Work

Importance, protection and management of chestnut pastures in Slovakia

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: The sweet chestnut (Castanea sativa Mill.) is one of the oldest introduced tree species in Slovakia, with a long history of cultivation particularly in the Little Carpathians, Upper Nitra, Modrý Kameň, and Slovak Ore Mountains regions. Since the Middle Ages, it has been an integral part of pasture woodlands and orchards, combining economic, ecological, and cultural values. Chestnut pastures created specific mosaic-like habitats with high biodiversity, providing space for plants and animals, stabilizing soil, and improving microclimatic conditions. Thanks to its deep root system, the chestnut also contributed to water retention and carbon sequestration, thus playing an important role in the landscape.

Source: Zenodo (CERN European Organization for Nuclear Research)

DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.18486135

Authors: Štěrbová, Martina, Pástor, Michal

Institution: National Forest Centre

Language: English

Topic: Agroforestry and silvopastoral systems

Subfield: Forestry

Field: Agricultural and Biological Sciences

Domain: Life Sciences

SDGs: Life on land, Zero hunger

Open Access status: green

Funder: European Commission