Silvopasture: An Agroforestry Practice

Authors

Ned B. Klopfenstein, University of Nebraska-LincolnFollow
W. J. Rietveld, University of Nebraska - Lincoln
Richard C. Carman, University of Nebraska-LincolnFollow
Terry R. Clason, Hill Farm Research Station, Louisiana Agricultural Experiment Station, LSU Agricultural Center
Steven H. Sharrow, Oregon State University, Corvallis
Gene Garrett, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO
Bruce Anderson, University of Nebraska - LincolnFollow

Date of this Version

11-1-1997

Comments

Published by National Agroforestry Center, USDA Forest Service, Rocky Mountain Station, USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service, East Campus – UNL, Lincoln, Nebraska 68583-0822.

Abstract

Although some form of silvopasture management has been practiced for centuries, silvopasture as an agroforestry practice is specifically designed and managed for the production of trees, tree products, forage, and livestock. Silvopasture results when forage crops are deliberately introduced or enhanced in a timber production system, or timber crops are deliberately introduced or enhanced in a forage production system. As a silvopasture, timber and pasture are managed as a single integrated system.

Silvopastoral systems are designed to produce a high-value timber component, while providing short-term cash flow from the livestock component. The interactions among timber, forage, and livestock are managed intensively to simultaneously produce timber commodities, a high quality forage resource, and efficient livestock production. Overall, silvopastures can provide economic returns while creating a sustainable system with many environmental benefits. Well-managed silvopastures offer a diversified marketing opportunity that can stimulate rural economic development.