Bioecological Function As An Added Value Of Agrosilvopastoral Ecosystems. Case Study In A Spanish Dehesa

Summary

The use of conventional and intensive exploitation practices, as opposed to the organic ones, has caused a loss of the ecological value in many natural ecosystems. A clear example is the dehesa ecosystem in Spain, a semi-natural system that has a great diversity of flora and fauna and in which the intensive and industrial productive systems are replacing the traditional practices, which have maintained biodiversity in these ecosystems through centuries. This research aims to endorse the organic practices as a way not only to maintain but also to enrich the biodiversity of these silvopastoral traditional systems whilst improving the economical resources of the farm. An organic farm located in the central-western Spain was selected to analyze its animal and plants diversity and therefore its natural capital, using direct and indirect observations.