Elderberry and Bell Pepper Systems Improve Farm Resilience

By Blake Jackson

Kentucky State University researchers continue studying how agroforestry systems can support sustainable farming, improve crop resilience, and strengthen economic opportunities for farmers. A recent two-year study examined how growing bell peppers alongside American elderberry shrubs may benefit agricultural operations across Kentucky and the Southeastern United States.

The research focused on alley cropping, an agroforestry method where crops are grown between rows of shrubs or trees. Researchers compared bell peppers grown in elderberry-based systems with peppers grown through traditional monocropping systems. The study explored how diversified farming systems can improve production while supporting environmental sustainability.

Results showed that elderberry shrubs helped improve the growing environment for bell peppers by reducing heat stress and wind exposure. Researchers found the alley-cropping system maintained pepper yields similar to conventional systems while improving plant growth and leaf development. California Wonder and Quadrato d’Asti Rosso emerged as strong-performing pepper varieties in the study.

“By integrating perennial shrubs like elderberry with annual vegetables, we are creating a resilient ecosystem that protects the soil while supporting the farm’s productivity,” Santosh Paudel said.

Researchers also discovered that measuring leaf number and canopy size about 60 days after transplanting helped predict final crop yields. The findings may help farmers improve production decisions involving water, fertilizer, and other important resources during the growing season.

The study highlighted potential economic benefits as well. Bell peppers may provide short-term income while elderberry shrubs can create additional marketing opportunities connected to nutritional and medicinal uses. Researchers estimated mature systems could generate peak revenue near $12,500 per acre.

“This system demonstrates how multifunctional agricultural landscapes can simultaneously deliver production, ecosystem services, and economic resilience,” Dr. Suraj Upadhaya said. “Integrating perennial and annual systems is essential to advancing sustainability transitions on working lands, particularly amid increasing climate variability.”

Additional related research also examined pollinator health, food security, and barriers to agroforestry adoption, including startup costs, technical assistance needs, and market access challenges.

For more information, contact Santosh Paudel, research assistant in the College of Agriculture, Health, and Natural Resources, at santosh.paudel@kysu.edu or Dr. Suraj Upadhaya at suraj.upadhaya@kysu.edu.

Photo Credit: gettyimages-johnbraid