http://hdl.handle.net/10174/169 2026-11-10T07:30:55Z http://hdl.handle.net/10174/42714 Title: Temporal Dynamics of Growth and Reproductive Investment in the Endemic Relict Juniperus navicularis (Cupressaceae) Authors: Sá, Diogo Abstract: Juniperus navicularis Gand. is a dioecious gymnosperm with a restricted distribution in the southwestern Iberian Peninsula and is considered virtually endemic to Portugal. It is a medium-sized shrubby juniper that occurs mainly in stabilized coastal dune systems, often forming part of the understory of seaside pine forests. Despite its high ecological value, this species is currently under threat due to habitat destruction and fragmentation, largely driven by increasing urban, touristic, and agricultural development within its core distribution area. Although some botanical studies have been conducted on Juniperus navicularis, significant knowledge gaps remain, particularly regarding plant growth and reproductive effort. The aim of this study was to assess the growth and reproductive effort of this species within its core distribution area along the southwestern coast of Portugal. Five populations, varying in size, pine density, and distance from the sea, were analyzed. The number of cones, strobili, apices, and galls were recorded, along with individual plant characteristics. Growth length was also measured. The main findings of this study are presented and discussed in this work. 2026-06-30T23:00:00Z http://hdl.handle.net/10174/42413 Title: Policies Towards Zero-Emission Maritime Port Infrastructure and Buildings Authors: Vásquez, Carmen Luisa; Ramirez-Pisco, Rodrigo; Navas, Luís Manuel; Batista, Teresa Abstract: This article synthesizes the regulatory frameworks and public policies aimed at achieving carbon neutrality in maritime port infrastructure and buildings. It focuses on a wide range of port facilities—including cargo and passenger terminals, warehouses, administrative offices, passenger stations, maintenance workshops, fire stations, control centers, fishing and recreational terminals, and auxiliary installations. Although these structures contribute a relatively small share of total maritime emissions, they are subject to an increasingly robust set of international and regional regulations. The analysis spans from the decarbonization strategies promoted by the International Maritime Organization to the European Union’s legislative efforts targeting zero-emission maritime port infrastructure and buildings by 2050. The study highlights how these policies not only address carbon neutrality but also promote resilience and sustainability within port ecosystems, positioning port infrastructure as a key component in the broader energy transition. 2026-06-02T23:00:00Z http://hdl.handle.net/10174/42294 Title: Within-field soil variability in agro-silvo-pastoral systems: a baseline for Precision Agriculture adoption Authors: Horta Marques, J.; Carreira, E.; Lloberas, D.; Martins, M.; Ribeiro, H.; Serrano, João Abstract: The Montado represents a dominant agro-silvo-pastoral system across the Mediterranean basin. It integrates pastures, trees (cork oak and/or holm oak), and livestock (ruminants or swine), While Precision Agriculture is more commonly applied to purely agricultural systems, it offers significant potential to optimize Montado management, thereby increasing economic, environmental, social, and cultural sustainability. This study aims to quantify spatial soil variability within Montado plots to identify which essential nutrients for plant production exhibit the greatest distribution range. This study was conducted on two permanent applied research plots, grazed by cattle under a rotational grazing system (total area = 20 ha; location: Mitra/University of Évora, Portugal, Figure 1). Sampling’s carried out at 24 points: 12 under the tree canopy influence and 12 outside the canopy influence. The methodology’s described in Serrano et al (2023) and Horta Marques (2026). Results indicate high within-field variability (Coefficient of Variation around 40% or higher) in the levels of K2O, Mg, P2O5, Ca and all studied micronutrients except for Fe. The findings demonstrate that the observed within-field variability, alongside agronomic expertise and economic and environmental sustainability goals, justifies the implementation of Precision Agriculture in Mediterranean agro-silvo-pastoral systems. 2026-05-31T23:00:00Z http://hdl.handle.net/10174/42289 Title: Impact of Sheep Stocking Rates in Soil Compaction: Case Study in Montado Mediterranean Ecosystem Authors: Serrano, João; Carreira, Emanuel; Shahidian, S.; Paniagua, L.; Moral, F.; Pereira, A. Abstract: The economic return on extensive sheep farming (pasture-based systems) of the Southern of Portugal is low, as it occupies degraded soils. Therefore, the environmental perspective prevails, with the recovery of soil functionality and the preservation of the Montado as an ecosystem of high nature value. This study assesses the impact of two grazing management systems and stocking rates (SR), continuous grazing (CG) with low SR versus deferred grazing (DG) with high SR, on soil compaction. The study was carried out between December 2023 and June 2025 on a 4-ha pasture. This area of natu-ral grassland was divided into four grazing parks of 1 ha each, two under DG management and two under CG management. During the study, the cone index (CI, in kPa) was measured in the topsoil layer (0–30 cm) on eight dates, with an electronic cone penetrometer at 48 georeferenced areas. The results of CI measurement showed no significant differences between treat-ments in all depths measured (0–10, 10–20, and 20–30 cm). These findings are encouraging from the point of view of soil conservation and sustainabil-ity, revealing good prospects for the possible intensification of extensive livestock production. 2026-05-31T23:00:00Z