Current extent and stratification of agroforestry in the European Union

Herder, Michael den; Moreno, Gerardo; Mosquera-Losada, María Rosa; Palma, J.H.N.; Sidiropoulou, Anna; Santiago-Freijanes, José Javier; Crous-Duran, Josep; Paulo, Joana Amaral; Tomé, Margarida; Pantera, Anastasia; Papanastasis, V. P.; Mantzanas, K.; Pachana, Przemko; Papadopoulos, Andreas; Plieninger, Tobias; Burgess, Paul J.

doi:10.1016/j.agee.2017.03.005

Cited by 167 publications

(86 citation statements)

References 33 publications

Supporting

Mentioning

Contrasting

Unclassified

Order By: Relevance

“…In Iberia, one example of these semi-arid ecosystems is a managed agro-silvopastoral savanna, known as dehesa or montado (Spanish and Portuguese names, respectively). Similar systems are common in other Mediterranean countries (den Herder et al, 2017) and worldwide (Campos et al, 2013;Porqueddu et al, 2016).…”

Section: Introductionsupporting

confidence: 58%

N : P stoichiometry and habitat effects on Mediterranean savanna seasonal root dynamics

Nair¹,

Morris²,

Hertel³

et al. 2019

Biogeosciences

Self Cite

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

Mediterranean grasslands are highly seasonal and co-limited by water and nutrients. In such systems, little is known about root dynamics which may depend on individual plant properties and environment as well as seasonal water shortages and site fertility. Patterns of root biomass and activity are affected by the presence of scattered trees, grazing, site management, and chronic nitrogen deposition, all of which can affect nutrient ratios and potentially cause development of nitrogen : phosphorus (N : P) imbalances in ecosystem stoichiometry.In this study we combined observations from minirhizotrons with root measurements from direct soil cores and ingrowth cores, along with measures of above-ground biomass to investigate seasonal root dynamics and root : shoot ratios in a Mediterranean tree-grass "savanna". We investigated responses to soil fertility, using nutrient manipulation (N/NP addition) and spatial microhabitat treatments between openpasture and microhabitats under the tree canopy. Root dynamics over time were also compared with indices of aboveground growth drawn from proximal remote sensing.Results show distinct differences in root dynamics and biomass between treatments and microhabitats. Root biomass was higher with N additions, but did not differ from the control with NP additions in early spring. By the end of the growing season root biomass had increased with NP in open pastures but not higher than N added alone. In contrast, root length density (RLD) in pastures responded stronger to the NP than N-only addition, while beneath trees root biomass tended to be higher with only N. Even though root biomass increased, the root : shoot ratio decreased un-der nutrient treatments. Timing of root and shoot growth was reasonably well paired, although in autumn root growth appeared to be substantially slower than "regreening" of the system. We interpret these differences as a shift in community structure and/or root traits under changing stoichiometry induced by the fertilization. We also consider seasonal (phenology) differences in the strength and direction of effects observed.

show abstract

Section: Introductionsupporting

confidence: 58%

N : P stoichiometry and habitat effects on Mediterranean savanna seasonal root dynamics

Nair¹,

Morris²,

Hertel³

et al. 2019

Biogeosciences

Self Cite

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

show abstract

“…Policies based on a division between agriculture and forestry have also not been beneficial (Dupraz et al 2005). Still, in Europe today, agroforestry is practiced in almost 9% of the agricultural areas (den Herder et al 2016). …”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Exploring the potential of edible forest gardens: experiences from a participatory action research project in Sweden

Björklund

Eksvärd²,

Schäffer

2018

Agroforest Syst

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

To meet the environmental challenges that are presently confronting society, the narrow focus on agricultural production needs to be altered to one that places equal value on the generation of crucial ecosystem services. Current research shows that perennial intercropping systems such as agroforestry may be a feasible alternative. Based on studies during the establishment of edible forest gardens in 12 participating farms in Sweden, this paper explores the potential of utilizing multi-strata designs for food production in temperate, highincome countries. Design and species composition of such gardens, types of food they provide, and how they would best fit into the present landscape are discussed. Factors for success and major problems related to the establishment are shared. Potential benefits were found to be closely related to a thorough analysis of the social and ecological contexts before establishment. Characteristics of the site and goals of the garden need to guide species and design choices. If forest garden approaches to food production should contribute to more than local selfsufficiency, the gardens need to increase in scale. Marginal lands and transitions areas between different land uses may be appropriate. Large knowledge gaps concerning potential production, social and economic benefits, and agronomic issues were identified.

show abstract

“…) or the current extent of existing agroforestry practices (Herder et al. ) could further hone the identification of target regions for MSR alternatives.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…identifies environmentally sensitive areas (SooHoo et al 2017, Brandes et al 2018 or the current extent of existing agroforestry practices (Herder et al 2017) could further hone the identification of target regions for MSR alternatives.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Black walnut alley cropping is economically competitive with row crops in the Midwest USA

Wolz

DeLucia

2018

Ecological Applications

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

The maize–soybean rotation (MSR) dominates the Midwest United States and degrades many ecological functions. Black walnut (Juglans nigra L.) plantation forestry (PF) and alley cropping (AC) are two alternative land‐uses that can enhance productivity and restore ecosystem services. Given the lack of robust market mechanisms to monetize ecosystems services, we tested whether the profitability of PF and AC could drive adoption in the Midwest. Publically available data on black walnut soil suitability, timber prices, crop productivity, and cash rents were combined in a high‐resolution spatial analysis to identify regions where these alternatives can outcompete MSR. To avoid selecting an arbitrary discount rate at which to make comparisons, we determined the threshold discount rate necessary to make PF or AC economically competitive with MSR. We show that, with a 5% discount rate, PF and AC could be more profitable on 17.0% and 23.4% of MSR land, respectively. Contrary to the common assumption that woody agricultural alternatives should first be adopted in marginal row crop areas, the economic competitiveness of PF and AC was not correlated with MSR productivity. Instead, black walnut growth rate was the central driver of PF and AC competitiveness, underscoring a necessary shift away from the current MSR‐centric perspective in defining target regions for land‐use alternatives. Results reveal major opportunities for landowners and investors to increase profitability by investing in PF and AC on both “marginal” and productive MSR land.

show abstract

Current extent and stratification of agroforestry in the European Union

Cited by 167 publications

References 33 publications

N : P stoichiometry and habitat effects on Mediterranean savanna seasonal root dynamics

N : P stoichiometry and habitat effects on Mediterranean savanna seasonal root dynamics

Exploring the potential of edible forest gardens: experiences from a participatory action research project in Sweden

Black walnut alley cropping is economically competitive with row crops in the Midwest USA

Contact Info

Product

Resources

About