Soil habitat provision is central to a multitude of ecosystem services, estimated to worth >500 billion dollars yearly. However, pastoral systems are increasingly challenged in securing livestock production systems, while supporting soil habitat function. Presently, unsustainable soil management is the main trigger for the overwhelming loss of soil habitat worldwide, with cascading effects on food production, functional biodiversity and overall environmental sustainability. While Mediterranean-like regions are warming up to 20% faster than the global average, it adds substantial pressure on these already vulnerable systems. To effectively respond to this challenge, a targeted interdisciplinary ecosystem-engineering approach is key. Our work shows compelling evidence that biochar (C-based product of biomass pyrolysis for soil engineering), if applied to soils sustainably, can improve multiple soil properties/processes that are directly linked to soil habitat function, namely soil structure, water retention, carbon (C) and nutrient dynamics, and biological activity. We hypothesise that a site-specific combination of biochar, nutrient-packed legumes and deep-rooting perennial crops can represent a win-win-win scenario to simultaneously restore soil habitat function, support livestock, enhance climate adaptation and C sequestration in non-irrigated pastures, as a proof-of-concept. Based on literature and our previous work, we expect on average, up to 20% improvement in soil habitat function by end of the project (current climate scenario), and higher success rate under a precipitation regime representative of year 2070. Expected outcomes align with the overarching aims of the EU Green Deal and the UN 20230 SDGs 15, 13 and 2, contributing to impactful research that address urgent environmental concerns and promotes a sustainable and resilient future.
