PRECISION FORESTRY 

The goal of our Precision Forest Management is primarily to increase efficiency and preserve our safe production positions despite the effects of climate change. We develop a precise forest management system in all the forest areas we cultivate. We adapt precision practices already proven in agriculture. In our 150-hectare production area, we strive to have continuous sources of income. The main product is wood (first-line kitchen-ready firewood), but in our forests we also produce suitable agricultural products, with intermediate products (berry fruits, mushrooms, protein plants, gourds/pumpkins). Our forest sections are explored with a detailed, small-scale soil test, and depending on this, we decide on the replacement of forest species and intercropping (agro-forestry). Afforestation and replacements are carried out with seedlings with covered roots. We irrigate our afforestation and intermediate crops during the dry season. We document our experiences from our precision farming using scientific methods and regularly publish our results.

If you would like to request a personal consultation on the subject of precision forestry, we provide advice on the subject as experts.

Oak integrated forestry management

We manage native pedunculate oak forests, we plant mixed tree species when they are 5-10 years old, and we also carry out the replacements with a focus on biodiversity (with ash, elm, birch species). In our young oak trees, we take particular care to reduce wildlife damage and to develop possible intermediate use solutions. In order to better understand the forest-water relationship, we carry out regular water balance measurements and also collect and evaluate meteorological data.

Robinia SRF for sawtimber

In the framework of the EIP-AGRI project, we created an experimental Robinia plantation, where we perform performance testing of Hungarian-bred Robinia varieties, together with control stocks. The plantation is intensively managed (irrigation, nutrient supply, pruning, sprouting). Our goal is to achieve an industrial wood ratio of over 65%, the other raw materials are sold for energy purposes. In the plantation, we carry out intercropping with protein crops and gourds. We also examine the flowering characteristics of the varieties together with our beekeeping expert partners. Our research partner in the project is the University of Sopron.

Leuce Poplar SRF for timber and energy wood

As part of the EIP-AGRI project, new white poplar clones are tested for performance, combined with intercropping. We treat the plantation intensively (irrigation, pruning, nutrient supply). The planned end products: poplar industrial log material over 75%, energy selections (firewood without splitting). Our research partner in the project is the University of Sopron.

Willow SRF

Our intensively managed willow plantations established with the Salix alba 'Express' variety are harvested every 3 years (in 2023 in the 6th rotation), with a diameter of 5-15 cm at breast height, from which we sell unsplit, kitchen-ready firewood in a short supply chain, on local markets. Our plantations grow on average 40+ m³/ha/year, with excellent soil conditions and a high groundwater level.

Robinia seed-plantation

Black locust seed plantation – established on 37 hectares, 17 varieties, in an unusual arrangement.

Super intensive native Ash and Elm SRF for sawtimber

We establish a subsoil-treated, irrigated forest plantation of native ash and elm species, in high density, with intensive treatment. We prune the plantation high, our express goal is to produce high-quality industrial wood, which material stores the bound CO₂ for a long time. After extraction, it is renovated by sprouting. The value of the plantation is further increased by the fact that we can grow protein plants and gourds among the trees with intercropping.

Curly birch

We use selected planting materials from Scandinavia. Our goal is to create high-quality Curly birch (Betula pendula var. carelica) stands that yield extremely valuable wood, and to develop maintenance technology under Central European conditions. Common birch is a tree species that is generally present throughout Europe, with the planting we also monitor what adaptation problems arise in the case of northern origins.

AGRO-FORESTRY 

Open field mushroom cultivation

Open field mushroom cultivation - agro-forestry solution for intercropping of forests and plantations, tests with: Champignon, Morel, and Parasol mushroom

Our goal: to develop an outdoor mushroom cultivation system in semi-extensive forest conditions. The mushroom is a natural companion of the forest, within the framework of the project we only use origins that do not endanger the natural, genetically adapted mushroom communities in our forests. Production tests take place in closed, young forests (oak and poplar).

Rational use of high-voltage electric fences in the forest

In Europe, there are hundreds of thousands of hectares of forest areas where high-voltage overhead lines have been laid. The tree-free strip under the overhead lines is the safety zone. These areas are very often unproductive, for decades only logging takes place in them. Our goal is to develop land use solution proposals for the rational use of these areas, with which they can become valuable again for the owner and nature. SRF, agro-forestry, bee pasture, stable crops with high animal support capacity, etc. We welcome international partners and existing best practices solutions for the project.

Beekeeping developments 

Beekeeping developments - breeding of queen bees, pollen monitoring

Our company has been renting out bee grazing areas (robinia forest, sunflower field, rapeseed field, lawn areas) for beekeepers for decades. We maintain bee pasture cultures on our fallowed areas and in intermediate cultivation. We got to know the technical needs of wandering beekeepers, which is why we created beekeeper-friendly bases in our areas (with wells, solid pavement, weather-independent roads, etc.). This significantly improved cooperation and increased productivity. We participate in queen breeding and plan to expand our international pollen monitoring research within the framework of a consortium project.

In addition to beekeeping research, the quality of honey is also an important topic. In cooperation with several researchers and companies, we also participate in the development of honey quality and honey origin tests.

Intercropping of cultivated berries

Due to the conversion of the intermittent income-generating capacity of forestry into a continuous one, in our oak, poplar, acacia, and elm forests, we started the intermediate cultivation of various berry fruits, using semi-extensive bio-horticultural methods. Plantations are watered and pruned, but the use of chemicals is minimized. In such tests, special attention must be paid to plant pathogens, so that the forest does not endanger the berries, and the berries do not endanger the trees. We use raspberry, blackberry and currant species. We plant native common hazelnuts and almonds in our oak groves, which also increases biodiversity and provides a valuable product in a short time.

Super intensive native Ash and Elm SRF for sawtimber and intercopping

We establish a subsoil-treated, irrigated forest plantation of native ash and elm species, in high density, with intensive treatment. We prune the plantation high, our express goal is to produce high-quality industrial wood, which material stores the bound CO₂ for a long time. After extraction, it is renovated by sprouting. The value of the plantation is further increased by the fact that we can grow protein plants and gourds among the trees with intercropping.