Silvopasture: Establishment & management principles for pine forests in the Southeastern United States

Authors

Date of this Version

February 2008

Comments

Published by USDA National Agroforestry Center.

Abstract

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 (such as sawtimber) 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.

Well-managed silvopasture systems may also:

• Improve overall economic performance of a farm enterprise through diversification and maintaining biodiversity

• Maintain or increase tree growth

• Improve cool-season grass production

• Allow warm-season grass production with careful canopy management

• Provide shade for livestock

• Produce pine straw for landscaping and mulch

• Aid in erosion control

• Increase wildlife populations

• Improve water quality and water holding capacity

• Increase opportunities for recreation

• Enhance aesthetics and property values

• Provide habitat for turkey and quail