In other words, what is the difference between having livestock in a pasture with trees, versus a state of the art silvopasture? Also, are there any different approaches that should be considered when designing silvopasture systems in the tropics, versus those in more northern latitudes (eg.: temperate zones)?
Silvopasture is an agroforestry practice that integrates livestock, forage production, and forestry on the same land-management unit. Silvopasture systems are deliberately designed and managed to produce a high-value timber product in the long term while providing short-term annual economic benefit from a livestock component through the management of forage or an annual crop component. S ilvopasture can be a way for landowners to diversify income sources. A possible win-win situation providing annual income from grazing as well as long term profits for fast growing, high value saw-logs.
While dealing with livestocks in a pasture, grazing animals should be moved from pasture to pasture in a rotational grazing system. Animals are typically left in a pasture for 3 to 4 days. The animals are removed and the forage is then allowed to grow for at least 30 days before grazing again. Animals should not be left in the same area for long periods of time because soil compaction can damage the roots and promote insect and disease damage of the trees. These are just a few of the many basic principles of silvopasture.
Right combination of trees and under story component (grass legume mixture) as per prevailing agro-climatic situation, proper establishment in conjunction with soil and moisture conservation practices particularly in rainfed dry land conditions and scientific utilization of forage especially as cut and carry system during early years of establishment and rotational grazing later will definitely make silvipastoral system more productive and sustainable.
Silvopasture is an agroforestry practice that integrates livestock, forage production, and forestry on the same land-management unit. Silvopasture systems are deliberately designed and managed to produce a high-value timber product in the long term while providing short-term annual economic benefit from a livestock component through the management of forage or an annual crop component. S ilvopasture can be a way for landowners to diversify income sources. A possible win-win situation providing annual income from grazing as well as long term profits for fast growing, high value saw-logs.
While dealing with livestocks in a pasture, grazing animals should be moved from pasture to pasture in a rotational grazing system. Animals are typically left in a pasture for 3 to 4 days. The animals are removed and the forage is then allowed to grow for at least 30 days before grazing again. Animals should not be left in the same area for long periods of time because soil compaction can damage the roots and promote insect and disease damage of the trees. These are just a few of the many basic principles of silvopasture.
http://stevegabrielfarmer.wixsite.com/silvopasturebook/single-post/2016/10/31/Six-Key-Principles-for-a-Successful-Silvopasture
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