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Intense soil preparation and disturbance in crops, over time, reduces the quantity and quality of soil organic matter. Given this context, this work aimed to determine soil carbon stocks and labile fractions under agroforestry system (AFS) and toposequences in an altitude marsh, Taquaritinga do Norte, Pernambuco, Brazil. The study was carried out at the Yaguara farm, and the areas studied were native forest with 4.57 ha and coffee plantation in shade with native forest with 25.59 ha. Soil samples were collected in four trenches measuring 1.5 x 1.5 x 0.60 m, with a distance of 50 meters. Soils were collected at depths of 0-20, 20-40 and 40-60 cm, followed by chemical, physical and density analyzes to determine soil carbon stocks and labile fractions. The area with shaded coffee showed higher values of soil carbon stocks at depths of 0-20 cm and 20-40 cm. At a depth of 40-60 cm, the AFS top toposequence showed the highest carbon stock with 11.73 Mg ha-1, followed by the area with native vegetation with 10.6 Mg ha-1, slope with 9.23 Mg ha-1 and pediment with 7.00 Mg ha-1. It was found that the top toposequence with shaded coffee exhibited a greater stock of labile carbon at depth 0-20 cm with a value of 1.06 Mg ha-1, followed by the bedding areas (SAF) with 0.88 Mg ha-1, native forest with 0.79 Mg ha-1 and slope with 0.67 g kg-1. However, the area of native vegetation showed the highest value of labile carbon at a depth of 40-60 cm. It was concluded that the area with shaded coffee in the top toposequence showed great capacity to increase total carbon stocks and labile carbon stocks of soil organic matter. Resumo O intenso preparo e revolvimento do solo em cultivos, com o tempo, reduz a quantidade e a qualidade da matéria orgânica do solo. Diante desse contexto, este trabalho teve como objetivo determinar os estoques de carbono do solo e frações lábeis sob sistema agroflorestal (SAF) e topossequências em brejo de altitude, em Taquaritinga do Norte, Pernambuco, Brasil. O estudo foi desenvolvido na fazenda Yaguara, e as áreas estudadas foram mata nativa com 4,57 ha e plantio de café sombreado com mata nativa com 25,59 ha. As amostras de solos foram coletadas em quatro trincheiras 1,5 x 1,5 x 0,60 m, com distância de 50 metros. Foram coletados solos nas profundidades de 0-20, 20-40 e 40-60 cm, seguido de análises químicas, físicas e densidade para determinação dos estoques de carbono no solo e frações lábeis. A área com café sombreado apresentou maiores valores de estoques de carbono no solo nas profundidades de 0-20 cm e 20-40 cm. Na profundidade de 40-60 cm, a topossequência de topo do SAF apresentou maior estoque de carbono com 11,73 Mg ha-1, seguido da área com vegetação nativa com 10,6 Mg ha-1 , encosta com 9,23 Mg ha-1 e pedimento com 7,00 Mg ha-1. Verificou-se que a topossequência de topo com café sombreado exibiu maior estoque de carbono lábil na profundidade 0-20 cm com o valor de 1,06 Mg ha-1, sucedido das áreas de pedimento (SAF) com 0,88 Mg ha-1, mata nativa com 0,79 Mg ha-1e encosta com 0,67 Mg ha-1. No entanto, a área de vegetação nativa apresentou o maior valor de carbono lábil na profundidade de 40-60 cm. Concluiu-se que a área com café sombreado na topossequência topo mostrou grande capacidade para elevar os estoques de carbono total e estoques de carbono lábil da matéria orgânica do solo.

Agroforestry systems (AFS) offer viable solutions for climate change because of the aboveground biomass (AGB) that is maintained by the tree component. Therefore, spatially explicit estimation of their AGB is crucial for reporting emission reduction efforts, which can be enabled using remote sensing (RS) data and methods. However, multiple factors including the spatial distributions within the AFS, their structure, their composition, and their variable extents hinder an accurate RS-assisted estimation of the AGB across AFS. The aim of this study is to (i) evaluate the potential of spaceborne optical, SAR and LiDAR data for AGB estimations in AFS and (ii) estimate the AGB of different AFS in various climatic regions. The study was carried out in three climatic regions covering Côte d’Ivoire and Burkina Faso. Two AGB reference data sources were assessed: (i) AGB estimations derived from field measurements using allometric equations and (ii) AGB predictions from the GEDI level 4A (L4A) product. Vegetation indices and texture parameters were generated from optical (Sentinel-2) and SAR data (Sentinel-1 and ALOS-2) respectively and were used as predictors. Machine learning regression models were trained and evaluated by means of the coefficient of determination (R2) and the RMSE. It was found that the prediction error was reduced by 31.2% after the stratification based on the climatic conditions. For the AGB prediction, the combination of random forest algorithm and Sentinel-1 and -2 data returned the best score. The GEDI L4A product was applicable only in the Guineo-Congolian region, but the prediction error was approx. nine times higher than the ground truth. Moreover, the AGB level varied across AFS including cocoa (7.51 ± 0.6 Mg ha−1) and rubber (7.33 ± 0.33 Mg ha−1) in the Guineo-Congolian region, cashew (13.78 ± 0.98 Mg ha−1) and mango (12.82 ± 0.65 Mg ha−1) in the Guinean region. The AFS farms in the Sudanian region showed the highest AGB level (6.59 to 82.11 Mg ha−1). AGB in an AFS was mainly determined by the diameter (R2 = 0.45), the height (R2 = 0.13) and the tree density (R2 = 0.10). Nevertheless, RS-based estimation of AGB remain challenging because of the spectral similarities between AFS. Therefore, spatial assessment of the prediction uncertainties should complement AGB maps in AFS.

In the Amazon region, agroforestry systems (AFSs) are recommended as a sustainable production alternative for local communities. A common component in Amazonian AFSs are tropical fruit trees, which can form the canopy or grow in the understory. In this study, we evaluated the effect of high radiation on photosynthesis, growth and seedling survival of four Amazonian fruit-tree species: Theobroma cacao, Eugenia stipitata, Inga edulis and Psidium guajava. Growth, chlorophyll fluorescence, gas exchange, and leaf pigments were measured in seedlings of each species grown for 12 months inside shade houses with low (8%), medium (30%) and high relative illumination (100%). Eugenia stipitata and T. cacao had the lowest acclimation capacity to high solar radiation, followed by I. edulis. Therefore, these species must be grown under intermediate light levels in early growth stages, to protect them from direct sunlight. In contrast, P. guajava seedlings demonstrated high tolerance to elevated radiation, therefore, this species can be planted under full sunlight. RESUMEN En la región amazónica, los sistemas agroforestales (SAFs) se recomiendan como una alternativa de producción sustentable para las comunidades locales. Un componente común en los SAFs amazónicos son los árboles frutales tropicales, que pueden formar parte del dosel o crecer en el sotobosque. En este trabajo, estudiamos el efecto de la radiación alta sobre la fotosíntesis, el crecimiento y la supervivencia de cuatro especies de árboles frutales amazónicos: Theobroma cacao, Eugenia stipitata, Inga edulis y Psidium guajava. Se midieron el crecimiento, fluorescencia de clorofila, intercambio de gases y pigmentos foliares en plántulas de cada especie que crecieron durante 12 meses dentro de casa-mallas en baja (8%), media (30%) y alta iluminación relativa (100%). Eugenia stipitata y T. cacao tuvieron la menor capacidad de aclimatación a la radiación solar alta, seguidas por I. edulis. En consecuencia, esas especies deben sembrarse bajo niveles de luz intermedia, para protegerlas del sol directo en las etapas iniciales de crecimiento. En contraste, las plántulas de P. guajava mostraron alta tolerancia a la elevada radiación solar, por lo que esta especie puede ser plantada bajo libre exposición solar.

Funding Information: This work was funded by and carried out in the context of the European Union’s Horizon 2020 (H2020) research and innovation program by the BREEDCAFS (Breeding Coffee for Agroforestry Systems, www.breedcafs.eu ) project (2017–2021) under the grant agreement No. 727934. Portuguese national funding from the Fundação para a Ciência e a Tecnologia (FCT), through the research units UIDB/00239/2020 (CEF) and UIDP/04035/2020 (GeoBioTec) are also acknowledged. Thuan Sarzynski benefits from a thesis scholarship jointly financed by the CIRAD and ECOM trading. Publisher Copyright: © 2022, The Author(s). The coffee research community has maintained a long ongoing debate regarding the implications of shade trees in coffee production. Historically, there has been contrasting results and opinions on this matter, thus recommendations for the use of shade (namely in coffee agroforestry systems) are often deemed controversial, particularly due to potential yield declines and farmers’ income. This study is one of the first demonstrating how several Coffea arabica cultivars respond differently to shade with respect to yield. By standardising more than 200 coffee yield data from various in-field trials, we assembled the so-called “Ristretto” data pool, a one of a kind, open-source dataset, consolidating decades of coffee yield data under shaded systems. With this standardised dataset, our meta-analysis demonstrated significant genotypic heterogeneity in response to shade, showing neutral, inverted U-shaped and decreasing trends between yield and shade cover amongst 18 different cultivars. These findings encourage the examination of C. arabica at the cultivar level when assessing suitability for agroforestry systems. Comparison of productivity is also encouraged across a range of low to moderate shade levels (10–40%), in order to help elucidate potential unknown optimal shade levels for coffee production. publishersversion published

In conventional coffee farming, soil fauna can be negatively affected by the intensive management practices adopted and the use of an agroforestry system (AFS) is an alternative to reduce these impacts. In coffee AFS, soil nutrition is provided mainly using organic fertilizers. This soil management favors the microbiota and can alter the population dynamics of some organisms. Our objective was to evaluate the effect of organic fertilizers on the nematode community in coffee AFS and to determine their impact on soil ecology. Soil samples were collected from three coffee AFS and a nearby Atlantic rainforest fragment. Nematodes were extracted from the samples and identified to the genus. The identified populations were compared using several community and diversity indices to determine the environmental conditions of the systems under evaluation. No differences in total abundance among nematode communities were found in the four areas evaluated. Regarding trophic groups, the coffee AFS treated with either cow manure or poultry litter favored the trophic group of bacterivores. Plant-parasitic nematodes were more abundant in soils of both the naturally fertilized coffee AFS and the Atlantic rainforest fragment. The maturity and structural indexes indicated that the Atlantic rainforest fragment and the naturally fertilized coffee AFS had similar ecological functions. On the other hand, soils fertilized with cow manure were less diverse, had higher dominance in the community, and showed less ecological stability. The nematode communities found in the AFS were similar to those seen in the forest fragment indicating that is possible to produce coffee sustainably without negatively affecting soil quality.

En Colombia el aprovechamiento insostenible de la biodiversidad se debe al desconocimiento que existe sobre su potencial estratégico. El estudio etnobotánico que se presenta, desarrollado en la cuenca alta de la Quebrada Honda, tuvo como objetivo caracterizar el manejo de la flora local por parte de la comunidad y proponer alternativas de producción más sostenibles mediante sistemas agroforestales. Para ello, se realizaron entrevistas semiestructuradas y caminatas etnobotánicas, estas últimas con conocedores locales. Se encontraron 98 especies útiles, correspondientes a 47 familias y 86 géneros. La familia Asteraceae presentó el mayor número de especies con 14. Los géneros con mayor diversidad fueron Passiflora y Rubus. Del total de las especies identificadas, 51 tienen un uso agropecuario, 29 un uso medicinal y 28 utilizadas en servicios ambientales. Los resultados permitieron un acercamiento al conocimiento etnobotánico en zonas de amortiguación del páramo de Sumapaz, así como reconocer el conocimiento rural asociado a la biodiversidad y el agroecosistema local. Se reafirma la necesidad de incrementar el conocimiento de la comunidad sobre el potencial estratégico de las especies locales mediante la implementación de sistemas agroforestales que combinen las especies nativas con cultivos y producción pecuaria, en los que se equilibren la conservación y la producción., The unsustainable use of Colombia´ s´biodiversity is due to the lack of knowledge about it strategic potential. An ethnobotanical study in the high basin of Quebrada Honda river was developed, in order to characterize the uses of the flora species in the area by the community and to propose a more sustainable production alternatives through agroforestry systems. To collect the information, semi-structured interviews were conducted and ethnobotanical walks were made with local experts. Ninety eight useful species corresponding to 47 families and 86 genders were reported. The Asteraceae family presented the highest number of species with 14. Passiflora and Rubus were the highest population regarding genders. From all species studies, 51 had agricultural use, 29 medicinal use and 28 environmental services. The results obtained allowed to have an approach to the ethnobotanical knowledge in the buffer zone of the Sumapaz paramo and to recognize the rural knowledge associated to the local agroecosystem biodiversity. We empowered on the community knowledge increase regarding the strategic potential of local species trough the implementation of agroforestry systems that combine native species with a balance between conservation and production., Na Colômbia, o uso insustentável da biodiversidade se deve à falta de conhecimento que existe sobre seu potencial estratégico. O estudo etnobotânico apresentado, desenvolvido na bacia alta da Quebrada Honda, objetivou caracterizar o manejo da flora local pela comunidade e propor alternativas de produção mais sustentáveis por meio de sistemas agroflorestais. Para isso, foram realizadas entrevistas semiestruturadas e passeios etnobotânicos, estes últimos com especialistas locais. Foram encontradas 98 espécies úteis, correspondendo a 47 famílias e 86 gêneros. A família Asteraceae apresentou o maior número de espécies com 14. Os gêneros com maior diversidade foram Passiflora e Rubus. Do total das espécies identificadas, 51 têm uso agrícola, 29 uso medicinal e 28 são utilizadas em serviços ambientais. Os resultados permitiram uma aproximação ao conhecimento etnobotânico em zonas de amortecimento do páramo de Sumapaz, bem como reconhecer o conhecimento rural associado à biodiversidade e ao agroecossistema local. A necessidade de aumentar o conhecimento da comunidade sobre o potencial estratégico das espécies locais é reafirmada por meio da implantação de sistemas agroflorestais que combinem as espécies nativas com a lavoura e a pecuária, nos quais se equilibra conservação e produção.

Con base en la composición florística y en aspectos de la estructura (área basal y número de individuos), se caracterizó la vegetación en sistemas agroforestales (SAF) ubicados en 47 plantaciones con cacao (Theobroma cacao) en el departamento del Huila, Colombia. La vegetación en dichos sistemas estaba dominada por las especies Pseudosamanea guachapele, Musa paradisiaca, Erythrina poeppigiana, Gmelina arborea, Psidium guajava, Manguifera indica y Cordia alliodora. Las especies aracterísticas-dominantes a nivel regional fueron Gliricidia sepium, Cordia alliodora, Amyris pinnata y Persea americana. Los sistemas agroforestales con mayor riqueza fueron el de Pseudosamanea guachapele, con 36 especies y el de Musa paradisiaca, con 25. La altura de los individuos oscilaba entre 3 y 21 m, y el mayor valor se presentó en el sistema de P. guachapele; el área basal fue 64,30 m2, los mayores valores se registraron en los sistemas agroforestales de P. guachapele, con 16.41 m2 y en el de E. poeppigiana, con 18,03 m2. La participación de T. cacao a nivel regional en el área basal es de 56,63 m2 y el número total de individuos es de 4.808. En los sitios con exposición libre (cultivo limpio en 11.000 m2) la altura promedio de los individuos de cacao era de 3,5 m, el área basal, de 15,31 m2, con 1.101 individuos. Esta cantidad es casi igual a la que se encontraría en un área de igual extensión en el sistema agroforestal bajo sombra de P. guachapele (1.386 individuos) y cinco veces mayor que aquel con presencia de todas las especies asociadas pero sin T. cacao (217 individuos). Aparte de la cosecha de cacao, estos sistemas ofrecen madera, frutos y leña, y proveen servicios ecosistémicos relacionados con la protección del suelo y la conservación de la biodiversidad. We characterized the vegetation types in agroforestry systems located in 47 cocoa plantations (Theobroma cacao) in the department of Huila, Colombia, based on the floristic composition and some aspects of the structure (basal area and number of individuals). The vegetation types of these systems were dominated by the species Pseudosamanea guachapele, Musa paradisiaca, Erythrina poeppigiana, Gmelina arborea, Psidium guajava, Manguifera indica, and Cordia alliodora while the characteristic dominant species at the regional level were Gliricidia sepium, Cordiaalliodora, Amyris pinnata, and Persea americana. The systems with the greatest richness were those of P. guachapele with 36 species and M. paradisiaca with 25. The height of the individuals ranged between 3 and 21 m with the highest value in the P. guachapele system; the basal area was 64.30 m2, the highest values were registered in the P. guachapele system with 16.41 m2 and in the E. poeppigiana system with 18.03 m2. The participation of T. cacao at the regional level in the basal area was 56.63 m2 with a total number of individuals of 4,808. In sites with free exposure (clean cultivation at 11,000 m2), the average height of cocoa individuals was 3.5 m and the basal area was15.31 m2 with 1,101 individuals. This amount almost equals what would be found in an area under the shade of equal size in the P. guachapele system (1,386 individuals) and five times greater than in the system with all the associated species but without T. cacao (217 individuals). Besides the cocoa harvest, these agroforestry systems offer wood, fruits, and firewood, and they provide ecosystem services related to soil protection and biodiversity conservation.

International audience; Aims: Intercropping in plantations can improve ecosystem services, but its potential effects on trees' water use and production are concerns due to increases in water scarcity related to climate change. The aim of this study was to address these concerns by exploring water uptake responses of jujube (Ziziphus jujuba Mill.) trees to intercropping and extremely dry periods on the semi-arid Loess Plateau of China.Methods: Natural stable isotopes (H-2 and O-18) were analysed to characterize water use patterns of jujube trees and intercrops in the main tree and crop root overlap layer (ROL, 0-120 cm). 10% stable deuterated water was injected at three targeted depths (2, 3 and 4 m) to characterize the water uptake of jujube trees below the main root overlap layers (BOL).Results: In ROL, intercropped jujube trees obtained higher proportions of water in shallower and deeper layers than monocultured jujube trees during wet and dry periods, respectively. Proportional contributions of soil layers to the trees' water uptake were positively correlated with the layers' water amount ratios (relative to the entire profile) in intercropped orchards but not in monoculture. In some extremely dry periods, intercropping resulted in jujube trees absorbing deeper water (up to 3 m) in BOL.Conclusions: At the early stage of land-use change from plantation to agroforestry, intercrops induce jujube trees to absorb higher proportions of water from soil layers with high proportions of total water contents in ROL. The soil water in BOL is an important buffer for maintaining water supplies for tree growth in agroforestry systems in case of extreme drought.

Italy is the second largest extra-virgin olive oil (EVOO) producer within the European Union. Despite its importance in preserving rural landscape and in supporting household economy, the EVOO sector faces several constraints due to high management costs, small farm size, lack of cooperation and investment, production vulnerability, and farmers’ ageing. Such a number of weak points suggests the need to identify and adopt innovative approaches, at both the farm and oil mill levels. In order to address these priorities, a fuzzy cognitive mapping (FCM) survey was carried out in Umbria region, central Italy, involving key local stakeholders of the EVOO value chain in the Orvieto district. Based on stakeholders’ perception and knowledge, this paper aims to identify and evaluate the most relevant components of the local olive oil value chain, and predict scenarios responding to hypothetical changes of the same components. These stakeholders were firstly invited to each build an individual fuzzy cognitive map and then, grouped all together, build a joint fuzzy cognitive map. Finally, the maps represented both the individual and the grouped stakeholders’ perceptions. The maps were translated into adjacency matrices in order to create an FCM model by applying the software “Mental Modeler”. In total, 24 participants, including practitioners, multipliers, researchers, suppliers and members of local administration, participated in the survey. The component analysis and the scenario analysis highlighted several priority issues: to preserve the ecosystem functioning, to implement cooperation, innovation and education, to adapt and mitigate climate change. The main novelty of this study is that all stakeholders’ categories in the EVOO sector recognize several challenges to sustain the EVOO value chain, in particular, climate change adaptation and mitigation.

The objective of this work was to compare the height-diameter relationship, described by nonlinear biological models, in Eucalyptus benthamii in monoculture forestry and in three different integrated crop-livestock systems (ICLS): crop-forestry, livestock-forestry, and crop-livestock-forestry. The trees were evaluated during seven years after planting. Five nonlinear biological models were fitted to evaluate the height-diameter relationship, and Gompertz’s model was selected to describe the data, although all models described satisfactorily the height-diameter relationship of the trees in the ICLS. The analysis of the data showed that there is no similarity between monoculture forestry and the ICLS as to the height-diameter relationship. In addition, the height-diameter relationship in E. benthamii changes between the different ICLS. Particularly, two systems with cattle provide the same values of maximum growth rate, asymptote, and inflection point of diameter at breast height. Furthermore, with the integration of cattle into the tree component, the produced trees show lower asymptotic heights, with larger diameters when the average tree heights of the ICLS are equal.

An adequate amount of soil organic matter is considered essential for long-term sustainable agriculture, ensuring good productivity. Therefore, the present study quantified carbon and nitrogen stocks and microbiological activity in soil of three different areas: Forest-pasture System, Pasture System and preserved Caatinga - used as a reference of the experiment - located in a semi-arid region, in Watershed of Pajeú River, state of Pernambuco, Brazil. Eight trenches were opened in each system to collect soil samples at depths of 0 - 10, 20 - 30 and 50 - 60 cm, for chemical and microbiological analysis. In general, attributes of soil showed better results of land use in the following order: preserved Caatinga - Forest-pasture System - Pasture System.

Agroforestry, the use of trees at the interface between agricultural and forestry systems, is a key component of the multifunctional European landscape, where it provides a whole range of ecosystem services. Its main potential lies in the provision of services including increasing economic yield in agriculture and providing anti-erosion measures. The main objective of this research is to assess the perception of the providing ecosystem services of woody plants growing in agroforestry by farmers as key land users in the Czech Republic. Different aspects influencing farmers’ subjective perceptions were identified, especially depending on conventional versus organic farming methods. Respondents’ views were mapped using a structured questionnaire, which allowed for independently assessing the importance of windbreaks. Respondents considered regulatory ecosystem services the most important ones, in particular reducing soil erosion and flood risk, or increasing the resilience of the landscape to drought. Respondents perceived the physical obstruction of trees during mechanical tillage and the tenancy relationship with the land as the most significant problem with the introduction of agroforestry systems. The aim of this study is to promote innovative approaches in the national agricultural strategy in agroforestry as one of the tools for climate change adaptation towards sustainable agricultural production.

Resumo O objetivo foi avaliar a influência de variáveis ambientais sobre a fauna de formigas em um fragmento de floresta nativa e em áreas cultivadas. Os dados foram coletados no município de Seropédica - RJ, nas estações chuvosa e seca, em um cultivo de bananas (Musa pariadisiaca L.), uma agrofloresta, um cafezal (Coffea conephora Pierre) sombreado com Gliricidia sepium (Jacq.) e um fragmento de floresta (8 ha) em estágio intermediário de sucessão secundária. Para a amostragem, foram utilizadas armadilhas de queda tipo pitfall e extratores de Winkler. Foram coletadas 53 espécies de formigas, ocorrendo maior riqueza de espécies na agrofloresta (38 espécies), seguida do cafezal (31 espécies), floresta secundária (29 espécies) e plantação de bananeiras (28 espécies). Na estação seca houve o efeito do tipo de uso do solo e da profundidade de serapilheira sobre a riqueza e diversidade de espécies de formigas. Nas duas estações, a composição de espécies de formigas variou significativamente entre todas as áreas estudadas. Os sistemas agroflorestais funcionam como alternativa às monoculturas pela diversidade de espécies cultivadas e estratos vegetais que apresentam. Neste sentido, o aumento da heterogeneidade estrutural do ambiente e da profundidade de serapilheira, em áreas cultivadas na estação seca, proporciona maior riqueza e diversidade de espécies de formigas, além de mudanças na composição de espécies. Abstract The objective was to evaluate the influence of environmental variables on the ant fauna, in cultivated areas and in a native forest fragment. The data were collected in the municipality of Seropédica, Rio de Janeiro state, in the rainy and dry seasons, in a banana plantation (Musa pariadisiaca L.), an agroforest, a coffee plantation (Coffea conephora Pierre) shaded with Gliricidia sepium (Jacq.) and a forest fragment (8 ha) in the intermediate stage of secondary succession. For the sampling, soil pitfall traps and the Winkler extractor were used. A total of 53 species were collected in the present study. The highest species richness was observed in the agroforestry (38 species), followed by shaded coffee (31 species), secondary forest (29 species) and banana plantation (28 species). In the dry season there was effect of land use type and leaf litter depth on the richness and diversity of ant species. In both seasons, ant species composition varied significantly among all the studied areas. The agroforestry systems are important alternatives to monocultures due to their diversity of cultivated species and plant strata. Thus, the increase of the structural heterogeneity of the environment and the leaf litter depth, in cultivated areas in the dry season, may lead to greater species richness and diversity as well as changes in the species composition.

Global changes push to set up strategies able to mitigate and adapt agricultural and forest crops to environmental variability, and the sustainable intensification of production processes under agricultural and forestry systems is one of the approaches mainly supported. In Italy biomass and biogas are the renewable energy sources that have shown the greatest potential for growth in recent years. In this context, during the XV National Congress held in Bolzano in February 2018, the Italian Association of Agricultural Scientific Societies has promoted an analysis about potentialities and limits of the sustainable intensification of agricultural and forestry systems for bioenergy production. This document reports the outcome, in the form of a commented discussion, on the main evidences and proposals from technical-scientific and operational points of view.

Intercropped systems with Conilon coffee might provide a better environment for coffee production. The aim of this study was to assess the microclimate and development of Conilon coffee intercropped with papaya trees. Papaya was planted with spacing of 3.20 x 2.40 m. The coffee trees were planted after eight months, with spacing of 3.20 x 1.60 m, in-between papaya trees (in the same row). The measurements were taken 0, 40 and 80 cm away from the coffee plants, both in the north and south direction. Concomitantly, an adjoining full sunlight coffee system (not intercropped) was also assessed. The measurements included atmospheric parameters (temperature, irradiance, and relative humidity) and vegetative parameters for the coffee plants (leaf area, relative chlorophyll index, length of plagiotropic branches, length of orthotopic branches and number of nodes) in three periods of the year. The intercropped system of Conilon coffee and papaya trees led to a decrease in both irradiance and temperature, and higher means of relative humidity during daytime in all the periods assessed, which contributes to a better environment for coffee cultivation. The shadow provided by papaya trees in the coffee plants contributed to a higher leaf area but did not affect neither the growth of both plagiotropic and orthotopic branches, nor the number of nodes and the etiolation. The intercropped system of Conilon coffee and papaya trees may be potentially used as a farming system to mitigate climate change.

During domestication, the selection of cultivated plants often reduces microbiota diversity compared with their wild ancestors. Microbiota in compartments such as the phyllosphere or rhizosphere can promote fruit tree health, growth, and development. Cordia dodecandra is a deciduous tree used by Maya people for its fruit and wood, growing, to date, in remnant forest fragments and homegardens (traditional agroforestry systems) in Yucatán. In this work, we evaluated the microbiota’s alpha and beta diversity per compartment (phyllosphere and rhizosphere) and per population (forest and homegarden) in the Northeast and Southwest Yucatán regions. Eight composite DNA samples (per compartment/population/region combination) were amplified for 16S-RNA (bacteria) and ITS1-2 (fungi) and sequenced by Illumina MiSeq. Bioinformatic analyses were performed with QIIME and phyloseq. For bacteria and fungi, from 107,947 and 128,786 assembled sequences, 618 and 1092 operating taxonomic units (OTUs) were assigned, respectively. The alpha diversity of bacteria and fungi was highly variable among samples and was similar among compartments and populations. A significant species turnover among populations and regions was observed in the rhizosphere. The core microbiota from the phyllosphere was similar among populations and regions. Forests and homegarden populations are reservoirs of the C. dodecandra phyllosphere core microbiome and significant rhizosphere biodiversity.

El suelo es un reservorio importante de carbono, ya que puede almacenar el doble de lo contenido por la atmósfera y el triple de la biomasa. Esto lo constituye en un componente clave para proyectos de mitigación del cambio climático (CC). Es importante conocer el potencial de almacenamiento de carbono orgánico del suelo (COS) en los principales usos del suelo y su dinámica esperada, por potenciales cambios de uso. Se estima el COS en los siete de los sistemas de uso del suelo dominantes en el área de estudio, con cinco réplicas, así: 1) plátano con sombrío (SAF+plátano); 2) cacao con sombrío (Ca+S); 3) cítricos (C); 4) sistema silvopastoril bajo (SSPB); 5) sistema silvopastoril alto (SSPA); 6) bosques de galería (BG) y 7) mata de monte (MM). La concentración de COS fue analizada en muestras compuestas de 25 submuestras de suelo por parcela y la DA, se estimó con el método del cilindro en una muestra por parcela. Todos los usos del suelo estudiados pueden mitigar el CC al almacenar COS. El BG fue el sistema que presentó el mayor almacenamiento de carbono; por el contrario, el SAF+plátano almacenó el menor COS (72,7 vs 33,4Mg/ha, respectivamente). Cambios de uso del suelo pueden causar emisión de CO2 o adicionalidad en la fijación de carbono. Cambios de uso del suelo que incrementen el COS permiten la mitigación del CC, pudiendo ser susceptibles de financiamiento, lo que permite mejorar los medios de vida de los productores locales. Soil is an important carbon reservoir as it can store twice the amount that atmosphere does and three times the biomass, which makes it a key component for climate change (CC) mitigation projects. It is important to know the potential of soil organic carbon storage (SOC) in the main uses of the soli and their expected dynamics due to potential use changes. SOCS is estimated in 7 of the dominant land use systems in the area of the study, with 5 replicas as follows: 1) banana with shade (SAF+banana); 2) cocoa with shade (Ca+S); 3) citrus (C); 4) low silvopastoral system (SSPB); 5) high silvopastoral system (SSPA); 6) gallery forests (BG); and 7) bush forest (MM). SOC concentration was analyzed in samples composed of 25 soil sub-samples per plot, and the DA was estimated with the cylinder method in a simple per plot. All land uses studied can mitigate CC when storing SOC. BG was the system that showed the highest carbon storage. On the other hand, SAF+banana stored the least SOC (72,7 vs 33,4Mg/ha, respectively). Changes in land use can cause CO2 emissions or an addition in carbon fixation. Changes in land use that increase SOC allow CC mitigation, which makes them feasible for funding, thus allowing an improvement in the livelihood of local producers Incluye referencias bibliográficas

Terraced landscapes are characterized by many features but are also threatened by abandonment, with the loss of the historical landscape and increased hydrogeological risk. In this research, we developed an innovative integrated approach using expert-based assessment and evaluation of winegrowers’ perceptions to investigate the coevolution between terraced landscapes and rural communities. The aims were as follows: (i) to identify the historical landscape elements, (ii) to identify the landscape dynamics, and (iii) to analyze winegrowers’ perceptions about the historical landscape elements and future development prospects. The methodology was applied to a terraced vineyard landscape (545 ha) located in Piedmont (Italy). The expert-based assessment included historical analyses and field surveys. To evaluate winegrowers’ perceptions, an online questionnaire was used to understand their perceptions about the landscape’s historical elements and dynamics. The results suggest that unique historical landscape elements and traditional practices (vine pergolas supported by stone columns) are conserved in the area, but also highlight some dynamics, including new vine-breeding techniques (espaliers) and new land uses (olive groves, meadows, and woodland). Winegrowers (n = 49) recognized as identity elements the same identified as historical by experts. Regarding future prospects, almost all winegrowers preferred the conservation of vineyards and pergolas. The research methodology was able to show the mutual link between terraced landscapes and rural communities in coevolutionary terms and could be replicated in similar contexts. According to the winegrowers’ awareness, future planning strategies will have to support dynamic conservation of the landscape.

Productivity of coffee plantations is threatened by both climate change and decreasing revenues of coffee growers. Using shade trees might protect against temperature variability, erosion and excessive radiation but there may be trade-offs in productivity and quality. While impacts of shade trees on arabica (Coffea arabica) have been reviewed, a global synthesis on robusta (Coffea canephora) coffee is lacking. We assessed how shade affects robusta growth and productivity, and what are the interactions and trade-offs. We conducted a systematic literature search in Web of Science and CAB Abstracts on 16 December 2019. Thirty papers fulfilled our inclusion criteria of being experimental studies on the impact of overstory trees with approximately half being from Brazil or India. Shade improved robusta tree growth and yield with some contrasting effects on physicochemical and biochemical properties. Shade (> 30%) was associated with reduced beverage quality. Significant interactions between shade and location, rainfall level and robusta clone were found. Among the clones tested, 06V, C153, LB1, GG229 and JM2 showed a higher productivity and growth (from + 17 to + 280%) under moderate shade (41–65%). This is the first meta-analysis of the effects of shade on robusta coffee. By synthesizing data from different studies, we highlight for the first time that the effect of shade on robusta coffee depends on tree age. Shade had positive impacts on older robusta trees (mean of 16 years), while the impact of shade on younger trees was either insignificant or negative. We highlight the importance of both clone type and tree ages. Research gaps included a lack of knowledge on the effects of shade with respect to coffee and shade tree age as well as interactive effects. More in-depth studies are needed to understand the mechanisms of how shade trees affect robusta coffee.

Tithonia diversifolia is arobust shrub that has high ecological plasticity and adaptability, high capacity of nutrient absorption and high nutrient contents. These characteristics make Tithonia diversifolia be considered as a multi-purpose plant, such as for animal feed, soil decontamination and soil restorer. Likewise, it is a plant with high ecological plasticity and adaptability. The study of the nutrient absorption and the fertilization represent an important advance in the development of productive systems focused on maximizing forage productivity, which guarantees the soil sustainability. Based on this, a split plot design was conducted to study the effects of different levels of fertilization. The results showed an impact of the elements and levels of fertilization on the nutrient absorption capacity, finding that the elements that were incorporated in the fertilization increase the foliar contents and the nutrient absorption in the plant.

Parkia biglobosa (Jacq.) G. Don, Pterocarpus erinaceus Poir, Milicia excelsa (Welw.) C. C. Berg, Prosopis africana (Guill., Perrot. and Rich.) Taub., Afzelia africana Sm. and Khaya senegalensis (Desv.) A. Juss. are the most highly valued indigenous tree species in the agroforestry systems of the Ouémé catchment area. However, information on the population structure of these species is lacking, thus limiting the development of their sustainable conservation, utilization and restoration strategies. This study addressed this gap. It assessed the population structures and regeneration status of the six species from Don, Tan-Houègbo, Atchabita, Bétékoukou, Glazoué, Tchaorou, Zagnanado, Tévèdji, Sinaou and Bétérou along the catchment. Data were collected from 78 permanent rectangular plots (50 × 30 m) randomly installed within 10 provenances. Dendrometric data including diameter at breast height (dbh) of adult trees (dbh ≥ 10 cm), collar diameter, total height of seedlings and saplings, number of individuals per species according to adult, sapling and seedling were recorded. The population structure was described using ecological and dendrometric parameters (relative frequency, importance value index (IVI), mean densities, basal area, mean height), and diameter size-class distributions. Seedling:sapling and sapling:adult ratios were also computed and analyzed for determining regeneration patterns. Based on IVI, Parkia biglobosa (95.85%) and Khaya senegalensis (65.92%) were the most represented species in the catchment area. The analysis of variances showed that dendrometric parameters of the six species varied significantly between provenances. Seedling:sapling and sapling:adult ratios were

Shade is a natural condition for coffee plants; however, unshaded plantations currently predominate in Asia. The benefits of shading increase as the environment becomes less favorable for coffee cultivation, e.g., because of climate change. It is necessary to determine the effects of shade on the yield of Coffea canephora and on the soil water availability. Therefore, three coffee plantations (of 3, 6, and 9 ha) in the province of Mondulkiri, Cambodia, were selected to evaluate the effect of shade on Coffea canephora yields, coffee bush trunk changes, and soil moisture. Our study shows that shade-grown coffee delivers the same yields as coffee that is grown without shading in terms of coffee bean weight or size (comparing average values and bean variability), the total weight of coffee fruits per coffee shrub and the total weight of 100 fruits (fresh and dry). Additionally, fruit ripeness was not influenced by shade in terms of variability nor in terms of a possible delay in ripening. There was no difference in the coffee stem diameter changes between shaded and sunny sites, although the soil moisture was shown to be higher throughout the shaded sites.

El deterioro de los recursos naturales y el calentamiento global generado por la mayor concentración en la atmósfera de gases de efecto invernadero (GEI) han puesto en riesgo la vida como se la conoce hoy en el planeta. La producción pecuaria y en mayor medida la producción bovina, contribuyen a la estabilidad socioeconómica de los países y a la calidad de vida de miles de personas. Objetivo: fundamentar la posición actual de la producción bovina como una actividad contaminante mundial, al generar dióxido de carbono (CO2), metano (CH4) y óxido nitroso (N2O) a través de la fermentación entérica, la producción de estiércol y la deforestación realizada para su extensión las cuales contribuyen con el cambio climático (CC), y analizar los argumentos que evidencian al sector ganadero como una oportunidad de mitigación y adaptación al CC a través de la aplicación de estrategias sostenibles de producción. Metodología: Se realizó una revisión de tipo documental. Conclusión: El aumento en la productividad animal haciendo uso efi ciente de los recursos naturales, es la estrategia más relevante en la adaptación y mitigación de los efectos del CC por parte de la producción bovina, y los sistemas silvopastoriles (SSP) se convierten en la herramienta fundamental para lograrlo. The deterioration of natural resources and global warming generated by the increased concentration of greenhouse gases (GHG) in the atmosphere have put life as we know it at risk. Livestock production and, to a greater extent, cattle production contribute to the socio-economic stability of the countries and the quality of life of thousands of people. Objective: Base the current position of the bovine production as a global pollutant activity, as it generates carbon dioxide (CO2), methane (CH4) and nitrous oxide (N2O) through enteric fermentation, manure production and deforestation carried out for its spread which contribute to climate change (CC). Also, analyze the arguments that show the livestock industry as an opportunity to mitigate and adapt to the CC through the application of sustainable production strategies. Methodology: A literature review was carried out. Conclusion: The most relevant strategy in adapting to and mitigating the effects of CC from bovine production is the increase of animal productivity that makes efficient use of natural resources, and silvopastoral systems (SPSs) become the fundamental tool for achieving this purpose.

espanolLa Altillanura Plana de la Orinoquia de Colombia es por excelencia una despensa agropecuaria. Su fertilidad quimica dependera principalmente de sistemas productivos que involucren un manejo de los suelos de manera apropiada y que incrementen los contenidos de la materia organica del suelo (MOS). Se aplico un analisis de tipo multivariado con el objetivo de caracterizar la fertilidad quimica de los suelos en algunos sistemas productivos de la Altillanura Plana comparados con otros de Piedemonte del departamento del Meta, Oriente de Colombia. Fueron seleccionados cinco sistemas productivos en cada zona. Se encontro una alta variabilidad en las caracteristicas quimicas de los suelos, siendo la MOS y la acidez de los suelos las que tuvieron mayor capacidad discriminatoria entre los sistemas productivos. El analisis de cluster conformo tres grupos bien definidos: suelos de alta, mediana y baja fertilidad; y aunque no se encontro un patron definido en cuanto a los sistemas productivos que los caracterice en cada uno de los grupos, cinco de los sistemas productivos de Piedemonte estuvieron ubicados en suelos de baja fertilidad. Las pasturas mejoradas y los sistemas silvopastoriles (SPSs) de la Altillanura Plana son una buena opcion para aumentar la fertilidad quimica de los suelos. EnglishThe flat high plateau of the Colombian Orinoquia is, par excellence, an agricultural pantry. Its chemical soil fertility depends mainly of productive systems that involve appropriate soil management that increment soil organic matter (SOM). A multivariate analysis was applied in order to characterize the soil chemical fertility in some productive systems of the flat high plateau compared to other foothills of the Department of Meta in the western region of Colombia. Five production systems were selected for each zone. A high variability in the chemical characteristics of the soils was found, being SOM and the acidity of the soils the ones having greater discriminatory capacity among the productive systems. Cluster analysis consisted of three well-defined groups: high, medium and low fertility soils and, although a definite pattern of productive systems was not found in each of the groups, five productive foothill systems were located in low fertility soils. The improved pastures and the silvopastoral systems (SPSs) of flat high plateaus are a good option to increase the chemical fertility of the soils.

Agroforestry farming system comprises considerable cultivated land area in the tropics. Despite the economic and social benefits of the system for farmers, it is also known to have an important role in the conservation of tree species. This study aims to evaluate the composition and distribution of tree species in coffee based agroforestry system to determine the potential for biodiversity conservation. To address the objective of this study, 57 sample plots in farmers’ coffee field and 12 sample plots in forest reserve were surveyed in Eastern Uganda. The result shows that the number of indigenous tree species in coffee farms was lower than that of forest reserve. Similarly, tree species richness per plot, Shannon and Simpson diversity indexes of forest reserve were significantly (p≤0.05) higher than that of coffee farms. However, with the inclusion of exotic tree species, coffee farms were found to be significantly higher than that of forest reserve for the above diversity indexes. On the other hand, the distribution of tree species in the coffee farms were mainly dominated by few tree species indicating the need for measures that ensure the sustainability of those less represented tree species.

This doctoral thesis studies agroforestry systems (SAF), a deliberate join of woody vegetation with annual and/or grassy crops. First, it assesses the main global policies that indicate that SAFs should be promoted and then addresses the characterization of different agroforestry practices at European level both in general and in the characterization of the use of linear woody structures. Finally, the thesis focuses on the study through maps of how the main Rural Development Regulations promote SAFs in Europe. The importance of agroforestry systems in the management of the territory can be analysed from a productive point of view by assessing the contributions of woody vegetation in fertilization. Woody vegetation also helps to temper the microclimate of its habitat and protects the soil from erosion. From an environmental point of view, SAFs improve the use of solar radiation and increase organic matter in the soil, resulting in greater biodiversity and the amenity of the landscape. The latter interacts with the social importance of the SAF, being a source of mobilization of rural tourism, on the other hand, the diversity of products obtained and the reduced dependence on external inputs (fertilizers and feed) contributes to the fixation of the population in the rural environment. SAFs have a higher extent in tropical areas than in temperate areas. The intensification of agriculture over the past century led to its drastic reduction. His political promotion is hampered by a lack of knowledge of its actual extent. At European level we have two data sources, the Corine Land Cover, which has a clearly undervalued extension, concentrated in southern Europe and especially in the Iberian Peninsula and LUCAS, exclusively from the European Union which provides two coverages and two uses, together with other data, for each point visited.

The objective of the study was to evaluate the resistance of Purunã heifers to nematode infection in two different production systems. In this study, 29 heifers were divided into eight pickets, four in an integrated livestock forest system (ILF) and four in a conventional pasture system (CPS). Feces were collected monthly to perform the fecal egg count (FEC), evaluate the degree of infection caused by gastrointestinal nematodes in cattle, and carry out coproculture, to identify the genus of the parasites. In addition, animal body weight was determined to evaluate performance. On the same day as the measurements, forage samples were collected to determine the number of infective larvae per kilogram of dry matter (L3/kg DM) in each picket. There were no statistical differences in FECs between the treatments. Although no significant differences were observed in the recovery of L3/kg DM, the contamination was higher in the ILF compared to CPS in December (344 and 37.7 L3/kg DM, respectively) and January (312 and 0 L3/kg DM, respectively). In March, the CPS (321 L3/kg DM) presented higher contamination than the ILF (80.7 L3/kg DM), but with no statistical difference. The weight of the animals was higher for the CPS compared to the ILF treatment throughout the whole experimental period, with a significant difference in December (343.30 kg and 314.08 kg, respectively). The present study demonstrated numerically that greater numbers of L3 were recovered from pasture of the ILF, which could have resulted in higher contamination and lower performance of the animals. RESUMO O objetivo do estudo foi avaliar a resistência de novilhas Purunã às infecções por nematódeos gastrintestinais em diferentes sistemas de produção. Neste estudo, 29 novilhas foram divididas em oito piquetes, quatro no sistema integrado pecuária-floresta(ILPF) e quatro no sistema convencional de pastagem (SCP). Mensalmente, as fezes eram coletadas para realizar a contagem de ovos por grama de fezes (OPG), com o objetivo de avaliar o grau de infecção causada por nematódeos gastrintestinais em bovinos; e coprocultura, para identificar o gênero dos parasitas. Além disso, o peso corporal dos animais foi determinado para avaliar o desempenho. No mesmo dia das medições, amostras de forragem foram coletadas para determinar o número de larvas infectantes por quilograma de matéria seca (L3 / kg MS) em cada piquete. Não houve diferença estatística no OPG entre os tratamentos. Também não houve diferença significativa na recuperação de L3 / kg de MS, porém a contaminação foi maior na ILPF em comparação com a SCP em dezembro (344 e 37,7 L3/kg MS, respectivamente) e janeiro (312 e 0 L3/kg MS respectivamente), em março, o SCP (321 L3 / kg MS) apresentou maior contaminação que o ILPF (80,7 L3/kg MS). O peso dos animais foi maior para o SCP comparado ao tratamento com ILPF durante todo o período experimental, com diferença significativa em dezembro (343,30 kg e 314,08 kg, respectivamente). O presente estudo mostrou numericamente que o ILPF apresentou maior recuperação de L3 no pasto, o que poderia resultar em maior contaminação dos animais e menor desempenho.

This article is a bibliographic review on the ecological functions that distinguish bamboos, for which they deserve greater recognition and inclusion in ecological restoration programs. Bamboos are a highly diverse, geographically widespread and economically important plant group. Although they are more recognized by commercial uses, their potential for use in ecological restoration programs is promising, as they can be effective in delivery of several environmental services related to soil, water and carbon sequestration. Their rapid growth, along with their abilities to control erosion and maintain water at soil level, as well as provide nutrients by litterfall decomposition, make them a valuable group for recovery of degraded areas and in productive restoration of ecosystems, in particular via agroforestry systems. Agroforestry approaches can combine different bamboo species with other crops, to meet human needs while generating benefits for ecosystems. Similarly, bamboo forests or plantations together with mixed agroforestry systems can act as stepping-stones and biological corridors, in very fragmented landscapes by providing shelter and food for a wide diversity of organisms. Despite perceptions that bamboos can be invasive, evidence to support this is limited. We recommend careful evaluation of the biological characteristics of bamboo species selected, prior to deployment in productive restoration projects and for the recovery of environmental services. Este artículo es una revisión bibliográfica sobre las funciones ecológicas que caracterizan a los bambúes, por las cuales merecen un mayor reconocimiento e inclusión en los programas de restauración ecológica. Los bambúes son un grupo de plantas muy diverso, de amplia distribución geográfica y económicamente importante. Aunque son más reconocidos por los usos comerciales, su potencial de uso en programas de restauración ecológica es prometedor, ya que pueden ser eficientes en la prestación de varios servicios ambientales relacionados con el suelo, el agua y el secuestro de carbono. Su rápido crecimiento, junto con su capacidad para controlar la erosión y mantener el agua a nivel del suelo, así como para proporcionar nutrientes mediante la descomposición de la hojarasca, convierte a los bambúes en un grupo valioso para la recuperación de áreas degradadas y para la restauración productiva de ecosistemas, en particular a través de sistemas agroforestales. Los enfoques agroforestales pueden combinar diferentes especies de bambú con otros cultivos, para satisfacer las necesidades humanas y generar a la vez beneficios para los ecosistemas. De manera similar, los bosques o plantaciones de bambúes, junto con sistemas agroforestales mixtos, pueden actuar como áreas de conexión y corredores biológicos, en paisajes muy fragmentados, proporcionando refugio y alimento para una amplia diversidad de organismos. A pesar de las percepciones de que los bambúes pueden ser invasivos, las pruebas para apoyar esto son limitadas. Recomendamos una evaluación cuidadosa de las características biológicas de las especies de bambúes seleccionadas, antes de su implementación en proyectos de restauración productiva y de recuperación de los servicios ambientales.

International audience; AbstractClimate change threatens ecosystems, including traditional agroforestry parklands. Assessing the level of vulnerability and resilience of any ecosystem to climate change is important for designing sustainable adaptation strategies and measures. We assessed farmers’ perceptions of the vulnerability of agroforestry systems to climate change in Benin. The objectives of the study were to (i) assess the effect of changes in climatic conditions on agroforestry systems, (ii) assess the endogenous indicators of vulnerability of agroforestry systems to climate change, and (iii) analyze agroforestry and cropping systems’ resilience to climate change. We hypothesized that some agroforestry systems are more resilient to climate change than others. A total of 233 household heads were surveyed, and seven agroforestry systems were assessed. Data collected included components, indicators of vulnerability, and the level of resilience of agroforestry systems. We characterized the agroforestry systems using a proportion of each woody trees species and density of tree. We differentiated the agroforestry systems with regard to vulnerability indicators using canonical factorial discriminant analysis with heplots for pairs of discriminant variables. The resilience of agroforestry and cropping systems was evaluated on a scale of 0 to 3 (0—not resilient to 3—most resilient). The number of components damaged in the system was the main indicator of the vulnerability of Anacardium occidentale and Citrus sinensis parks to climate change effects. Local people perceived age and density of Vitellaria paradoxa parks and mixed parks (Vitellaria paradoxa–Parkia biglobosa) as factors determining the vulnerability of these agroforestry systems to the effects of climate change. All agroforestry systems were perceived to be resilient to climate change but in different degrees. Manihot esculenta was reported as the most resilient crop to climate damage. For the first time, we found out specific endogenous indicators of the vulnerability of agroforestry systems to climate change, which are important to identify better adaptation strategies.

Visando fornecer subsídio para o planejamento de sistemas agroflorestais (SAFs) biodiversos, este trabalho apresenta a análise da viabilidade financeira de quatro diferentes modelos agroflorestais, no campo experimental da Escola Municipal Rural Benedita Figueiró, Município de Ivinhema – MS. Os arranjos de SAFs analisados são compostos por 45 espécies florestais e 9 espécies com fim comercial: Sistema Café + Banana, Sistema Café com Floresta, Sistema Abacaxi e Sistema Cumari. Após o levantamento dos custos de implantação, manutenção e receitas previstas, foi feita a análise financeira para o período de 20 anos, utilizando a planilha AmazonSAF. Três modelos apresentaram saldo líquido final positivo, mas com desempenho insatisfatório na fase de estabilidade. O consórcio de espécies arbóreas com café e banana demonstrou ser viável para recuperação com retorno financeiro. O café favorece o fluxo de caixa de longo prazo do projeto. O menor tempo para retorno de investimento foi obtido no Sistema Abacaxi, graças à receita das culturas de ciclo curto. O espaçamento adotado gerou excesso de sombreamento, indicando a necessidade de desbaste seletivo, no 6º ano, de indivíduos arbóreos que estejam retirando a incidência solar sobre as linhas das cultiváveis. Na fase de planejamento do sistema, sugere-se a inserção de culturas anuais às entrelinhas do SAF Café + Banana, para melhorar o período de recuperação do valor investido. As pesquisas devem ser exploradas no sentido de estabelecer diretrizes para composição de modelos agroflorestais biodiversos, que possam servir como referência para que agricultores encontrem segurança nesta modalidade de produção.

Rural Europe encompasses a variety of landscapes with differing levels of forest, agriculture, and agroforestry that can deliver multiple ecosystem services (ES). Whilst provisioning and regulating ES associated with individual land covers are comparatively well studied, less is known about the associated cultural ES. Only seldom are provisioning, regulating, and cultural ES investigated together to evaluate how they contribute to multifunctionality. In this study we combined biophysical and sociocultural approaches to assess how different landscapes (dominated by forest, agriculture or agroforestry) and landscape characteristics (i.e. remoteness and landscape diversity) drive spatial associations of ES (i.e. synergies, trade-offs and bundles). We analysed data of: i) seven provisioning and regulating ES (spatially modelled), and; ii) six cultural ES (derived from participatory mapping data) in 12 study sites across four different biogeographical regions of Europe. Our results showed highly differentiated ES profiles for landscapes associated to a specific land cover, with agroforestry generally providing higher cultural ES than forest and agriculture. We found a positive relationship between the proportion of forest in a landscape and provisioning and regulating ES, whilst agriculture showed negative relationships. We found four distinct bundles of ES. Three of them were directly related to a dominant land cover and the fourth to a mixture of forest and agroforestry that was associated with high social value. The latter bundle was related to zones close to urban areas and roads and medium to high landscape diversity. These findings suggest that agroforestry should be prioritised over other land covers in such areas as it delivers a suite of multiple ES, provided it is close to urban areas or roads. Our results also illustrate the importance and application of including people’s perception in the assessment of ES associations and highlight the relevance of developing integrated analyses of ES to inform landscape management decisions.

The objective was to analyze the productive and economic sustainability of the silvopastoral system, in the state of Mato Grosso do Sul. The system had been implanted five years earlier, using Eucalyptus sp. (GG100), arranged in stands with three rows in an East/West direction, 20 meters apart, with 1.2 meters between plants and 1.5 meters between rows. The eucalyptus trees were planted in consortium with Brachiaria brizantha cv. Marandu and Nelore heifers, in the rearing (post-weaning) phase, weighing 186.2 Kg (± 21.18) and aged approximately 12 months. Samples were collected for chemical evaluation of the soil, determination of the quantity of carbon fixed by the tree species, evaluation of the forest component, study of the animals’ grazing behavior, measurement of the physiological and behavioral indicators of stress in the heifers, meteorological monitoring, analysis of animal yield and economic viability. There were improvements in the content of soil organic matter in the surface layer of the soil (0 to 10 cm) and a tendency for the soil organic matter content to rise as distance from the rank of trees increased. The central rows of each stand showed less growth in height and diameter, when compared to the outer rows. There were significant differences for the mass of dry matter from leaves, branches, stem and roots between the different rows in the stand. In general, these values were higher in the lowest row, indicating that in arrangements with three rows, the central row tends to present lower development in relation to the side rows, reflecting negatively on the volume of wood and yield. The capacity for neutralizing greenhouse gases emitted by cattle was influenced by the position of the trees in the stands, and there were differences in the carbon content between the different compartments of the trees. Plasmatic concentrations of cortisol and progesterone were measured and associated with the interval in the day when animals grazed most, between 10.00h and 16.00h. This indicated that the thermal comfort provided in the site by the system was favorable to ingestion at the time of greatest sunshine, as well as resulting in less total time spent on ingestion compared to what is seen in other production systems for cattle in extensive pastures. The financial balance for the silvopastoral activities carried out on the property revealed, in general, greater return rate for the forestry compared to cattle in the system, so far. Objetivou-se analisar a sustentabilidade produtiva e econômica do Sistema Silvipastoril, em Mato Grosso do Sul, implantado há 5 anos, mediante consórcio entre Eucalyptus sp. (GG100), dispostos em renques com fileiras triplas no sentido Leste/Oeste, distantes entre si por 20 metros, com 1,2 metros entre plantas e 1,5 metros entre fileiras, Brachiaria brizantha cv. Marandu e novilhas Nelore, em fase de recria, com 186,2 Kg (± 21,18) e aproximadamente 12 meses. Foram coletadas amostras para avaliação química do solo, determinação da quantidade fixada de carbono pela espécie arbórea, avaliação do componente florestal, estudo do comportamento de pastejo dos animais, mensuração dos indicadores fisiológicos e comportamentais de estresse das novilhas, controle meteorológico, da produtividade animal e a viabilidade econômica. Houve melhorias nos teores de matéria orgânica do solo na camada superficial do solo (0 a 10 cm) e uma tendência de aumento do teor de matéria orgânica no solo a medida que se distancia do renque. As fileiras centrais de cada renque tiveram menor crescimento em altura e em diâmetro, quando comparadas às fileiras laterais. Houve diferenças significativas para a massa de matéria seca de folhas, ramos, caule e raízes entre as diferentes fileiras do renque, sendo de maneira geral, maiores na fileira inferior, indicando que em arranjos com fileiras triplas, as fileiras centrais tendem a apresentar um desenvolvimento inferior em relação às fileiras laterais, o que reflete negativamente no volume de madeira e produção. A capacidade de neutralizar a emissão de GEEs por bovinos foi influenciada pela posição das árvores nos renques de plantio e houve diferenças nos teores de carbono dos diferentes compartimentos das árvores. A mensuração das concentrações plasmáticas de cortisol e de progesterona, associados ao intervalo do dia em que se observou maior frequência de pastejo pelos animais, entre 10 e 16 horas, indica que o conforto térmico proporcionado no ambiente local pelo sistema é favorável para a ingestão nos momentos de maior incidência de luz solar, bem como resultou em menor tempo de ingestão total comparado ao que se verifica nos demais sistemas de produção de bovinos em pastejo extensivo. O balanço financeiro das atividades silvipastoril realizadas na propriedade revelou, no geral, maior taxa de retorno à silvicultura comparada à criação de bovinos no sistema, até o momento.

Resumo O objetivo deste trabalho foi identificar as vias de formação de agregados biogênicos, intermediários e fisiogênicos, bem como sua estabilidade e seus atributos químicos em diferentes sistemas de manejo agroecológico. Foram escolhidas cinco áreas para coleta de amostras, em Argissolo Vermelho-Amarelo, no Município de Seropédica, RJ: SAF, sistema agroflorestal, com 10 anos de implantação; C-SOL, café a pleno sol, com 15 anos; C-SOM, café sombreado, com 15 anos; AL-FLE, aleias com flemíngia (Flemingia macrophylla), com 10 anos; e PD, sistema plantio direto, com milho e berinjela, com 6 anos. As amostras foram coletadas às profundidades de 0,00-0,05 e 0,05-0,10 m, e a fração dessas amostras retida em peneiras de 9,7 e 8,0 mm foi utilizada para identificar os diferentes tipos de agregado. Após a separação, foram avaliados a estabilidade e os atributos químicos de cada tipo. Os sistemas de manejo não produziram efeito sobre a proporção média de cada tipo de agregado, e a contribuição relativa dos agregados intermediários para a massa total de agregados foi superior à dos demais. Os sistemas C-SOL e C-SOM apresentam os maiores teores de carbono orgânico total, carbono orgânico associado aos minerais, carbono orgânico particulado, independentemente dos sistemas e das profundidades avaliadas. Abstract The objective of this work was to identify the formation pathways of biogenic, intermediate, and physiogenic aggregates, as well as their stability and chemical characteristics in different agroecological management systems. Five areas were chosen for sampling in Argissolo Vermelho-Amarelo (Ultisol), in the municipality of Seropédica, in the state of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil: SAF, 10-year agroforestry system; C-SOL, 15-year full-sun coffee; C-SOM, 15-year shaded coffee; AL-FLE, 10-year alleys with flemingia (Flemingia macrophylla); and PD, 6-year no-tillage system with corn and eggplant. Soil samples were collected at the 0.00-0.05 and 0.05-0.10-m soil depths, and the fraction retained in sieves of 9.7 and 8.0 mm were used to identify the different types of aggregates. After separation, the stability and chemical characteristics of each aggregate type were evaluated. The proportion between the aggregate types was not affected by the managements systems, and the relative contribution of intermediate aggregates to the total aggregate mass was higher than that of the other ones. The C-SOL and C-SOM systems show the highest total organic carbon, organic carbon associated with minerals, and particulate organic carbon, irrespectively of the evaluated systems and depths.

The objective of this study was to select allometric models to estimate total and pooled aboveground biomass of 4.5-year-old capixingui trees established in an agrisilvicultural system. Aboveground biomass distribution of capixingui was also evaluated. Single- (diameter at breast height [DBH] or crown diameter or stem diameter as the independent variable) and double-entry (DBH or crown diameter or stem diameter and total height as independent variables) models were studied. The estimated total biomass was 17.3 t.ha-1, corresponding to 86.6 kg per tree. All models showed a good fit to the data (R2ad > 0.85) for bole, branches, and total biomass. DBH-based models presented the best residual distribution. Model lnW = b0 + b1* lnDBH can be recommended for aboveground biomass estimation. Lower coefficients were obtained for leaves (R2ad > 82%). Biomass distribution followed the order: bole>branches>leaves. Bole biomass percentage decreased with increasing DBH of the trees, whereas branch biomass increased. RESUMO O objetivo deste estudo foi selecionar equações alométricas para predição da biomassa aérea total e nos compartimentos aéreos de capixingui com 4,5 anos estabelecidas em um sistema silviagrícola. Foram tomadas medidas dendrométricas e utilizou-se o método destrutivo para a estimação da biomassa, com a separação dos componentes em tronco, galhos e folhas. Foram ajustados e comparados quatro modelos alométricos, sendo dois de simples entrada e dois de dupla entrada. Como variáveis preditoras foram considerados o diâmetro à altura do peito (DAP), diâmetro de colo (D colo), diâmetro de copa (Dc) e altura total (H). A biomassa total estimada foi de 17,3 t.ha-1, equivalente a 86,6 kg por árvore. Todos os modelos apresentaram ajustes satisfatórios (R2aj>0,85) para tronco, galhos e biomassa total. As equações para biomassa total que tiveram como variávelpreditora o DAP apresentaram as melhores distribuições de resíduos. O modelo lnW=b0+b1*lnDAP pode ser recomendado para estimativa de biomassa aérea. Para folhas, os coeficientes foram menores (R2aj>82%). A distribuição da biomassa nos componentes seguiu a ordem: tronco>galhos>folhas. A percentagem de biomassa no tronco decresceu com o aumento do DAP das árvores enquanto que a biomassa nos galhos aumentou.

In Santa Rosa de Lima - SC - Brazil, a small municipality in South Region mainly covered by Atlantic Rain Forest, there is an effort to promote agroecology as socio-ecological improvement for family farmers. Part of this effort was conducted with young farmers in a debate about their land-use practices and the consequences of diversifying their activities. This study describes the process of a participatory modeling approach carried out in a workshop with young farmers to co-design conceptual models for land use practices. As results, a system dynamics model was built to represent their reality. The results of the workshop were embedded in a model to simulate a typical local property and provide insights into the consequences of diversifying their agricultural production by using the agroecological practices. Finally, the work presents the designed model and the first outcomes of scenario simulation, discussing the use of system thinking approaches in participatory modeling. En Santa Rosa de Lima - SC - Brasil, un pequeño municipio de la Región Sur cubierto principalmente por la Selva Atlántica, se realiza un esfuerzo para promover la agroecología como mejora socioecológica para los agricultores familiares. Parte de este esfuerzo se llevó a cabo con los jóvenes agricultores en un debate sobre sus prácticas de uso de la tierra y las consecuencias de diversificar susactividades. Este estudio describe el proceso de un enfoque de modelado participativo llevado a cabo en un taller con jóvenes agricultores para co-diseñar modelos conceptuales para las prácticas de uso de la tierra. Como resultados, se creó un modelo de dinámica del sistema para representar su realidad. Los resultados del taller se integraron en un modelo para simular una propiedad local típica y proporcionar información sobre las consecuencias de diversificar su producción agrícola mediante el uso de las prácticas agroecológicas. Por último, el trabajo presenta el modelo diseñado y los primeros resultados de la simulación de escenarios, discutiendo el uso de enfoques de pensamiento del sistema en el modelado participativo. Em Santa Rosa de Lima - SC - Brasil, pequeno município da Região Sul coberto principalmente pela Mata Atlântica, há um esforço para promover a agroecologia como melhoria socioecológica para os agricultores familiares. Parte desse esforço foi realizado com jovens agricultores em um debate sobre suas práticas de uso da terra e as consequências da diversificação de suas atividades. Este estudo descreve o processo de uma abordagem de modelagem participativa realizada em uma oficina com jovens agricultores para o codesenvolvimento de modelos conceituais para práticas de uso da terra. Como resultados, um modelo de dinâmica de sistema foi construído para representar sua realidade. Os resultados da oficina foram incorporados em um modelo para simular uma propriedade local típica e fornecer insights sobre as consequências da diversificação de sua produção agrícola utilizando as práticas agroecológicas. Por fim, o trabalho apresenta o modelo desenvolvido e os primeiros resultados da simulação de cenários, discutindo o uso de abordagens da teoria do pensamento do sistêmico na modelagem participativa.

Controversial competition theories may confuse the current understanding of belowground plant competition and thus result in incorrect diagnoses and mitigation strategies for nutrient competition. As such, the management of nutrient competition is a major challenge in the application and development of rubber agroforestry systems (AFSs). To explore the effects of plant competition on the nutrient status of rubber AFSs, this study measured the carbon, nitrogen, and phosphorus concentrations of the litter and soil and in plant leaves, stems, and roots from five rubber plantations (i.e., rubber monocultures and rubber mixed with cocoa, coffee, tea, and Flemingia macrophylla (Willd.) Merr., 1910)). The relative competition intensity indexes were calculated to evaluate the competition intensity of each mixed-species system, and Bayesian networks were established to investigate the linkage effects of interspecific competition for nutrients. This study demonstrated that rubber trees had weak competition with cocoa trees, moderate competition with F. macrophylla and tea trees, and intense competition with coffee trees. With the increase in competition intensity, the negative effects of interspecific competition on soil gradually offset the improvement in soil nutrients achieved with intercropping. Nitrogen and phosphorous translocation from the stems to the roots was enhanced by competition. However, enhanced nutrient allocation to roots may have led to insufficient nitrogen and phosphorous supplies in plant leaves. The quality of the litter therefore decreased because the nutrient status of fallen leaves determines the initial litter conditions. Such consequences may reduce the release of nutrients from the litter to the soil and thus increase soil nutrient depletion. This study revealed that competition effects were most obvious for the root nutrient status, followed by the stem and leaf nutrient statuses. Moreover, this study further demonstrated that the nutrient concentration of plant roots can better indicate the intensity of nutrient competition than the nutrient concentration of other plant organs.

Resumen El cambio climático del planeta es generado principalmente por el incremento de las emisiones de gases de efecto invernadero. El Panel Intergubernamental de Cambio Climático (IPCC) ha establecido la mitigación y adaptación como estrategias para enfrentar el cambio climático; sin embargo, ambas estrategias se han evaluado poco en conjunto. Con el objetivo de estudiar las posibles sinergias entre mitigación y adaptación, se evaluaron tres sistemas de producción de café en el municipio de Líbano: sistemas agroforestales (SAF) con Cordia allidora, SAF con plátano y monocultivos con cuatro repeticiones por tratamiento. Como indicador de mitigación se estimó la huella de carbono en la producción y procesamiento del grano; mientras que la adaptación se midió como la diversidad de hormigas presentes. Los SAF con C. allidora favorecen tanto la mitigación como la adaptación al cambio climático, tienen una huella de carbono positiva además, tienen una mayor riqueza de géneros de hormigas (12.81 vs -3.0 vs -6.4 Mg CO2e/ha/año en huella de carbono y 1.3 vs 0.6 vs 0.6 de Índice de Margalef de hormigas en SAF con C. alliodora, SAF con plátano y monocultivo, respectivamente). Los sistemas de producción agrícola, manejados de forma amigable con el medio ambiente y en asocio con árboles nativos, son una buena estrategia para implementar programas de mitigación y adaptación al cambio climático. Incluir árboles nativos favorece económicamente a los productores, e incrementa los lugares de refugio y las condiciones mínimas de sobrevivencia, semejantes a los ecosistemas naturales para que los diferentes grupos de animales logren adaptarse a los cambios. Abstract Climate change is mainly generated by an increase of greehouse gas emissions. The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) has established mitigation and adaptation as strategies to deal with climate change. However, few studies have been developed jointly. With the purpose of studying the possible synergies between mitigation and adaptation, three coffee production systems in the municipality of Líbano: agroforestry systems (AFS) with Cordia allidora, AFS with plantain and monocultures, with four replications by treatment, were evaluated. As mitigation indicator, the carbon footprint in the coffee production and processing was estimated, whereas the adaptation was measured as the ant diversity. The AFS with C. alliodora favor both mitigation and adaptation to climate change since they have a positive carbon footprint and the greatest richness of ant genus (12.8 vs -3.0 vs -6.4 Mg CO2e/ha/year in carbon footprint and 1.3 vs 0.6 vs 0.6 of Margalef Index of ants in AFS with C. alliodora, AFS with plantain and monoculture, respectively). The agricultural production systems, environmental-friendly managed and associated with native trees, are a good strategy to implement in programs of mitigation-adaptation of climate change. The inclusion of native tree favors the producer’s economy and increases the shelter places and the minimal conditions for surviving, similar to natural ecosystems so the different groups of animals for climate change adaptation.

Production systems with woody perennial plants, ideally timber trees, are technologies accepted in carbon (C) projects to mitigate climate change. This research had as purpose the estimation of C storage and fixation in coffee production systems in Cundinamarca, Colombia. Carbon in biomass, necromass and soil were estimated in coffee plantations with three different shade levels (low, medium and high) in three municipalities using IPCC’s recommendations. Soil stored 75% of the total C (93.9 to 137.7 Mg C ha–1 in the upper 30 cm), followed by trees (19%). Carbon increases with a rise in shade (55.8 vs 42.0 vs 23.0 Mg C ha–1 for high, medium and low shade, respectively). These coffee plantations fixed a mean of 2.3 Mg C ha–1 year–1, with a maximum value of ~7.1 Mg CO ha–1 year–1 under a shade of 30% to 40%. Coffee plantations, especially with high shade, have a high potential of C fixation and mitigate climate change.

The aim of this paper was to compare methods and sampling procedures applied to eucalyptus grown under different spatial arrangements in an integrated crop-livestock-forest system (ICLF). The study was carried out in Sinop county, Mato Grosso state, Brazil. Arrangements combining fixed and variable area methods to simple random and systematic sampling were tested. Precision, accuracy, efficiency, and diameter-distribution measurements were used for selection of the best sampling arrangement. The sampling intensity, sample unit optimal size and the relative efficiency have been changed depending on the spatial arrangement for 10% sampling error and 95% probability level. The fixed area method based on systematic sampling, as well as smaller sample units with eight to nine plants (48 m2 to 54 m2) were the most accurate; however, larger plots (192 m2 to 216 m2) were more efficient. All sample units size provided good estimates on the number of trees by diameter classes. Made available in DSpace on 2019-07-02T00:41:03Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 1 2019cpamtheliotoninisamplingalternativeseucalyptustreesintegratedcrop8209livestockforestsystem.pdf: 1136874 bytes, checksum: 98473542d5bdb9bbcce0edd855e8aa19 (MD5) Previous issue date: 2019

The objective of this work was to determine indicator methods that help to establish the first thinning age of trees to be used in crop-livestock-forest integration systems based on the relationships between eucalyptus growth and soybean and corn production. The experiment followed a completely randomized block design, with four replicates and three production systems (crop monoculture, forest planting monoculture, and crop-forest integration). The percentage of entries and Veiga’s methods, as well as the target growth rates, were assessed to set the thinning age to be adopted for integration systems. The percentage of entries method, the age of the maximum mean annual volume increase, or tree age when diameter growth stagnation occurs did not prove adequate as a reference for thinning, when yields of agricultural crops are not jointly monitored. Methods focusing on controlling the basal area and target diameter increase are feasible to define the technical age for thinning implementation and control.

It was estimated the climate change adaptation of the main coffee production systems in Líbano, Tolima, Colombia, using diversity indicators. Three production systems were selected: agroforestry systems (AFS) with Cordia alliodora, AFS with plantain and in monoculture, with four replications, locating five sampling units to collect and identify the ant genera as diversity and adaptation indicators. The richness index of Margalef detected between systems (1.3 vs 0.6 vs 0.6 for AFS with C. alliodora, monoculure and AFS with plantain, respectively). The genera Cephalotes, Dorymyrmex, Hypoponera, Pachycondyla, Octostruma and Proceratium, which require abundant biomass and litter, were registered just in AFS with C. alliodora, coinciding with the depth of this layer. The AFS with C. alliodora present advantages due they improve conditions for the conservation of several groups of ants, which are indicators of diversity and climate change adaptation.

Fire is infrequent in the oak woodlands of southern Portugal (montado) but large and severe fires affected these agro-forestry systems in 2003-2005. We hypothesised transition from forest to shrubland as a fire-driven process and investigated the links between fire incidence and montado change to other land cover types, particularly those related with the presence of pioneer communities (generically designed in this context as "transitions to early-successional communities"). We present a landscape-scale framework for assessing the probability of transition from montado to pioneer communities, considering three sets of explanatory variables: montado patterns in 1990 and prior changes from montado to early-successional communities (occurred between 1960 and 1990), fire patterns, and spatial factors. These three sets of factors captured 78.2% of the observed variability in the transitions from montado to pioneer vegetation. The contributions of fire patterns and spatial factors were high, respectively 60.6% and 43.4%, the influence of montado patterns and former changes in montado being lower (34.4%). The highest amount of explained variation in the occurrence of transitions from montado to early-successional communities was related to the pure effect of fire patterns (19.9%). Low spatial connectedness in montado landscape can increase vulnerability to changes, namely to pioneer vegetation, but the observed changes were mostly explained by fire characteristics and spatial factors. Among all metrics used to characterize fire patterns and extent, effective mesh size provided the best modelling results. Transitions from montado to pioneer communities are more likely in the presence of high values of the effective mesh size of total burned area. This cross-boundary metric is an indicator of the influence of large fires in the distribution of the identified transitions and, therefore, we conclude that the occurrence of large fires in montado increases its probability of transition to shrubland. Language: en

The aim of this study was to relate tree planting spatial arrangements of five eucalypt clones in silvopastoral systems to brachiaria production. Tree layouts were (2 × 2) + 10 m and (3 × 3) + 9 m (double-rows) and 9 × 3 m (single-row) planting arrangements. Tree leaf area index (LAI) was measured acrosss the interrow at 38, 50, and 62 months after planting. Tree crown radius was measured at 45° intervals around the stem at 38 months. Brachiaria was sampled across the interrow at 50 months. The LAI decreased with tree density for most clones and ages. The clones GG100, 58, and 62 presented the lowest LAI, independently of age and planting arrangements. LAI decreased from the tree row to the middle of the interrow, mainly for the double-row arrangements. There was positive correlation between crown radius and area per tree, except for the clone 02, and negative with LAI for the clone 19. The highest brachiaria production was obtained in the arrangements 9 × 3 m (clones GG100 and 62) and (3 × 3) + 9 m (clone 62). Brachiaria production varied across the interrow for clone 58 in the (2 × 2) + 10 m arrangement and for the clone 62 in the double-row arrangements. LAI was not significantly correlated with brachiaria production for the tree planting spatial arrangements and the genotypes studied. Further studies should include larger distances between hedgerows to allow greater resources availability differences across the interrow.

In recent decades a boom in cashew (Anacardium occidentale)cultivation has taken place in Guinea-Bissau, leading to the replacement of traditional slash-and-burn agriculture by a cash crop. As a result, the country is currently one of the world’s largest producers of raw cashew nuts and the cashew sector has acquired enormous importance in Guinea-Bissau’s economy. Changes induced by the cashew boom at social and environmental levels are yet to be analyzed and understood. The present study provides an account of the process of cashew expansion in Guinea-Bissau, reviews the current situation and discusses its future prospects. The cashew tree was introduced into the country by the Portuguese in the XIXth century, but only effectively expanded in the mid-1980s. It is largely cultivated by small farmers around villages and also plays a role in land ownership, since land tenure practices are linked to the planting of trees. The effects of this cashew boom on habitat fragmentation, fire regimes and biodiversity are still to be assessed. On the other hand, the spread of pests and diseases is becoming a problem. Strong dependence on a single cash crop also renders the country vulnerable to market fluctuations, entailing risks to local producers and the national economy. In the medium term, losses of export earnings can occur, which may impact the living standards and food security of Bissau-Guineans both in urban and rural areas.

Great interest has been devoted to understand how agricultural matrix managements affect species flux in the patchy landscapes and agroforestry systems are known to enhance connectivity for forest dwelling species. In the Brazilian Atlantic Forest, high degree of fragmentation makes the implementation or the conservation of the existing agroforestry systems keystone to connectivity conservation. We located places in the Atlantic Forest where agroforestry restoration is more effective in terms of connectivity conservation using a multi-scale approach. We conducted a large scale regional analysis to identify regions in which matrix conversion has larger effect on bird functional connectivity. Furthermore, we conducted two separate local analyses in the landscape which accounted for high restoration effectiveness in the regional analysis. One was the overlap with the Forest Code debt map to assess where and how much land-owners must restore as obligated by law. The second local analyses consisted in locating areas which least cost path trajectories density is larger within the selected landscape. Matrix restoration effort would be largely maximized by acting on specific places, and multi-scale and interdisciplinary models that account for the biological response of biodiversity and contextualizes under environmental laws will foster effective conservation policies.

Made available in DSpace on 2014-10-01T13:08:43Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 0 Previous issue date: 2014-06-01Bitstream added on 2014-10-01T14:03:51Z : No. of bitstreams: 1 S2175-78602014000200015.pdf: 1099006 bytes, checksum: f654221dd43118b457242ef4076720a4 (MD5) O trabalho apresenta a riqueza de Leguminosae utilizada por 21 agricultores tradicionais em sistemas agroflorestais (SAFs) cafeeiros e fragmentos florestais na Floresta Atlântica, município de Araponga, Minas Gerais, Brasil, e as categorias de uso, importância relativa e similaridade das espécies entre os SAFs. Os dados foram obtidos através de entrevistas semiestruturadas e observação participante, entre agosto de 2005 e novembro de 2006, durante caminhadas direcionadas em sete SAFs e fragmentos florestais no entorno do Parque Estadual da Serra do Brigadeiro. Os agricultores citaram 59 espécies de Leguminosae; 86% são nativas da Floresta Atlântica, utilizadas em práticas culturais antigas, como para fazer carro de boi. Foram estabelecidas 12 categorias de uso, das quais as mais importantes foram adubo e lenha (21 spp cada). Nos SAFs, as espécies que adubam o solo (18 spp) são as mais utilizadas, e na floresta, para lenha e tecnologia (17 spp). O índice de importância relativa mostrou que na floresta, Piptadenia gonoacantha apresentou 83% de concordância quanto ao uso da madeira para cercar pastagem, enquanto nos SAFs, Inga edulis obteve 100% como alimento. Os SAFs estudados apresentam pouca similaridade em espécies (0,42 da escala Sorensen), devido à capacidade de seleção dos agricultores, proporcionando então, espaços para a conservação de espécies úteis de Leguminosae. This study describes the richness of Leguminosae used by 21 traditional farmers in coffee agroforestry systems (AFS) and forest fragments of the Atlantic Forest, in the municipality of Araponga, Minas Gerais, Brazil. It also presents the use categories, relative importance and the species similarity between the AFSs. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews and participant observation, between August 2005 and November 2006, directed during random walks in seven AFSs and forest fragments surrounding the State Park of Serra do Brigadeiro. The farmers cited 59 species of Leguminosae, of which 86% are native to the Atlantic Forest and used in ancient cultural practices, such as to make bullock carts. Twelve categories of use were established, among them the most important were fertilizer and firewood (21 spp each); in the AFSs, species used for soil fertilization (18 spp) are the most utilized, and in the forest, the species for firewood and technology (17 spp.) The relative importance index showed that in the forest, Piptadenia gonoacantha showed 83% of agreement for the use as wood for fencing pastures, while in the AFSs, Inga edulis scored 100% as food. The AFSs studied show little similarity of species (0.42 of the Sorensen scale), due to the selection promoted by the farmers, thus, providing room for the conservation of useful species of Leguminosae. Universidade Federal de Viçosa Depto. Biologia Vegetal Programa de Pós-graduação em Botânica Universidade Estadual Paulista Júlio de Mesquita Filho Inst. Biociências de Rio Claro Depto. Ecologia Universidade Federal de Viçosa Centro de Ciências Agrárias Depto. Engenharia Florestal Universidade Federal de Viçosa Centro de Ciências Agrárias Depto. Solos Universidade Estadual Paulista Júlio de Mesquita Filho Inst. Biociências de Rio Claro Depto. Ecologia

Research Highlights: Agroforestry systems in the humid tropics have the potential for high rates of production and large accumulations of carbon in plant biomass and soils and, thus, may play an important role in the global C cycle. Multiple factors can influence C sequestration, making it difficult to discern the effect of a single factor. We used a modeling approach to evaluate the relative effects of individual factors on C stocks in three agricultural systems in Kerala, India. Background and Objectives: Factors such as plant growth form, management, climate warming, and soil texture can drive differences in C storage among cropping systems, but the relationships among these factors and their effects are complex. Our objective was to use CENTURY, a process-based model of plant&ndash, soil nutrient cycling, in an experimental mode to evaluate the effects of individual factors on C stocks in soil and biomass in monocultures (annuals or trees) and agroforestry systems. Materials and Methods: We parameterized the model for this region, then conducted simulations to investigate the effects on C stocks of four experimental scenarios: (1) change in growth form, (2) change in tree species, (3) increase in temperature above 20-year means, and (4) differences in soil texture. We compared the models with measured changes in soil C after eight years. Results: Simulated soil C stocks were influenced by all factors: growth form, lignin in tree tissues, increasing temperature, and soil texture. However, increasing temperature and soil sand content had relatively small effects on biomass C. Conclusions: Inclusion of trees with traits that promoted C sequestration such as lignin content, along with the use of best management practices, resulted in the greatest C storage among the simulated agricultural systems. Greater use and better management of trees with high C-storage potential can thus provide a low-cost means for mitigation of climate warming.

Este estudo teve como objetivo avaliar o efeito do componente arbóreo no aporte de serapilheira e de nutrientes em dois Sistemas Agrossilvipastoris, sendo o sistema 1: milho (Zea mays) + eucalipto (híbrido Eucalyptus grandis x E. urophylla) + acácia (Acacia mangium) + braquiária (Brachiaria decumbens); e o sistema 2: milho + eucalipto + braquiária, que foram comparados com monocultivo de pasto, em Viçosa, MG. A serapilheira do componente arbóreo e da forrageira foi coletada mensalmente, a partir dos 34 meses após a implantação, no período de outubro de 2010 a setembro de 2011, em distâncias a partir das linhas centrais do plantio das árvores, que consistiram nos subtratamentos: 1, 3 e 6 m; e realizadas a análise e quantificação de nutrientes: N, P, K, Ca, Mg e S. A deposição da serapilheira da forrageira foi superior no monocultivo de pasto. Entretanto, a maior deposição de serapilheira total (forrageira + componente arbóreo) foi observada em ambos os sistemas agrossilvipastoris, comprovando a influência positiva do componente arbóreo no incremento de material vegetal depositado sobre o solo. A distância da linha de plantio das árvores também influenciou a deposição, que foi maior a 1 m, seguida das distâncias 3 e 6 m. Com exceção do P, os sistemas agrossilvipastoris depositaram maior quantidade de nutrientes por meio da serapilheira, destacando-se o sistema com acácia, que promoveu maior deposição de N. O componente arbóreo, a espécie leguminosa e a distância da linha de plantio das árvores dos sistemas agrossilvipastoris influenciaram a deposição de serapilheira e de nutrientes no solo, indicando a potencialidade desses sistemas para recuperação e manutenção de pastagens degradadas. The objective of the present work was to evaluate the arboreal component effect on the allocation of litter and nutrients in two Agrosilvopastoral Systems, being System 1: maize (Zea mays) + eucalypt (Eucalyptus grandis x E. urophylla hybrid) + acacia (Acacia mangium) + brachiaria grass (Brachiaria decumbens); System 2: maize + eucalypt + brachiaria grass; that were compared with pasture monoculture, in Viçosa, MG, Brazil. The litter of the arboreal component and of the forage was collected monthly, at 34 months after establishment, in the period from October 2010 to September 2011, and performed the analysis and quantification of N, P, K, Ca, Mg and S. Litter deposition from the forage was higher in the pasture monoculture when compared with the associated systems. Nevertheless, the greater deposition of total litter (forage + arboreal component) was observed in the Agrosilvopastoril Systems, proving the positive influence of the arboreal component on the vegetal material increment laid on the soil. The planting line distance of the trees also influenced the litter deposition which was greater at 1 m, compared with the distances of 3 m, which was higher than 6 m. Except for P, the Agrosilvopastoral Systems deposited a greater amount of nutrients from the system with from the litter, notably from the system with acacia that promoted a greater amount of nitrogen. The arboreal component, the leguminosae specie and the planting line distance influenced the litter and nutrient deposition on the soil in the Agrosilvopastoral Systems, indicating the potentiality of these systems to the recovery and maintenance of degraded pastures.

Relações alométricas podem ser aplicadas na previsão da densidade ideal de árvores, nas avaliações de competição, nas inferências sobre a estabilidade, vitalidade e produtividade e na elaboração de modelos de crescimento florestal. Árvores em consórcio com forrageiras, os sistemas silvipastoris (SSP), são cada vez mais frequentes, considerando as vantagens do componente arbóreo para a pastagem e animais. Neste estudo, objetivou-se avaliar por meio de regressão, as relações alométricas possíveis entre diâmetro a 1,3 m de altura (DAP), altura de copa (Ac), altura de fuste (Af) , altura total (At), diâmetro (Dc) e volume cilíndrico de copa (Vc) em um SSP com Pterodon emarginatus, como subsidio ao seu manejo. Os dados foram coletados na região de Nioaque - MS, em área de consórcio P. emarginatus x B. decumbens x bovinos de corte, no qual as árvores foram mantidas intactas durante as operações de desmatamento. Para a regressão, foram coletados aleatoriamente dados de 91 indivíduos adultos de variadas dimensões. Os modelos foram avaliados por análise de resíduos, significância dos coeficientes de regressão, coeficiente de determinação e erro padrão residual. O modelo potência de Stoffels foi o mais adequado para estimar a At f (DAP); a reta resultou nos melhores níveis de precisão para as estimativas de Ac f (At), Vc f (DAP) e Dc f (DAP); foram obtidos bons níveis de precisão para estimar Vc f (DAP; At) por meio de um dos modelos de Spurr [y = a + b . (DAP² . At)]. Allometric relations can be applied in the forecast of the ideal density of trees, competition evaluations, inferences about the stability, vitality and productivity and in the elaboration of forest growth models. Trees in consortium with forages, the silvopastoral systems (SSP), are very frequent nowadays, considering the advantages of the arboreal component for the pasture and animals. It support the present study with objective to evaluate, under the regression form, the possible relationships among diameter at breast height (DAP), crown height (Ac), stem height (Af), total height (At), diameter (Dc) and cylindrical volume of crown (Vc) in a SSP with Pterodon emarginatus, subsidizing their management. The data were collected in Nioaque - MS county, in a consortium area of P. emarginatus x B. decumbens x beef cattle, in which the trees were maintained intact during deforestation. For the regression, data of 91 adult trees of varied dimensions were randomly collected. The models were evaluate for graphical analysis of residues, significance of the regression coefficients, coefficient of determination and residual standard error. The Stoffels potential model was more appropriate for estimate At f (DAP); the straight line resulted on the betters levels to estimate Ac f (At), Vc f (DAP) e Dc f (DAP); good fitness to estimate Vc f (DAP; At) were obtained from one of Spurr model [y = a + b . (DAP² . At)].

Poplars and willows (and other fast growing tree species) form an important component of agroforestry systems, providing a wide range of ecosystem services and products. The workshop held in Capracotta (6th and 7th June 2012) has communicated the latest research on poplars and willows in the field of environmental restoration conducted in Italy, providing a condensed overview on their basic response to pollutants and use in environmental monitoring, highlighting future challenges of phytotechnology issues. In the frame of the project MIUR-PRIN 2008 “Molecular, physiological, and agronomic analyses for selecting and managing Salicacee in phytoremediation”, 17 talks were delivered to an audience of more than 50 researchers. Prominence was given to stress biology and the importance of poplar and willow breeding in meeting the needs of ecological restoration. The aim of this review is provide a timely account of the questions related to phytotechnology in shaping the multifunctional tree, particularly with regard to tree responses to environmental pollution. While the question is scientifically challenging, progress may be achieved by exposing the different environmental restoration models and underlying guiding principles to tests against experimental data and each other. Research and development should focus simultaneously on maximizing the yield of multipurpose tree plantations, while preserving or restoring ecosystem services of close-to-nature willow-poplar stands (e.g., riparian forests). We hope that this review will stimulate further studies in this interesting area of tree biology.