Pasture with scattered trees

Abstract

The "pasture with scattered trees or wooded grasslands" system are traditional land management method that preserves valuable trees, such as fruit-bearing species, on agricultural lands. These trees thrive due to direct sunlight and space, leading to broad, symmetrical crowns. Animals benefit from the trees’ shade, while their presence helps fertilize the soil. The trees also contribute to biodiversity, enhancing the agricultural landscape’s ecological balance. This system has historical significance in regions like Transylvania, where village laws in the 17^th and 18^th centuries protected fruit trees. Despite its benefits, traditional landscapes like these are increasingly threatened by modern agricultural practices that favor land homogenization and intensive farming, neglecting the environmental and cultural values provided by scattered trees. Efforts to conserve these landscapes involve engaging local communities, promoting sustainable grazing practices, and recognizing the cultural significance of ancient trees. Pastures with scattered trees offer natural, economic, and aesthetic benefits, providing a sustainable model of land management that balances agriculture and environmental protection. However, challenges include changes in land use and policies that discourage tree preservation, threatening the resilience of these landscapes and their socio-ecological systems.