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Advisor(s)
Abstract(s)
O capítulo analisa os sistemas silvopastoris na Península Ibérica como um modelo de agrofloresta resiliente que integra árvores (sobretudo carvalhos), estrato arbustivo/herbáceo e gado. Enquadra a importância histórica de sistemas como o montado (Portugal) e a dehesa (Espanha), hoje pressionados pela intensificação agrícola, pelas políticas agrárias e pelas alterações climáticas, mas ainda relevantes pelo seu valor económico, ecológico e cultural. Descreve as interações entre ungulados domésticos e selvagens e os ecossistemas florestais: alimentação seletiva, pisoteio, deposição de estrume/urina e descasque, com efeitos na dispersão de sementes, composição da vegetação e propriedades do solo. Sublinha a “dupla face” destes efeitos: podem aumentar heterogeneidade, reciclagem de nutrientes e reduzir combustíveis finos, mas também provocar compactação, erosão, degradação do habitat e falhas de regeneração quando há sobrepastoreio e gestão inadequada. Aborda ainda como a cobertura arbórea condiciona o microclima, a água, luz e nutrientes, influenciando produtividade e qualidade da forragem, e como a sombra é crucial para o bem-estar animal em verões quentes, reduzindo o stress térmico. Por fim, destaca espécies e práticas-chave (Quercus ilex, Q. suber, Q. pyrenaica; ovinos, caprinos, bovinos e suínos em “montanera”) e defende a gestão integrada, inovação e coesão comunitária para assegurar a sustentabilidade futura e manter os serviços de ecossistema associados.
The chapter analyses silvopastoral systems in the Iberian Peninsula as a resilient agroforestry model that integrates trees (especially oaks), a shrub/herbaceous layer, and livestock. It frames the historical importance of systems such as the montado (Portugal) and the dehesa (Spain), which are now under pressure from agricultural intensification, agricultural policies, and climate change, yet remain relevant due to their economic, ecological, and cultural value. It describes the interactions between domestic and wild ungulates and forest ecosystems—selective feeding, trampling, dung/urine deposition, and bark stripping—with effects on seed dispersal, vegetation composition, and soil properties. It highlights the “two-sided” nature of these effects: they can increase heterogeneity, nutrient cycling, and reduce fine fuels, but can also cause compaction, erosion, habitat degradation, and regeneration failure when overgrazing and inadequate management occur. It also discusses how tree cover shapes microclimate, water availability, light and nutrients, influencing forage productivity and quality, and how shade is crucial for animal welfare in hot summers by reducing heat stress. Finally, it highlights key species and practices (Quercus ilex, Q. suber, Q. pyrenaica; sheep, goats, cattle, and pigs in “montanera”) and argues for integrated management, innovation, and community cohesion to ensure future sustainability and maintain the associated ecosystem services.
The chapter analyses silvopastoral systems in the Iberian Peninsula as a resilient agroforestry model that integrates trees (especially oaks), a shrub/herbaceous layer, and livestock. It frames the historical importance of systems such as the montado (Portugal) and the dehesa (Spain), which are now under pressure from agricultural intensification, agricultural policies, and climate change, yet remain relevant due to their economic, ecological, and cultural value. It describes the interactions between domestic and wild ungulates and forest ecosystems—selective feeding, trampling, dung/urine deposition, and bark stripping—with effects on seed dispersal, vegetation composition, and soil properties. It highlights the “two-sided” nature of these effects: they can increase heterogeneity, nutrient cycling, and reduce fine fuels, but can also cause compaction, erosion, habitat degradation, and regeneration failure when overgrazing and inadequate management occur. It also discusses how tree cover shapes microclimate, water availability, light and nutrients, influencing forage productivity and quality, and how shade is crucial for animal welfare in hot summers by reducing heat stress. Finally, it highlights key species and practices (Quercus ilex, Q. suber, Q. pyrenaica; sheep, goats, cattle, and pigs in “montanera”) and argues for integrated management, innovation, and community cohesion to ensure future sustainability and maintain the associated ecosystem services.
Description
Keywords
Oak woodlands Ecosystem services Grazing animals Tree cover Portugal
Pedagogical Context
Citation
Castro , M. Germano de Souza, J, Castro, J (2025). Creating resilient silvopastoral systems: Mediterranean silvopastoralism as a model for agroforestry in Advances in temperate agroforestry. Cambridge: Burleigh Dodds Science Publishing. p 111-144. ISBN 978-1801467193
Publisher
Burleigh Dodds Science Publishing