We study the functional relationships between the soil, plants and animals in silvopastoral ecosystems, in order to contribute to the multifunctional management and conservation of the goods and services that these systems provide (e.g. food security through the provision of high-quality local products, biodiversity, reduction in the risk of forest fires, and the preservation of soil function).
The main areas of focus are: identifying the factors that are key to the ecological and economic sustainability of silvopastoral systems; analysing the direct or indirect impacts of domesticated or wild ungulates on vegetation and soil; determining how the natural or planned use of fire helps silvopastoral ecosystems adapt to factors arising from climate change (increase in fuel, drought or infestations); and studying the interactions between different forms of silvopastoral management and the preservation or improvement of soil function.