Implementing sweet chestnut trees in Belgian agroforestry systems

Chestnut trees have been cultivated for centuries in Europe for their nuts and/or timber. Mountainous countries in the South are traditionally the largest producers of chestnuts in Europe. Although remaining a marginal crop, healthy chestnut industries are recently expanding over less rugged terrain. Sweet chestnuts are the species with the highest economic importance. European sweet chestnut (Castanea sativa) originates from southern Europe, Asia and northern Africa. Its broad crown can reach a height of 30 m and more during its 250 to 500 year life span. Japanese chestnut (C. crenata) is a t... Mehr ...