1.2 Contact details of resource persons and institutions involved in the assessment and documentation of the Technology

Name of project which facilitated the documentation/ evaluation of the Technology (if relevant)

1.3 Conditions regarding the use of data documented through WOCAT

The compiler and key resource person(s) accept the conditions regarding the use of data documented through WOCAT:

Yes

1.4 Declaration on sustainability of the described Technology

Is the Technology described here problematic with regard to land degradation, so that it cannot be declared a sustainable land management technology?

No

2.1 Short description of the Technology

Definition of the Technology:

The Montado/ Dehesa Agroforestry system contributes to carbon sequestration in Spain and Portugal. The SmartAG app helps in monitoring and management of these systems, providing data available to farmers, producers, and stakeholders.

2.2 Detailed description of the Technology

Description:

The SmartAG model is mainly applied in the Montado (Portugal) and Dehesa (Spain) agroforestry systems which serve as a biodiversity oasis in the
Mediterranean region. They are currently being heavily impacted by climate change.
It contributes to achieving carbon sequestration potential. The SmartAG model is also applied in agriculture systems in Portugal, Spain, Greece, The Netherlands, Indonesia and Ukraine. Nevertheless, it can be applied in any part of the world. The SmartAG app provides accurate Agricultural Climate Services on a large-scale, available to farmers, producers, and stakeholders. The model analyzes agronomic anomalies to reduce CO2 emissions and promote CO2 sequestration in the soil, via remote sensing. Additionally, it seeks to remotely analyze farms by evaluating the spatiotemporal dynamics occurring in agroforestry activities for the same purposes.
Through data collection on land use, mapping, remote sensing and in situ data collection, an assessment of the initial state of the farm is carried out, along a carbon balance, to establish a reference scenario (baseline year). Future projections are made, and recommendations formulated.
Users appreciate this methodology because it helps them conserve or increase current carbon stocks, potentially creating a new source of income through the sale
of carbon credits. SmartAG is a highly user-friendly app which records georeferenced evidence of existing conditions and activities. It facilitates a transparent and participatory process in agroforestry ecosystem management.
SmartAG automatically processes data from Sentinel-1 and Sentinel-2 data, and LST data for thermo-climatic zoning. These data: i) allow monitoring, reporting and verification of farms; ii) provide machine learning capabilities in agroforestry and environmental data.
Based on Sentinel data, spectral vegetation indices are calculated to identify: i) crop anomalies related to soil-water-plant; ii) management zones to define different land uses, the selection of sampling locations and sensor installation sites, water sampling locations, and identification of species for biodiversity quantification.
The Montado/Dehesa is a slow-developing and very complex agroforestry system meaning that differences will be observable only at the end of a year or longer. In addition, it is a highly stratified system, consisting of a complex arboreal structure with trees of different ages, shrubs, and herbaceous vegetation. Given the limitations of Sentinel-1 and Sentinel-2 satellites it is essential to record georeferenced evidence of these. Using SmartAG app developed by AgroInsider allows the collection of georeferenced evidence (e.g., photos, audios, and videos) of
the vegetation structures, as well as documenting evidence of processes occurring such as ecosystem services and biodiversity. Georeferenced evidence is automatically uploaded into the system.

2.3 Photos of the Technology

2.4 Videos of the Technology

2.5 Country/ region/ locations where the Technology has been applied and which are covered by this assessment

Country:

Portugal

Region/ State/ Province:

Alentejo

Specify the spread of the Technology:

• evenly spread over an area

If the Technology is evenly spread over an area, specify area covered (in km2):

100000.0

Is/are the technology site(s) located in a permanently protected area?

Yes

If yes, specify:

Montado and Dehesa constitute a Very High Nature Value agroforestry system which is under protection.

Map

×

2.6 Date of implementation

Indicate year of implementation:

2023

2.7 Introduction of the Technology

Specify how the Technology was introduced:

• during experiments/ research

Comments (type of project, etc.):

In 2023 AgroInsider started the implementation of the LMT and SmartAG monitoring in Agroforestry system case studies in Montado, in Portugal, and Dehesa, in Spain.

3.1 Main purpose(s) of the Technology

• reduce, prevent, restore land degradation
• conserve ecosystem
• protect a watershed/ downstream areas – in combination with other Technologies
• preserve/ improve biodiversity
• mitigate climate change and its impacts

3.2 Current land use type(s) where the Technology is applied

Land use mixed within the same land unit:

Yes

Specify mixed land use (crops/ grazing/ trees):

• Agro-silvopastoralism

Grazing land

Extensive grazing:

• Ranching
• Transhumant pastoralism

Intensive grazing/ fodder production:

• Improved pastures

Animal type:

• cattle - non-dairy beef
• poultry
• sheep

Is integrated crop-livestock management practiced?

No

Products and services:

• meat
• milk
• whool

Species:

sheep

Count:

40

Species:

cattle - dairy and beef (e.g. zebu)

Count:

40

Forest/ woodlands

• (Semi-)natural forests/ woodlands

(Semi-)natural forests/ woodlands: Specify management type:

• Dead wood/ prunings removal

• Mediterranean Agroforestry System (Montado/Dehesa)

• cork holm, cork oak

Are the trees specified above deciduous or evergreen?

• evergreen

Products and services:

• Fruits and nuts
• Nature conservation/ protection

• cork

3.3 Has land use changed due to the implementation of the Technology?

Has land use changed due to the implementation of the Technology?

• No (Continue with question 3.4)

3.4 Water supply

Water supply for the land on which the Technology is applied:

• rainfed

3.5 SLM group to which the Technology belongs

• agroforestry
• pastoralism and grazing land management
• improved ground/ vegetation cover

3.6 SLM measures comprising the Technology

vegetative measures

• V1: Tree and shrub cover
• V2: Grasses and perennial herbaceous plants

management measures

• M1: Change of land use type
• M2: Change of management/ intensity level

3.7 Main types of land degradation addressed by the Technology

chemical soil deterioration

• Cn: fertility decline and reduced organic matter content (not caused by erosion)
• Ca: acidification

physical soil deterioration

• Pc: compaction

3.8 Prevention, reduction, or restoration of land degradation

Specify the goal of the Technology with regard to land degradation:

• prevent land degradation
• reduce land degradation

4.1 Technical drawing of the Technology

Technical specifications (related to technical drawing):

The LMT will be implemented on a farm with montado/dehesa (minimum area of 100 ha). Satellite data is used to characterize land use. After identifying the montado/dehesa area, field sampling is conducted. These data, along with satellite imagery, will be used to calculate the total CO2eq stock (above and below ground biomass) and estimate CO2eq sequestration. Farmers are encouraged to enhance LMT effectiveness, notably by engaging in ecosystem-value activities such as avoiding soil disturbance to preserve soil organic matter, increasing tree density, and maintaining water mirrors. Farmers will record georeferenced evidence of improvement activities and existing biodiversity in the montado and in other areas of the farm using the SmartAG developed by AgroInsider. This app will allow to monitor, report and verify carbon stocks through weekly alert reports, enabling the identification of carbon anomalies/losses over time and space.

Author:

Patrícia Lourenço

Date:

23/04/2024

4.2 General information regarding the calculation of inputs and costs

Specify how costs and inputs were calculated:

• per Technology area

other/ national currency (specify):

Euro (€)

4.3 Establishment activities

4.4 Costs and inputs needed for establishment

If land user bore less than 100% of costs, indicate who covered the remaining costs:

The costs are covered by AgroInsider

Comments:

This value varies depending on the distance from AgroInsider's headquarters to the farm, the farm's area, and carbon-emitting farm activities (i.e., agricultural activities).

4.5 Maintenance/ recurrent activities

4.7 Most important factors affecting the costs

Describe the most determinate factors affecting the costs:

Human resources, farm area, and the quantity of carbon-emitting farm activities (i.e., agricultural activities).

5.1 Climate

5.2 Topography

Indicate if the Technology is specifically applied in:

• not relevant

5.3 Soils

5.4 Water availability and quality

Is water salinity a problem?

No

Is flooding of the area occurring?

No

5.5 Biodiversity

Comments and further specifications on biodiversity:

The Agroforestry system Montado, in Portugal, and Dehesa, in Spain, is a High Nature Value system characterized by a high complexity because of the interactions between climate, soil, pasture (natural pastures, fertilized natural pastures, and sown biodiverse permanent pastures rich in legumes), trees (e.g., pure or mix stands of cork oak, holm oak, stone pine), and animals (e.g., sheep, pigs, cows, goats). Montado/Dehesa is one of the most prominent and best preserved low-intensity farming systems in Europe. The integration of traditional land-use and biodiversity conservation that is characteristic of this system is an exemplar for the wise management of the countryside.

5.6 Characteristics of land users applying the Technology

5.7 Average area of land used by land users applying the Technology

5.8 Land ownership, land use rights, and water use rights

Land ownership:

• individual, titled

Land use rights:

• individual

Water use rights:

• individual

Are land use rights based on a traditional legal system?

Yes

5.9 Access to services and infrastructure

6.1 On-site impacts the Technology has shown

Socio-economic impacts

Production

Income and costs

Ecological impacts

Biodiversity: vegetation, animals

Climate and disaster risk reduction

6.2 Off-site impacts the Technology has shown

Specify assessment of off-site impacts (measurements):

None

6.3 Exposure and sensitivity of the Technology to gradual climate change and climate-related extremes/ disasters (as perceived by land users)

Gradual climate change

Gradual climate change

Climate-related extremes (disasters)

Climatological disasters

6.4 Cost-benefit analysis

How do the benefits compare with the establishment costs (from land users’ perspective)?

How do the benefits compare with the maintenance/ recurrent costs (from land users' perspective)?

6.5 Adoption of the Technology

• > 50%

Of all those who have adopted the Technology, how many did so spontaneously, i.e. without receiving any material incentives/ payments?

• 51-90%

6.6 Adaptation

Has the Technology been modified recently to adapt to changing conditions?

No

6.7 Strengths/ advantages/ opportunities of the Technology

6.8 Weaknesses/ disadvantages/ risks of the Technology and ways of overcoming them

7.1 Methods/ sources of information

7.2 References to available publications

Title, author, year, ISBN:

Pinto-Correia, T., & Mira Potes, J. (2013). Livro verde dos montados.

Available from where? Costs?

https://dspace.uevora.pt/rdpc/bitstream/10174/10116/1/Livro%20Verde%20dos%20Montados_Versao%20online%20%202013.pdf

Title, author, year, ISBN:

Lourenço, Patrícia, & Silva, José Rafael Marques (2023). How our portfolio of land-use practices might be adopted at scale in Portugal

Available from where? Costs?

https://static1.squarespace.com/static/5f7b27859c352b2444f4cbd9/t/64a5440ac47212047978bc68/1688552460748/Portugal.pdf