Creating silvopastures: some considerations when planting trees in pastures

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  • Authors: Fike, John; Downing, Adam; Munsell, John; Frey, Gregory E.; Mercier, Kelly; Pent, Gabriel; Teutsch, Chris; Daniel, J.B.; Fisher, Jason; Adams, Miller; Groh, Todd
  • Publication Year: 2017
  • Publication Series: Miscellaneous
  • Source: CSES-185P. Blacksburg, VA: Virginia Cooperative Extension.

Abstract

 

Silvopastures — integrated tree-forage-livestock production systems — have the potential to boost farm resource use and income. These systems take advantage of the beneficial interactions among system components, add biodiversity, and increase animal comfort. The intentional and careful combining of trees and livestock in time and space can yield both short-and long-term returns and have positive environmental outcomes. In well-managed silvopasture systems, trees can reduce livestock stress by protecting them from inclement weather or by reducing ambient temperatures and radiation. They can provide marketable timber and nontimber products and improve environmental quality by reducing water runoff and capturing nutrients and by reducing animal use of surface waters.

Additional information on the benefits of silvopast

  • Citation: Fike, John; Downing, Adam; Munsell, John; Frey, Gregory E.; Mercier, Kelly; Pent, Gabriel; Teutsch, Chris; Daniel, J.B.; Fisher, Jason; Adams, Miller; Groh, Todd 2017. Creating silvopastures: some considerations when planting trees in pastures. CSES-185P. Blacksburg, VA: Virginia Cooperative Extension. 8 p.
  • Posted Date: December 12, 2017
  • Modified Date: February 14, 2018

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