http://hdl.handle.net/10174/648 2026-08-16T23:05:15Z http://hdl.handle.net/10174/39024 Title: Efficiency and Sustainability in Ruminants’ Livestock Systems: A Case Study of Dry-Land Pastures in the Montado Ecosystem Authors: Carreira, Emanuel; Silva, Flávio; Serrano, João; Geraldo, Ana; Infante, Paulo; Charneca, Rui; Conceição, Cristina; Pereira, Alfredo Editors: Kukovics, Sándor Abstract: The Montado (Portugal)/Dehesa (Espanha), a unique agro-sylvo-pastoral ecosys tem in the Mediterranean region, offers a valuable model for sustainable ruminant livestock production. This chapter explores the efficiency and sustainability of this system, with a particular focus on dryland pastures and grazing practices. Extensive livestock systems in the Montado, defined by their low-input and low-output approaches, are highly dependent on rainfed pastures. The Mediterranean climate, with its irregular rainfall patterns and increasing aridity, poses significant challenges to pasture productivity and animal performance. This chapter explores various grazing systems, including continuous and deferred grazing, and their implications for pasture health, animal welfare, and ecosystem services. By analyzing the relation ship between grazing management, pasture quality, and environmental factors, we seek to identify strategies for enhancing the efficiency and sustainability of ruminant livestock systems in the Montado. Ultimately, this research contributes to a deeper understanding of the potential of agro-sylvo-pastoral systems to balance agricultural production with environmental conservation, providing valuable insights for sustain able livestock practices in Mediterranean regions. 2025-01-01T00:00:00Z http://hdl.handle.net/10174/38907 Title: Pseudotsuga menziesii ((Mirb.) Franco) in Portugal: A Review of Species Characteristics, Silviculture, and Management Authors: Fonseca, Teresa Fidalgo; Silva, M. E.; Lousada, J. L.; Luis, J. S.; Gonçalves, Ana Cristina Editors: Gonçalves, Ana Cristina; Fonseca, Teresa Fidalgo Abstract: Pseudotsuga menziesii ((Mirb.) Franco), known as Douglas fir, is a prominent conifer species native to North America. It is known for its adaptability, rapid growth, and high-quality wood. It was introduced to Europe in the nineteenth century and is currently the most abundant non-native tree species cultivated in Central European forests. In Portugal, the species was initially cultivated as an ornamental plant and used for experimental purposes. However, its notable qualities, particularly its high volume production, have garnered significant interest. This has led to the implementation of reforestation programs, which expanded the forested areas by the late twentieth century. This study aims to review the state-of-the-art on the species, with a focus on forest stands outside its natural distribution area, specifically in Portugal. The authors present information on the species’ traits, growth dynamics, silviculture and management, available models to support its management, and wood properties. The main specific areas covered are: (i) the botanical and ecological characteristics of the species, including its distribution, genetic diversity, and responses to biotic and abiotic stresses; (ii) silvicultural practices and management strategies adapted to the species in Portugal, along with an overview of models and decision support tools; and (iii) characteristics of wood, covering its biometry, physical and mechanical properties. 2025-01-01T00:00:00Z http://hdl.handle.net/10174/38902 Title: Introductory Chapter: Vegetation Dynamics Authors: Gonçalves, Ana Cristina; Fonseca, Teresa Fidalgo Editors: Gonçalves, Ana Cristina; Fonseca, Teresa Fidalgo Abstract: The assessment of species traits is of primordial importance for the sustainability of ecosystems. In addition, short and long term monitoring is essential to understand the dynamics of vegetation. This understanding, in turn, contributes to effective ecosystem management, supporting the development of alternative management approaches and thus the resilience and resistance of systems to abiotic and biotic disturbances either natural or man-induced. 2025-01-01T00:00:00Z http://hdl.handle.net/10174/38524 Title: Exploring the Biometric Traits and Potential of Radiata Pine (Pinus radiata D. Don) as a Non-Native Species for Sustainable Forest Systems in Portugal Authors: Fonseca, Teresa; Costa, R. N. M.; Marques, C. P.; Louzada, J. L.; Gonçalves, Ana Cristina Editors: Fonseca, Teresa; Gonçalves, Ana Cristina Abstract: This chapter aims to provide information on biometric traits of radiata pine (Pinus radiata D. Don) outside its natural range, considering as a case study the use of the species in Portugal. The specific objectives of this study are: i) characterising the species; ii) its management; iii) its provisioning potential. To achieve the latter, data on the biometric characteristics of radiata pine trees in Portugal was compiled and analyzed. Briefly, the approach followed employs an equation developed to predict the stem volume of individual trees, which is then coupled with the inherent wood basic density to provide oven-dried biomass estimates. The volume equation demonstrated a noticeable goodness-of-fit (R2 = 0.994 and standard error of the residuals = 0.026 m3) across the entire range of diameters within the dataset (ranging from 7.5 to 45 cm). Additionally, a proposed wood density value of 460 kg/m3 is put forth as a representative value for the species. The tree stem biomass (and sequestered carbon) is then generalized to the stand unit. The results show that the species compares favourably with maritime pine in terms of wood provisioning and usage, broadening the options of pine species to consider in Portugal for reforestation or afforestation programs. 2024-01-01T00:00:00Z