Summary
This study examined how silvopastoral agroforestry systems respond to flooding stress by assessing nitrification stability across tree rows and grass alleys in hedgerow and alley-cropping configurations. Using multigroup structural equation modelling, the authors identified spatial variation in causal mechanisms: tree rows showed greater nitrification resistance, whilst grass alleys maintained higher nitrification potential under flooding. The findings suggest that system design and position relative to trees significantly influence nitrogen cycle stability during extreme rainfall events.
Regional applicability
The study's focus on temperate silvopastoral systems is directly applicable to United Kingdom agroforestry practice, particularly given projected increases in extreme rainfall frequency under climate change. The findings support the potential role of silvopastures in enhancing nitrogen cycle resilience on UK farms, though local soil and hydrology conditions would require site-specific validation.
Key measures
Nitrification potential under flooded and non-flooded conditions; soil physical properties; soil resources availability; resistance and resilience metrics
Outcomes reported
The study measured nitrification resistance and resilience in two silvopastoral systems (hedgerows and alley cropping) following four weeks of flooding stress and four weeks of recovery. It identified spatial causal relations between soil properties and nitrification stability using multigroup latent structural equation modelling.
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