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Dynamic Role and Importance of Multi-Kingdom Communities in Mediterranean Wood-Pastures

Author

Listed:
  • Eleni Topalidou

    (Hellenic Agricultural Organization “DEMETER”, Forest Research Institute, Vasilika, 57006 Thessaloniki, Greece)

  • Alexandra D. Solomou

    (Hellenic Agricultural Organization “DEMETER”, Institute of Mediterranean & Forest Ecosystems, Terma Alkmanos, Ilisia, 11528 Athens, Greece)

  • Susana S. Santos

    (Department of Agroecology, Aarhus University, 4000 Slagelse, Denmark)

  • Evdokia Krystallidou

    (American Farm School, Marinou Antipa 54, P.O. Box 23, 55102 Thessaloniki, Greece)

  • Styliani Kakara

    (Hellenic Agricultural Organization “DEMETER”, Institute of Mediterranean & Forest Ecosystems, Terma Alkmanos, Ilisia, 11528 Athens, Greece)

  • Konstantinos Mantzanas

    (Laboratory of Rangeland Ecology, Aristotle University Thessaloniki, 54124 Thessaloniki, Greece)

Abstract

Wood-pastures are among the most valuable types of farmland for ecosystem services, including biodiversity, landscape, soil protection, water management and cultural values. This paper reviews the scientific literature regarding the dynamic role and importance of plant, fungal and ruminant communities in Mediterranean wood-pastures and assesses the favorable and unfavorable aspects of their occurrence through grazing management. The grasslands of the Mediterranean region play an important role both in forage material production and the conservation of biodiversity in plant communities and at the landscape level. These two management purposes are not conflicting but complementary when the management is based upon the knowledge of the effect of grazing on the ecology of these ecosystems. Conclusively, vascular plant, fungal and ruminant communities have a strong influence on ecosystem structure and functioning and they play a key role in many ecological services. Hence, integrated studies which combine multi-level ecological research are essential in order to identify regional and/or national needs in terms of biodiversity, genetic resources, sustainable rural development and conservation policies.

Suggested Citation

  • Eleni Topalidou & Alexandra D. Solomou & Susana S. Santos & Evdokia Krystallidou & Styliani Kakara & Konstantinos Mantzanas, 2021. "Dynamic Role and Importance of Multi-Kingdom Communities in Mediterranean Wood-Pastures," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 13(18), pages 1-21, September.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:13:y:2021:i:18:p:10179-:d:633642
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Alexandra D. Solomou & Rafaelia Germani & Nikolaos Proutsos & Michaela Petropoulou & Petros Koutroumpilas & Christos Galanis & Georgios Maroulis & Antonios Kolimenakis, 2022. "Utilizing Mediterranean Plants to Remove Contaminants from the Soil Environment: A Short Review," Agriculture, MDPI, vol. 12(2), pages 1-19, February.

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