The provision of multiple ecosystem services by Mediterranean agrosilvopastoral systems through system-based participatory research

Modern intensive agriculture and livestock farming have led to environmental degradation, including soil erosion, biodiversity loss, and increased greenhouse gas emissions. Agroforestry and mixed farming systems, rooted in traditional practices, offer sustainable alternatives by integrating diverse resources and enhancing ecosystem services (ESs). However, most studies on ESs focus on large scales, necessitating research at regional levels for practical application. This PhD project aims to optimize ES delivery in agroforestry systems and assess their complexity through a holistic, participatory approach in Mediterranean contexts, specifically South Tuscany. The study is structured into five main research activities. The first chapter analyzes the pecorino cheese value chain in South Tuscany, evaluating environmental, social, economic, and technical aspects based on 120 farmer interviews. The second chapter investigates soil erosion perception and risk in mixed farms through participatory modeling and GIS-based analysis, highlighting the role of perennial forage crops and reduced tillage in mitigating erosion. The third chapter presents a two-year experiment in a poplar-sheep silvopastoral system in Tuscany. Feeding trials demonstrated that fresh poplar leaves and stems are palatable to ewes without negatively impacting milk yield and quality. The fourth chapter compares silvopastoral systems in Chile and Italy, analyzing tree density and microclimatic effects on livestock heat stress. Findings suggest that optimizing tree row orientation and maintaining moderate tree densities (50–100 trees per hectare) can enhance animal welfare and pasture productivity. The fifth chapter, part of the AGROMIX Horizon 2020 project, explores participatory mapping in six European regions to support the transition to agroforestry. This approach facilitated collaborative land-use planning, addressing challenges such as soil erosion, biodiversity loss, and climate adaptation. The study highlights the importance of participatory research in co-designing resilient agroforestry systems and fostering knowledge exchange among farmers, scientists, and policymakers. Overall, this PhD research contributes to the scientific understanding of agroforestry's potential, emphasizing the need for site-specific assessments and stakeholder engagement to enhance sustainability and resilience in agricultural landscapes.