Orientation of tree rows in alley cropping systems matters - The "ShadOT" modelling tool for tree growth and shading effects.

Agroforestry systems have received a significant attention in recent years and can be considered as a potential strategy in agricultural production to respond to worsening climatic conditions. The decision-making process for farmers to design and implement agroforestry systems is complex due to time-consuming processes of planting, growing and management of trees, as well as the long-term impacts on the field and its productivity. The shading of the arable land by trees is a core issue and should be reduced through a north-south orientation of the tree rows.