orchard intercropped systems simulated assuming tree densities 170, 135, 100 ha ?1 , break-even date systems. predicted decline intercrop over time all density scenarios. However, analysis productivity showed that intercropping more productive than separate From financial aspect, return from helped offset some establishment costs remained profitable until sixth year after planting. modelling system with 170 included first 6 provided greatest cumulative margin 20 years. benefit opposed monoculture fruit appeared consistent across three studied. These results suggest agroforestry is approach orchards.