PromPromoting livestock silvopastoral activity through the use of virtual fences as a basis for the control of the development of the understory shrubsoting livestock silvopastoral activity through the use of virtual fences as a basis for the control of the development of the understory shrubs

Abstract

In recent years, a trend toward rural abandonment has emerged, promoting the encroachment of scrubland and understory, which, together with climate change, has increased the risk of wildfires.  Therefore, the objective of this study was to promote silvopastoral practices to control the development of the understory vegetation through the use of new tools such as virtual fences, which could also be useful to attract the livestock sector. This work was conducted in two forest ecosystems in Orozko (Pinus radiata) (Bizkaia) and Jauregi (Quercus faginea) (Araba), where Terreña cattle and Sasiardi sheep were introduced, respectively, in autumn of 2023 and 2024. Samples were taken from grazed and control plots (the latter delimited by virtual fencing). In each plot biomass quantity, the cover of the vegetation functional groups, and their correlation with livestock activity was assessed. Cattle reduced fern biomass and prevented the development of the gorse (Ulex gallii) by trampling. Besides, their activity was positively correlated with gramines and graminoids and negatively correlated with moss. Sheep reduced bramble and total shrub cover, although their activity was positively correlated with these groups, indicating their ability to feed on this vegetation. In conclusion, silvopastoralism combined with the use of virtual fences is a practice with high potential for controlling understory scrub encroachment, thereby reducing the risk of wildfires.