Livestock and vegetation: every species matters in dehesa management
Cattle, sheep, goats and pigs do not use vegetation in the same way. Differences in dietary selection, grazing height and browsing ability directly influence grassland, …
Divide to regenerate: paddocks as a conservation tool in the dehesa
Subdividing a holding can help organise grazing, set aside selected paddocks, protect regeneration areas and adjust occupation and recovery periods. In the dehesa, fencing is …
Continuous grazing versus rational grazing: why vegetation needs time to recover
Continuous grazing can concentrate livestock pressure on the most palatable species and areas, while leaving other parts of the holding underused. Rational or rotational grazing …
Scrub grazing calendar: adapting management to each season
The use of scrub vegetation should not remain the same throughout the year. The LIFE ScrubsNet protocol recommends adapting grazing to the season, the type …
Spring is a sensitive period for dehesa regeneration
Spring is a critical stage for young trees. In regeneration areas, controlling stocking rates and protecting the most sensitive zones is essential.
Natural regeneration versus planting: three ways to renew the dehesa tree cover
Natural regeneration stands out for its low investment and high effectiveness, but enclosures, patches and boundaries must be protected from grazing during the early years.
Nurse shrubs: the dehesa’s natural nurseries
Some shrubs act as natural nurseries, protecting young holm oaks and cork oaks and creating the conditions they need to grow into mature trees.
Islands of biodiversity: why every patch of vegetation matters in the dehesa
In grasslands, every patch of woody vegetation can become an island of biodiversity that protects the soil, feeds wildlife and supports tree regeneration.
Scrub is not the enemy: an ally for dehesa regeneration
Scrub does not have to be an obstacle to livestock farming. When properly managed, it protects the soil, provides food and shelter, supports biodiversity and helps young holm oaks and cork oaks become established.
What is a simplified dehesa? Three warning signs of inadequate regeneration
A dehesa that appears tidy and well maintained may have serious regeneration problems. Discover the three warning signs of ecosystem simplification.