SILVOPASTURE -
AGRICULTURE
News: Integrate trees with pastures
to support environment, livestock production and humans
What's in the news?
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Silvopasture is an ancient farming practice that
integrates trees, pastures and livestock, to help farmers increase profits,
support livestock production and protect the climate.
Silvopasture System:
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It is an agroforestry
practice that integrates livestock, forage production, and forestry on the same
land management unit.
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Silvopasture is the deliberate integration of trees
and grazing livestock operations on the same land.
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These systems are intensively managed for both
forest products and forage, providing both short and long term income sources.
Establishment:
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Silvopasture systems are created by introducing forage into a woodland or tree plantation
or by introducing trees into a pasture.
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Rotational grazing is a key management activity
when using silvopasture in order to minimize damage to trees.
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Special considerations and planning must also be
taken into account for long-term tree regeneration.
Significance of
Silvopasture:
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Reduction in soil erosion and enhances water
storage potential.
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Shade for livestock.
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The trees on silvopasture lands act as natural
carbon sinks, sequestering five to 10 times more carbon than pastures without
trees.
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Increased biological diversity.
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Improved forage quality.
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Reduces heat stress in livestock which improves
animal performance and well-being. It also regulates local climatic conditions.