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Sustainable grazing management in agroforestry landscapes
Key words: agroforestry, climate change, creep grazing, shrubs
Author contribution
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Department of Forestry and Natural Environment, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, 54124 Thessaloniki yiak@for.auth.gr
Grazing In Agroforestry Systems
Livestock grazing is an integral part of silvopastoral and agrosilvopastoral agroforestry systems. It is important from an ecological, economic, and environmental point of view, and it plays a significant role in the formation of agroforestry landscapes due to the relationship and interaction between livestock and natural resources. Agroforestry systems and the landscapes they produce constitute a part of a location’s identity; they are connected to the areas in which they are found and are considered valuable local resources. These systems are traditionally used by farmers to provide shade and feed for their animals throughout the year.
Sustainable management of agroforestry systems focuses on maintaining and restoring biodiversity, producing products, and protecting critical ecosystem services as well as farmers’ livelihoods, all of which are mutually-beneficial goals for humans and nature, rather than isolated efforts or aims in direct confrontation with each other (Tanentzap et al. 2015). Grazing is a tool for vegetation management and its rational use can contribute to the sustainable management of agroforestry systems and the fight against their degradation (Röhrig et al. 2020). Controlled grazing reduces the competition between understorey and overstorey vegetation, increases tree productivity, facilitates the cultivation and harvesting of products (wood, resin, fruits, etc.), and provides additional income from animal products. Grazing also contributes to the reduction of dry biomass accumulation and wildfire risk (Yiakoulaki et al. 1999, Mancilla and Vicente 2012) as well as the invasion of woody species (Zarovali et al. 2007). It also promotes the conservation of diversity and endangered bird species (Papoulia et al. 2002, Tsiakiris and Stara 2004).
