Cost-Benefit Analysis in Silvoarable Systems using environmentally sustainable poplar clones: A Pilot Case Study at the Experimental Farm Sasse Rami in the Veneto Region (Italy)

Agroforestry, defined as the intentional integration of woody vegetation with crops and/or livestock, is a multifunctional land-use system capable of enhancing both ecological and economic performance. While widely adopted in several European contexts, its diffusion in Italy remains limited but is gaining attention, particularly through poplar-based silvoarable systems. Recent advances in environmentally sustainable poplar clones, characterized by increased resistance to pests and diseases, offer opportunities to reduce input costs and improve system sustainability. This study presents a cost–benefit analysis of alternative land-use systems implemented at the Sasse Rami experimental farm (Veneto Region, Italy), comparing silvoarable systems with different poplar clones, specialized poplar plantations, and conventional crop rotations. The analysis employs standard financial indicators, including Net Present Value (NPV), Equivalent Annual Value (EAV), complemented by a sensitivity analysis across varying cost and price scenarios. Preliminary results indicate that agroforestry systems consistently outperform conventional agricultural systems in terms of economic returns, with the highest EAV observed in low-cost scenarios. Environmentally sustainable clones also demonstrate competitive performance, alongside additional ecological benefits linked to reduced pesticide use. These findings suggest that poplar-based agroforestry systems represent a viable and resilient alternative to traditional land-use models. Policy support mechanisms, cost optimization strategies, and alignment with market conditions emerge as key factors for their wider adoption and long-term sustainability.