Modelling and optimising associated biodiversity in alley cropping systems

Publication date: 20-02-2025
Extent: 30 pages

Contributions by: Mário Santos, CITAB (Centre for the Research and Technology of Agro-Environmental and Biological Sciences) - University of Trás-os-Montes e Alto Douro, Portugal and Federal Institute of Education, Science and Technology of Para, Brazil; Berta Gonçalves and André Fonseca, CITAB (Centre for the Research and Technology of Agro-Environmental and Biological Sciences) - University of Trás-os-Montes e Alto Douro, Portugal; Reinaldo Lucas Cajaiba, Federal Institute of Education, Science and Technology of Para, Brazil; Henrique Trindade, Fátima Gonçalves and Cristina Carlos, CITAB (Centre for the Research and Technology of Agro- Environmental and Biological Sciences) - University of Trás-os-Montes e Alto Douro, Portugal; Darinka Gonzalez, CITAB (Centre for the Research and Technology of Agro-Environmental and Biological Sciences) - University of Trás-os-Montes e Alto Douro, Portugal and University of Vigo, Spain; Mário Gonzalez Pereira and Lívia Madureira, CITAB (Centre for the Research and Technology of Agro-Environmental and Biological Sciences) - University of Trás-os-Montes e Alto Douro, Portugal; Mariane Cristina Inocente and Fátima Piña-Rodrigues, Federal University of São Carlos (UFSCar), Brazil; João Santos, CITAB (Centre for the Research and Technology of Agro-Environmental and Biological Sciences) - University of Trás-os-Montes e Alto Douro, Portugal; and Maria Rosa Mosquera-Losada, University of Santiago de Compostela, Spain

Chapter synopsis:

The mechanisms shaping biodiversity in agroecosystems and particularly in agroforestry are difficult to understand and predict. The relation between planned biodiversity, the species chosen by the farmer, and associated biodiversity, the species that are able to adapt and thrive in agroforestry systems, is determined by diverse biological, environmental and management variables. Most studies in this area rely on case studies within specific biogeographical zones, species combinations and management options, which hampers drawing general conclusions. This chapter describes a modelling approach to compare associated biodiversity in different agroecosystems. Results show the relevance of alley cropping and intercropping to increase associated biodiversity in agricultural landscapes. The chapter also highlights the importance of further research to guide environmental managers and practitioners in applying the best policies for biodiversity conservation in agricultural landscapes.

DOI: 10.19103/AS.2024.0141.15

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