Ecosystem Services

The Montado, one of Portugal's most emblematic agroforestry systems, plays a crucial role at Pereira Palha Agricultura Limitada, offering a variety of ecosystem services. Composed of cork oaks, the Montado not only provides valuable products such as cork, but also acts as a carbon sink, helping to mitigate climate change by storing large amounts of carbon in tree biomass and soil.

Furthermore, this system promotes biodiversity by providing rich habitats for diverse species of plants and animals. The diversity of fauna and flora present in the Montado is a testimony to its ecological value. The deep roots of trees help with water regulation, retaining water in the soil and contributing to the prevention of erosion. This ability is especially valuable in drought-prone regions such as Ribatejo.

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The Montado also offers cultural and recreational benefits, being a place of great aesthetic and recreational value for visitors. At Pereira Palha Agricultura Limitada, we recognize and value the ecosystem services provided by the Montado. We are committed to preserving and promoting this agroforestry system, ensuring not only the sustainability of our operations, but also the protection and respect for the environment that surrounds us.

On our farm, we have implemented measures to promote the presence of birds and bats, essential for the balance of the ecosystem. We have already placed specific shelter boxes in some of the adult trees, thus enhancing the presence of existing species in the Special Protection Zone.

We installed two prototype boxes for the birds: one with a circular entrance hole, more suitable for species such as tits that prefer natural cavities for nesting; and another with a rectangular hole, ideal for thrushes such as thrushes or blackbirds, which prefer shelters that provide good visibility during incubation. We also created a prototype for bats, following ICNF and LPN standards. We were inspired by EDIA's design and added a perch at the bottom of the box to monitor its occupancy.

Prototype bat shelter

Prototype bird shelter

Prototype bat shelter

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These initiatives not only improved conditions for nesting and shelter for birds and bats, but also contributed to the conservation of species in our area, promoting biodiversity and ecosystem balance.

In our exploration, we recognize ecological corridors as fundamental to biodiversity and ecosystem balance. These corridors, such as riverbanks and hedgerows, connect habitats and facilitate the movement of animals across the landscape. In addition to playing a vital role in protecting and balancing the territory and landscape, they contribute to the quality of air, water and soil.

The ecological corridor that we are developing along the Sorraia River brings a series of significant benefits. Firstly, by creating a refuge for birds and bats, we are promoting biodiversity, offering an environment conducive to reproduction and shelter for these species. This increase in fauna diversity contributes to the health of the ecosystem as a whole.

Furthermore, this ecological corridor also plays a crucial role in capturing CO2 , helping to mitigate the effects of greenhouse gas emissions. The vegetation present in the corridor absorbs CO2 from the atmosphere, contributing to the reduction of global warming and improving air quality.

Another important benefit is the increase in the population of insects that help pollination. The birds and bats that inhabit the ecological corridor help to disperse seeds and control pests, promoting crop productivity and plant health.

Finally, the ecological corridor also contributes to reducing soil erosion. The presence of vegetation on the banks of the Sorraia River helps to stabilize the soil, preventing the loss of nutrients and protecting against erosion caused by wind and water.

Ecological corridor

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Thus, the development of this ecological corridor not only benefits Pereira Palha Agricultura Limitada, but also the entire surrounding region, promoting a healthier and more sustainable environment for future generations.

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Ecosystem services

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Pereira Palha Agricultura Lda

Pereira Palha
Agricultura Lda