Response to sewage sludge fertilisation in a Quercus rubra L. silvopastoral system: Soil, plant biodiversity and tree and pasture production
Silvopastoral systems are sustainable form of land management promoted by European Union. The productivity of the herbaceous and tree components in a silvopastoral system could be limited by soil fertility. The use of adequate doses of organic fertilisers like sewage sludge could enhance the productivity of both pasture and trees and promote biodiversity. The quantification of the best dose of sewage sludge to be applied in a silvopastoral system is important in order to enhance production and biodiversity in a silvopastoral system, while avoiding nitrate contamination of the ground water.