BIOMONTADO – Montado ecosystem and vineyards

Abstract

The montado is considered a high nature value (HNV) agro-silvopastoral system that provides important ecosystem services, in addition to tradable products, namely biodiversity conservation, soil conservation, carbon sequestration, organic matter storage and water cycle regulation. In the Alentejo region, its matrix is often interrupted by patches of agricultural systems, such as vineyards. The BIOMONTADO project aims to promote the sustainability and resilience of the Montado-Vineyard combination as a factor of competitiveness for wineproducing companies. In this context, we are implementing pilot plots focused on conserving the structure, health and functionality of the soil (direct seeding, mulching, biochar), restoring patches of natural habitats (groves, Mediterranean shrubs, temporary ponds, rocky outcrops), enhancing biodiversity (refuge and feeding areas for fauna, promotion of pollinators and beneficial insects), and promoting habitat connectivity (ecological restoration of watercourses, multifunctional biodiversity field hedges).