Types of silvoarable system: multifunctional windbreaks and riparian buffers

Publication date: 30-09-2025
Extent: 30 pages

Contributions by: Oskar Englund, Mid Sweden University, Sweden; and Pål Börjesson, Mid Sweden University/Lund University, Sweden

Chapter synopsis:

In this chapter, the authors summarize historic and current research on multifunctional biomass production, and provide insights in current research trends and future possibilities. The chapter is oriented around a case study in which widespread deployment of riparian buffers and windbreaks is modelled across Europe, in over 81,000 landscapes. Using three policy scenarios, we identify landscapes in which riparian buffers and windbreaks can mitigate nitrogen emissions to water and wind erosion, respectively, and quantify corresponding areas, biomass output, and environmental benefits. The findings indicate that the implementation of these systems results in effective mitigation of the targeted environmental impacts, concurrently yielding substantial environmental co-benefits with minimal consequences on prevailing agricultural production. Such beneficial land-use change is pivotal in fulfilling environmental targets and facilitating progress towards a sustainable bioeconomy.

DOI: 10.19103/AS.2024.0141.13