Vincent de Leijster

18 Chapter 1 Figure 1-2. Conceptual diagram visualizing the transition from conventional monoculture systems to agroecological systems. Four scenarios (green arrows) are presented: (1) agroecological management improves farm profitability compared to conventional management, (2) it does not affect it, (3) it reduces profitability at first, but in the longer term profitability recovers, and (4) it reduces profitability. 1.5 Study objective, research questions and thesis outline In order to address the gaps in the knowledge of agroecological transitions in woody crop systems, I aim to quantify the development of farm-scale economic and ecological performance following agroecological interventions. More specifically, I address the following research questions: