Author(s):
Ferreiro-Dominguez, N. 
; Palma, J.H.N. ; Rigueiro-Rodriguez, A. ; Minnuno, F. ; Mosquera-Losada, R.
Date: 2014
Persistent ID: http://hdl.handle.net/10400.5/7252
Origin: Repositório da UTL
Subject(s): silvopastoral systems; Pinus radiata
Description
Poster The establishment of silvopastoral systems in which trees, animals and pasture are integrated within the same area is promoted by the EU (Council Regulation 1698/2005 and 1305/2013) because these systems diversify and sustain production with increased social, economic and environmental benefits for land users at several levels. However, the environmental and economic benefits of silvopastoral systems are highly difficult to predict due to the interaction of many factors. Furthermore research through field experiments is expensive and time-consuming when tree measurements have to be taken into account. One option to determine the benefits of silvopastoral systems could be the use of Yield-SAFE model that provides one method for overcoming these drawbacks. Moreover, in Galicia (NW Spain) the environmental and economic benefits of silvopastoral systems are different from the rest of Europe mainly due to the region’s humid climate and they have not yet been adequately evaluated. The objective of this study was the calibration of the parameters of the Yield-SAFE model in silvopastoral systems established with Pinus radiata D. Don in Galicia (NW Spain). Parameter calibration of Yield-SAFE model was performed after measuring height and diameter of Pinus radiata D. Don established at two densities (833 y 2500 trees ha-1) from 1996 to 2013. Moreover, pasture production was also determined in all years of the experiment. The initial estimation of the model parameters was based on an extensive literature review and on existing data sets with tree and pasture measurements. Yield-SAFE calibration procedure was successfully performed for trees. However, Yield-SAFE model was not adequately calibrated for pasture probably due to the multi specific pasture composition with different light and humidity requirements, responding differently to multiannual harvests. However, the Yield-SAFE model adaptation to Pinus radiata D. Don trees was successful and allows us to predict tree response to different situations, but an improvement of pasture parameters, or adapt model structure for multiple arable component species is needed to improved estimations.
