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- An assessment of wind resources with micro-generation applied on farmland in inland PortugalPublication . Cruz, Vanderlei; Duarte, A.C.; Cerejo, António; Martins Roque, NatáliaSince immemorial time, wind energy has been exploited. Taking advantage of the progress of technology, it has become possible to produce electricity through wind turbines in windy locations, even in the most remote places. In various parts of the world, especially in areas with favorable conditions, it has become evident that such alternative energy corresponds to an extremely interesting choice. Portugal is no exception and is increasingly committed to wind energy, whose participation in energy production has stood out over time. In 2021, 26% of Portugal's electricity came from wind, which positions the country as one of the leaders in using this renewable resource. This project focuses on analyzing the direction and intensity of winds in the Beira Baixa region, expanding this analysis to the possibility of using wind turbines in mini and micro-generation next to the rural population and the villages, but not neglecting the possibilities of integration with other renewable energy sources, through hybrid systems, such as solar and hydro.
- Manual de apoio à produção bovina. Métodos de identificação na exploraçãoPublication . Rodrigues, A.M.; Dias, Sandra D.F.Em Portugal, a identificação oficial de bovinos é obrigatória e está devidamente regulamentada pela legislação Europeia e Nacional. No entanto, existem muitos outros métodos de identificação que podem ser utilizados pelos produtores numa exploração de bovinos. Em muitos casos, estes métodos permitem acrescentar valor à informação obtida através da identificação oficial. Este livro foi elaborado para estudantes que frequentam cursos na área das Ciências Agrárias e para empresários e técnicos que exercem atividades relacionadas com a bovinicultura de leite e de carne. Descreve vários métodos de identificação que podem ser utilizados numa exploração bovina divididos em métodos de identificação temporária, aqueles que são facilmente removidos e substituídos, e métodos de identificação permanente, aqueles que dificilmente podem ser removidos do animal e, em alguns casos, só podem ser retirados após o seu abate.
- Manual de apoio à produção bovina. Descorna de bovinosPublication . Rodrigues, A.M.Com este trabalho, elaborado para estudantes que frequentam cursos na área das Ciências Agrárias e para empresários e técnicos que exercem atividade nos setores da bovinicultura de leite e de carne, descrevem-se as diferentes técnicas de descorna de bovinos. Relativamente à descorna de animais jovens, são referidas técnicas que utilizam produtos cáusticos e termocautérios. No que diz respeito à descorna de animais adultos, apresentam-se os métodos de descorna com cabo descornador, com serra elétrica e com descornadoras, manuais e hidráulicas. No processo de descorna é prioritário ter em consideração o bem-estar animal e a segurança dos operadores. Também devem ser cumpridas as regras propostas pela DGAV (Direção Geral de Alimentação e Veterinária) para estas intervenções de maneio.
- Planeamento, gestão e monitorização de recursos agroflorestais: ferramentas de apoio à decisãoPublication . Alegria, C.M.M.No início da década de 90 do século 20, o pinheiro-bravo era a espécie mais representativa da floresta de Portugal Continental (40%; 1252,3 mil ha). Esta floresta situava-se principalmente na região Centro do País constituída por uma grande mancha florestal contínua. É sabido que a Norte do rio Tejo o regime de propriedade é essencialmente privado e de pequena dimensão. Assim, a floresta de pinheiro-bravo da região Centro, embora ocupando geograficamente uma extensa área contínua, é no plano cadastral um imenso retalho de pequenas propriedades privadas (minifúndio), que tem dificultado a execução de estudos nesta floresta. Numa perspetiva do proprietário florestal, um dos procedimentos que se revelam de marcado interesse é a cubagem das árvores, com vista à determinação do seu volume. A avaliação do volume da árvore, e consequentemente o volume do povoamento, é vital para a comercialização da madeira. Porém, a determinação do volume da árvore por medições diretas implica o abate das árvores o que nem sempre é possível. Assim, os volumes da árvore são estimados recorrendo a modelos de simulação, tendo por base a medição de variáveis expeditas e de recolha pouco dispendiosa, como sejam o diâmetro da árvore e a altura da árvore. Existem diversas tipologias de modelos (e.g., para simulação do volume total, dos volumes percentuais e do perfil de tronco), que de forma integrada permitem simular o volume total da árvore e os volumes mercantis de acordo com a toragem desejada e dimensão comercial dos diâmetros dos toros, exigidos para um determinado fim industrial. Tal, é de extrema importância na medida em que o preço de venda da madeira de pinheiro-bravo varia consoante o seu destino industrial (e.g., madeira, rolaria e lenha). Quando da realização deste estudo os modelos existentes para o pinheiro-bravo eram generalistas, aplicáveis para Portugal Continental ou para grandes regiões do País, e não permitiam obter os volumes mercantis da árvore de forma flexível e detalhada. Assim, foi objetivo deste estudo realizar o ajustamento de várias tipologias de modelos, designadamente, modelos de volume total, de volume percentual e de perfil de tronco, para os povoamentos puros de pinheiro-bravo no distrito de Castelo Branco. Para o efeito, teve-se por base os dados recolhidos entre 1987 e 1989 em 146 árvores (1588 observações) em povoamentos puros desta espécie na área em estudo. Os modelos de simulação obtidos são ferramentas indispensáveis para apoiar a decisão e rentabilizar economicamente a venda da madeira de pinheiro-bravo na região em estudo de acordo com as especificações comerciais para o destino industrial pretendido. Estes modelos são ainda uma das componentes necessárias para o desenvolvimento de um modelo de crescimento e produção para a espécie e área de estudo.
- Irrigation, engineering and food producionPublication . Duarte, A.C.; Melian Navarro, Amparo; Lovelli, Stella; Castronuovo, Donato; Ruiz Canales, Antonio; Gonçalves, José ManuelThe present chapter will focus on the water use in agricultural activity, under Mediterranean edaphoclimatic conditions, with very particular characteristics, such as climatic irregularity, the absence of precipitation in the summer months, and, in many years, much rainfall in the winter months, that can require the installation of drainage systems. Despite these climatic adversities, these climatic conditions are very good, many times the best conditions, for some crops, like olives, tomatoes, grapes, dry fruits, some vegetables, and others less important (Neira et al, 2024). Considering the importance of water in these climatic conditions, this chapter will look at three realities in three different countries in the Mediterranean basin, Portugal, Spain, and Italy, which highlight the importance of using water to obtain qualified agricultural production and high yields for farmers (Zagaria et al, 2023). In addition, climate change is altering precipitation patterns, leading to longer and more frequent droughts, as well as flooding during short periods (CanatárioDuarte et al, 2022). Overexploitation of aquifers and contamination of water sources has led to a reduction in the availability of freshwater, raising serious concerns for agricultural production (Rojas-Downing et al, 2017). The Mediterranean region is known for its agricultural diversity, where the production of crops such as olives, grapes, citrus fruits, and vegetables is essential for the local economy and the culture of the countries that comprise it. However, this region also faces significant challenges related to climate change, which affect water availability and, consequently, agricultural production. Agriculture is a key component of food security, which refers to access to sufficient, safe, and nutritious food to meet the dietary needs of a population. As the global population and food demand continue to grow, more intensive agricultural production approaches are required, especially in the Mediterranean region, where agriculture is vital for local economies. In a context where the population continues to grow, efficient water management becomes crucial to ensure food security and the sustainability of agriculture in the Mediterranean basin (FAO, 2020). Water is a vital resource, not only for crop growth but also for the livelihood of rural communities that depend on agriculture as their main source of income. Also, water is fundamental for photosynthesis, nutrient transport, and temperature regulation in plants (World Bank, 2016).
- Manual de apoio à produção bovina. Métodos de contenção de bovinosPublication . Rodrigues, A.M.; Primo, Ângelo Soares; Matos, Luís Filipe Lopes de; Pereira, Madalena D' Oliveira; Jorge, Rafaela Alexandra LaurinoCom este trabalho pretendemos evidenciar a importância que deve ser dada à segurança quando trabalhamos em explorações de bovinos de leite e de carne. Os bovinos são animais de grande porte, pesados e muito poderosos fisicamente. Podem provocar danos graves no homem. Ao longo do texto, com desenhos e pinturas, descrevem-se um conjunto de técnicas de contenção. Apresentam-se técnicas de contenção com corda para imobilizar o animal de pé (contenção da cabeça, dos membros anteriores e dos membros posteriores) e técnicas para derrubar e imobilizar o bovino no chão. Também se mostram os pontos mais sensíveis da cabeça e do corpo do bovino e os equipamentos de contenção que podem ser utilizados para sujeitar o animal. O conhecimento destes pontos de sensibilidade e dos equipamentos de contenção será uma vantagem para o operador, facilitando o maneio diário com os animais. A aplicação correta das técnicas de contenção que são descritas neste livro vai permitir que produtores e técnicos atuem com maior segurança individual durante as várias operações de maneio que ocorrem numa exploração de bovinos. Considera-se prioritário garantir a proteção do operador, dos seus ajudantes e dos animais.
- A spatial decision support system to assess the nature-based tourism development potential in the Centro Interior region of PortugalPublication . Quinta-Nova, L.C.With its potential to conserve environmental values, integrate local communities, boost sustainable development, generate jobs, improve infrastruc-ture, and support the local economy, nature-based tourism is a significant source of income for local communities, stimulating entrepreneurship and economic di-versification. Based on this principle, this study aims to assess the potential of existing natural resources in the Centro Interior region that can anchor the crea-tion of tourism products that respect the fundamental criteria of nature-based tourism. Identifying areas suitable for developing tourism activities and their con-straints was based on integrating a set of criteria using multicriteria spatial anal-ysis tools in a GIS environment. The following descriptors were integrated: the bird and plant richness, target species of plants and animals, protected areas, land-scape diversity, hemeroby level, geologic values, road network, accommodation offer, existing water bodies and watercourses, and pedestrian routes. The criteria were classified into three suitability levels by applying the Hierarchical Analyti-cal Process. The results indicate the region's favorable conditions for engaging in nature-based activities. The study, with its comprehensive analysis, suggests that the information produced could prove valuable in formulating new policies to enhance the value of natural assets through tourism, empowering stakeholders and policymakers to make informed decisions for the Centro Interior region.
- Suitability analysis of alternative agroforestry systems in Beira Baixa (Portugal) in the context of climate change mitigation and adaptationPublication . Quinta-Nova, L.C.The proliferation of single-species tree plantations, predominantly consisting of pine or eucalyptus trees, poses a significant challenge in Portugal. These monoculture plantations, driven by the pulp and paper industry, have expanded extensively across the country. Unlike mixed forests or agroforestry systems, monoculture plantations are more prone to fire spread and lack the benefits of water retention and erosion control. A diverse landscape with various land uses and vegetation types is a crucial natural barrier against large-scale forest fires. This study, conducted with rigorous scientific methods, aims to assess the viability of cultivating cork oak (Quercus suber L.), holm oak (Quercus rotundifolia Lam.), and strawberry tree (Arbutus unedo L.) in agroforestry mode in the Beira Baixa region. Biophysical criteria related to soil and climate were analyzed using a Geographic Information System (GIS) for present and future scenarios (RCP 4.5 and 8.5 for 2050 and 2070). The suitability analysis employed the Analytical Hierarchy Process (AHP), involving hierarchical decision-making levels and pairwise comparison of criteria to determine weights. The suitability for the strawberry tree will reduce significantly in both RCP scenarios, with the highest decrease observed in the worst-case scenario. The area with high potential for holm oak will expand in both scenarios, and cork oak will be relatively stable for RCP 4.5 and will be highly reduced for RCP 8.5. The study confirms AHP's efficacy in evaluating tree species suitability and underscores the importance of resilient agroforestry systems in adapting to climate change.
- Recent land use land cover change tendencies in Continental Portugal: Are they sustainable?Publication . Quinta-Nova, L.C.The Land Use Land Cover (LULC) pattern of landscapes is a key element of basic landscape structure; accordingly, this pattern has a vital role in landscape management, nature conservation, and preservation. On the other hand, the human impact on the ecological environment has attracted significant attention. The study aimed to investigate the relationship between human disturbance intensity and landscape pattern configuration and quality. The objectives are: (1) to analyze the spatiotemporal dynamics of landscape and human disturbance in the process of land use change in Continental Portugal between 1990 and 2018, and (2) to explore the relationship between the landscape change trajectories and human disturbance/ naturalness metrics, to reveal how landscape-pattern-change tendencies can be used as indicators of the level of sustainability. We quantified the landscape configuration through a set of land use metrics, such as Mean Patch Size, Mean Shape Index, Total Edge, and Mean Patch Fractal Dimension. The LULC Corine Land Cover databases from 1990, 2006, and 2018 were used to calculate the landscape metrics. Patch level and landscape level metrics were calculated for 163 quadrats of 25 km2 each, covering the country, with the Patch Analyst extension of the Arc GIS 10.8 software. The Hemeroby Index (HI) was calculated to measure the level of human-induced disturbance in the landscape. Correlation analysis revealed the statistical connections between the change in landscape metric parameters and the change in HI. The change in Total Edge metrics negatively correlates with the change in human disturbance. That suggests that the increase in complexity of the landscape corresponds to low levels of disturbance. Landscape metrics could be appropriate for describing the landscape's human disturbance/naturalness status, confirming the results obtained in previous studies. Using a set of structural and quality indicators can be helpful for planners and decision-makers to analyze trends in land use patterns at a regional level.
- Spatial planning of nature sports in cross-border regions with a focus on orienteeringPublication . Quinta-Nova, L.C.As a growing sector, tourism has become a significant contributor to the global economy and has the potential to promote economic growth and development in many regions. Nature sports tourism can be an important aspect of tourism and can have significant economic, social, and cultural impacts on the host communities. Nature sports activities and events are usually integral to tourism market planning. Hosting sporting events has become a key strategy for destinations to gain recognition and is often included in their event portfolios for annual tourism planning. Using events to mitigate seasonality and diversify tourist flows is a common objective, as it can contribute to the local visitor economy and enhance the overall viability of the destination. As the popularity of outdoor events continues to grow, it is important to understand the environmental consequences of outdoor events and to implement sustainable practices. Addressing environmental sustainability is, therefore, a crucial aspect of nature sports tourism planning. This chapter focuses on a particular nature sport—orienteering. The most important factor for selecting areas for orienteering is the difficulty of a challenging terrain that enables a good course setting. Finding a suitable area for foot orienteering involves multiple criteria. The main features that provide the athlete greater opportunities for testing navigation skills are, among others, a detailed representation of the terrain, containing rich landforms, and its cover, since foot orienteering is a sport organized in forests or natural areas. Based on these principles, this study aims to assess the suitability of the Tejo/Tajo International Transboundary Biosphere Reserve for practicing Foot Orienteering. The suitable areas and their constraints were identified based on integrating a set of criteria using multicriteria spatial analysis tools in a GIS environment. For this purpose, the following descriptors were integrated: land cover, slope, slope variation, Topographic position index (TPI), and aspect variation. The criteria were classified into four suitability levels and calculated using the Hierarchical Analytical Process. The impact of orienteering activities on the natural values existing in the Tagus/Tajo International Transboundary Biosphere Reserve was also assessed, with particular emphasis on the impact on vegetation and wildlife