Browsing by Issue Date, starting with "2014-06"
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- Agricultural, forest and rural policy sectors' receptiveness to agroforestry intercropping systems in Quebec (Canada)Publication . Laroche, G.; Mercier, J.; Olivier, A.In Quebec (Canada), intercropping trees and crops is a new practice in the agricultural landscape dominated by conventional monocropping systems. As research goes on and slowly reveals the potential of these systems to address some key issues in agriculture, forestry and rural development, and as farmers’ awareness increases, there is a pressing need to find public support for these systems. In order to help the promoters of agroforestry intercropping systems in their search of support in the political arena, we conducted a comparative study of the receptiveness of the agricultural, forest and rural policy sectors to these systems. As the literature on public policy processes has stressed the importance of policy stakeholders’ ideas in the implementation of new policies, we used a conceptual framework based on cognitive schemes to compare the ideas driving these policy sectors with the ideas supporting agroforestry intercropping systems. Results based on the analysis of formal publications and semi-directed interviews conducted with agroforestry experts and policy stakeholders underline that agroforestry intercropping systems are mostly featured by their promoters as sustainable and multifunctional systems. The rural policy sector has proven to be the most receptive and the forest sector the less receptive, while the agricultural sector lies in-between, offering small-scale support to agroforestry intercropping systems. The analysis highlights that policy sectors integrating multifunctionality in their core ideas are supportive of agroforestry intercropping systems, while sectors remaining largely focused on specialization and productivity are less receptive. Our study also shows that public incentives might not be sufficient to drive the adoption of agroforestry intercropping systems since major barriers to their implementation remain in some policy sectors. Featuring these systems as productive might be a necessary argument shift to tear down policy barriers and increase public support.
- Celtic pig production in chestnut extensive systems in GaliciaPublication . Rigueiro-Rodriguez, A.; Santiago-Freijanes, J.J.; Ferreiro-Dominguez, N.; González-Hernandez, M.P.; Fernandez-Lorenzo, J.L.; Mosquera-Losada, M.R.
- How two business models respond to current chalenges of agrowood production: the case of Brandenburg, GermanyPublication . Keutmann, S.; Grundmann, P.; Uckert, G.The agrowood acreage in Brandenburg has increased fifteen-fold since 2008 reaching in 2013 1819ha (Ministerium für Infrastruktur und Landwirtschaft 2013) and therefore the leading position of all federal states in Germany. Despite of the constant rise and the chances associated with the production of agrowood, potential producers have to face a wide range of challenges: uncertainties about yields, high initial investments, a fixation of land for the 20 years` lifetime of an agrowood plantation and an irregular cash flow all 3 or 5 years. A non-transparent market in addition to lacking long term experiences and machinery available, affects the decision-making process of potential producers negatively. In Brandenburg this innovative crop, growing even under harsh conditions, matches the unfavorable agricultural conditions (Murach et al. 2008). Our subjects of investigation are the two prevailing business models in the agrowood sector in Brandenburg: comprehensive cooperation agreements and independent farming. They coexist and mutually interact with synergies as well as obstructions. We combine a qualitative method with guided interviews focusing on planting decision making processes with a modeling approach using different risk levels and yield expectations to analyze transaction and opportunity costs of those two models. Thereby the characteristics and effects of the business models are compared and analyzed. Our results show that cooperation agreements have effects on the actor`s decision by motivating farmers to decide in favor of agrowood. They also contribute to an expansion of agrowood acreage accounting for almost 40% of the total area in Brandenburg in 2012 (Ehm 2013). Furthermore cooperation agreements are affirmed by interviewees to overcome economic, trade and machinery related constraints of agrowood, secure long-term incomes and increase creditworthiness of producers. In contrast, independent producers are acknowledged to have the burden of higher risks, but may benefit from governmental support programs, which not apply for contract farmers.
- Calibration of the parameters of Yield-SAFE model in silvopastoral systems under Pinus radiata D. DonPublication . Ferreiro-Dominguez, N.; Palma, J.H.N.; Rigueiro-Rodriguez, A.; Minnuno, F.; Mosquera-Losada, R.The establishment of silvopastoral systems in which trees, animals and pasture are integrated within the same area is promoted by the EU (Council Regulation 1698/2005 and 1305/2013) because these systems diversify and sustain production with increased social, economic and environmental benefits for land users at several levels. However, the environmental and economic benefits of silvopastoral systems are highly difficult to predict due to the interaction of many factors. Furthermore research through field experiments is expensive and time-consuming when tree measurements have to be taken into account. One option to determine the benefits of silvopastoral systems could be the use of Yield-SAFE model that provides one method for overcoming these drawbacks. Moreover, in Galicia (NW Spain) the environmental and economic benefits of silvopastoral systems are different from the rest of Europe mainly due to the region’s humid climate and they have not yet been adequately evaluated. The objective of this study was the calibration of the parameters of the Yield-SAFE model in silvopastoral systems established with Pinus radiata D. Don in Galicia (NW Spain). Parameter calibration of Yield-SAFE model was performed after measuring height and diameter of Pinus radiata D. Don established at two densities (833 y 2500 trees ha-1) from 1996 to 2013. Moreover, pasture production was also determined in all years of the experiment. The initial estimation of the model parameters was based on an extensive literature review and on existing data sets with tree and pasture measurements. Yield-SAFE calibration procedure was successfully performed for trees. However, Yield-SAFE model was not adequately calibrated for pasture probably due to the multi specific pasture composition with different light and humidity requirements, responding differently to multiannual harvests. However, the Yield-SAFE model adaptation to Pinus radiata D. Don trees was successful and allows us to predict tree response to different situations, but an improvement of pasture parameters, or adapt model structure for multiple arable component species is needed to improved estimations.
- Analysis of a silvopastoral system with animals of the autochtonous swine breed Porco Celta in Galicia (NW Spain)Publication . Iglesias, A.; Rigueiro-Rodriguez, A.; Mosquera-Losada, R.; Santiago-Freijanes, J.J.; Perez, C.; Rodriguez, I.M.; Carril, J.A.Pig traditional production systems in Galicia (NW Spain) are based on seasonal resources us like chestnut and pastures. The Breeders' Association of the autochthonous Celtic breed of pigs (ASOPORCEL) has developed a novel system within the traditional Galicia grazed forest areas in order to preserve landscape quality and biologic diversity, minimizing therefore the environmental impact of pig production. One of the main concerns of silvopastoral system implementation is the need of fencing. Fencing costs could be reduced if animals are rearing with infrastructures based on Pavlov animal condition reflex management in an extensive system. Therefore, cost reduction is obtained thanks to the clear reduction of personnel needs to feed animals, fencing costs and understorey clearance to reduce forest fires. In 2013 an experiment was carried out in Nebra (NW of Spain) in a young Pinus pinaster plantation. Pig stocking rate was around 3.85 pigs per ha (25 males and 25 females) in a total surface of 13 ha. Forest grazing program was initiated when animals were three months old in March 2013 and finished in December 2013. They were allowed access the whole plot. Concentrate was provided twice every day after sounding an alarm to attract pigs. All the animals adapted rapidly to the system. Two types o understory vegetation (Ulex and Pteridium) was sampled following a transect from close to far away feeding areas (three distances). Fern control was intense, being gorse less consumed. After nine months, average animal daily gain (ADG) obtained was 290 ± 4 gr. We can conclude that the used method is perfectly adaptable to the systems of exploitation suggested for the Celtic pig breed. This will be highly relevant to preserve this autochthonous breed and increase the number of extensive farms in the area while contributing to fix population dedicated to use silvopastoral systems.
- Evolution of crop yields and qualities in a short rotation coppice alley cropping system in Central GermanyPublication . Jung, L.; Barwolff, M.; Vetter, A.A modern form of agroforestry are alley cropping systems where annual field crops are grown in combination with strips of fast-growing tree species, so-called short rotation coppices (SRCs). Besides fulfilling the farmers requirements to keep the field in the state of production, SRC strips provide many of the well-known positive functions of hedges. They act as wind shelter, reducing soil erosion. By influencing microclimate, they can balance out short periods of extreme climatic conditions leading to higher and more stable biomass yields of the field crops. Furthermore, they may affect quality parameters of crops and disease pressure. SRCs increase the structural and habitat diversity in the landscape, thus promoting biodiversity. Studies on these various aspects are carried out in five agroforestry systems (AFS) within the joint project “AgroForstEnergie”, funded by the Federal Ministry of Food and Agriculture, Germany, since 2007. The sub-project of the Thuringian State Institute of Agriculture focuses on influences on crop yield and quality. Crop yield data were collected by GPS-equipped harvesters and evaluated with the software ArcGIS. Along a transect with defined distances from SRC strips, we recorded data on crop quality and fungus infection rate and conducted vegetation surveys. Results showed a reduction of wheat and barley yields in close vicinity to SRC strips and an increase towards the middle of the field. No such pattern was observed for rape seed. Increased fungus infections and effects on quality parameters were found in some years, but only in the immediate SRC strip vicinity. SRC strips had a much higher plant species richness than field strips, showing their valuable contribution to an increase in biodiversity. The weed pressure on adjacent crops strips was comparable to the one found along conventional field edges.
- Agroforestry systems design at parcel scale within Othe territory (FR): towards a spatial decision support system for catched water quality improvementPublication . Grandgirard, D.; Combaud, A.; Mercadal, L.; Liagre, A.M.; Bachevillier, Y.; Marin, A.In order to provide potable water to the Parisian users, the Régie des Eaux de Paris (EDP) has set up since 2000 an upstream water protection strategy across territories housing its groundwater catchments. Despite the financial incentives granted for the (re)conversion to organic farming or to the grass covering of very vulnerable areas, water quality at the Vanne catchment is continuously and punctually exceeding potability thresholds. Therefore, in 2012, EDP has decided to conduct an experimental project for the development of agroforestry systems onto the Vanne catchments basin in order to limit nitrate, suspended matters and pesticides' transfers to surface and groundwater. For that, a previously-developed multicriteria and GIS-based methodology (PREVALTERA) has been adapted to provide a decision support system (DSS) enable to recommend for each parcel, when needed, efficient and matching agroforestry and/or agrotechnical alternatives. The methodology is facing both (i) the nature and the level of intrinsic vulnerability of the parcels to erosion, runoff, infiltration risks and again the potential benefit for the local ecological connectivity of its land improvement, (ii) the morphological and hydrological characteristics of the parcels and its close environment. It results by allocating different agroforestry and/or agrotechnical alternatives to individual parcels or to groups of parcels when local particularities (e.g. ponor) asked for a collective management plan. Results and recommendations obtained from the DSS are used as references by the territorial engineers together with the farmers to (1) localize hot spots and conduct in situ vulnerability diagnosis at parcel/farm scales to precise risks and assess agricultural pressures, (2) envisage the technical and economic feasibility of agrotechnical and/or agroforestry alternatives in their parcels. Later, as tested in other zones, the methodology makes possible the integration of farmers' preferences about agroecological alternatives and their estimated efficiency to decide of adapted, efficient but also accepted solutions.
- Small ruminants as a fire management tool in a Mediterranean mountain regionPublication . Castro, M.; Fernandez-Nunez, E.Small ruminants as a fire management tool in a Mediterranean mountain region Castro M. and Fernández-Núñez E. Forests represent a key-resource for the Mediterranean region and have supplied wood and non-wood products for centuries. Socioeconomic transformations of last decades in rural areas convert these areas into bombs-clock able of blowing up every summer. Actually, Southern Europe has in last years experienced dramatic changes in the fire regime because of changes in land use. Further alterations toward more severe fire events are expected with the prospect of a warmer and drier future. Portugal has adopted some policy regulations to protect the forest, including national strategy for forests, national defense plan against forest fires. Despite improvements fire’s statistics, Portugal failed to achieve the goals it had set itself. Political options privilege fire suppression, even though land and forest management issues are at the core of the wildfire problem. Agroforestry systems can be used as a forest fire prevention technique, since they implement a fuel management network at different scales of landscape. Particularly, silvopastoral systems (SSP) are especially interesting as a fuel management tool and reducing fire risk. The objectives of this study were to compare the diet of goats and sheep in a SSP namely mosaic of different land uses within one management unit. Grazing itineraries were recorded by means of a GPS. Goats´ diet had a significantly higher content of shrubs and trees species than of sheep. Sheep showed a higher content of herbaceous species in their diets and a higher preference for stubble. Erica sp. and Rubus sp. in goats were the shrubs with the highest preference index. Both animals avoided Cytisus multiflorum in winter and spring, and Cistus ladanifer in summer.
- Interactions among plant layers in shrub-encroached Iberian dehesas and consequences for their persistancePublication . Moreno, G.; Lopez-Diaz, M.L.; Rolo, V.We analyze the effect of shrub understory on the functioning and persistence of Iberian dehesas (grazed open woodlands). We study the effect of two contrasting, in terms of morphological traits and reproductive strategy, shrub species: Retama sphaerocarpa (a deep rooted shrub) and Citus ladanifer (a shallow rooted shrub), in order to account for specie-specific effects, on neighboring vegetation (tree and pasture). Pasture and tree rooting profile, soil resources availability (water and nutrients), tree and pasture production, tree physiological status and tree regeneration were assessed with and without the presence of shrubs. The results showed that the presence of shrubs deeply modify tree and pasture root systems. Trees growing either with Cistus or Retama exhibited a significantly deeper rooting profile than growing without competition, whereas herbaceous species showed the opposite trend, shifting most of their roots upwards to shallower soil horizons. Cistus appeared to be a great competitor for soil resources, what led to significantly lower tree leaf water potential, leaf gas exchange parameters, acorn production and growth. Cistus encroachment also reduced pasture yield by 68 to 98 %. Retama ameliorated top soil fertility and showed positive effect on soil moisture. Retama increased significantly pasture yield by 11 to 157 % and tree growth by 6 to 13 %, but had a neutral to negative effect on acorn yield. Both shrubs showed a similar positive effect on tree seedling emergence in spring and survivorship after summer. However, as seedling aged, this positive association strengthened with Retama and weakened over time with Cistus. To sum up, shrubs have the potential to modify the functioning and persistence of Mediterranean open oak woodlands. Thus, future management practices must bear in mind this specificity of effects and try to optimize the positive effect of shrubs without jeopardizing the productivity or functioning of the system.