Combined agroforestry and rainwater harvesting to reduce soil degradation in mediterranean zones

Abstract

The complementary use of agroforestry and water harvesting practices is a possible strategy to counter the soil degradation processes occurring in Mediterranean regions. Studies show that implementation of sustainable land management technologies worldwide has the potential to increase crop yields by 30–170%, soil organic carbon sequestration by up to 3% and water use efficiency by up to 100%. In particular, it is claimed that agroforestry and rainwater harvesting technologies, among others, can prevent a worsening in current conditions in the Mediterranean regions. This chapter presents case studies performed in two areas within the Mediterranean climate and Mediterranean biome identified in Chile: the Metropolitan Region, where a long-term field study was carried out in a dryland near to Santiago city between 1996 and 2008; and the Coquimbo Region, at the northern limit of Mediterranean central Chile, where an experimental site was recently established.