Assessment of ecosystem services provided by species of arthropods in Azorean agro-ecosystems.
Informations
- Funding country
Portugal- Acronym
- AGRO-ECOSERVICES
- Start date
- 1/1/2019
- End date
- 12/31/2021
- Budget
- 179,948 EUR
Fundings
| Name | Role | Start | End | Amount |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Açores OP 2020: Açores Operational Programme to 2020 | Grant | - | - | 179,948 EUR |
Abstract
We plan to set the investigations in Azorean agro-ecosystems (pastures, maize fields, vineyards, citrus orchards), which greatly depend economically on ES. Understanding and managing the biodiversity dynamics of island agro-ecosystems for improving ecosystem functioning and the delivery of ES/ED is a key challenge that needs attention. In fact, the crops with the largest cultivation area on the AIs are pastures, followed by maize. Maize–pasture rotation is common, both serving animal production. Due to their long coexistence and close taxonomic relationship (both are grasses), several pests interact with both crops all year round (P. Monjardino, pers. observ.). These interactions need to be further understood, because significant yield losses are presently occurring in both crops. Vineyards and citrus orchards are among the most important crops in AIs. Both crops have significant problems with pests and diseases due to benign environmental conditions that facilitate their propagation and sometimes due to improper cultural practices.