Theme 18: Agro-Silvipastoral Systems
Description
Conversion of primary forest to pasture is widespread in Central and Latin America and the progressive removal of trees has resulted in environmental degradation and a decline in productivity, simultaneously threatening rural livelihoods and regional biodiversity. Recently there has been keen interest to develop silvipastoral systems for sustainable animal production. Traditional silvipastoral systems are characterised with a diversity of woody perennials that plays an important role in supplying feed to animals in the dry season, production of timber, shade for animals, and in the conservation of natural resources. Improved novel woody perennials such as Morus alba (mulberry) and Trichanthera gigantea (nacedero) are characterised by high nutritive value and the use of these species as supplements for dairy and beef cattle resulted in significant improvements in animal production. Studies on tree/grass silvipastoral systems showed that the use of multi-purpose trees such as Acacia mangium contributed to higher yields (> 30%) of the associated grass and in improvements in soil quality. These silvipastoral systems have been shown to sequester significant amounts of carbon (7 to 16 tons/ha/yr) and they contribute in conservation of water resources and biodiversity. It is concluded that traditional systems are characterised with a diversity of woody perennials that have a significant value for improving animal productivity, and for the conservation of natural resources. Novel non-leguminous woody perennials are of high nutritive value and has a great potential for substituting the use of concentrates in dairy and beef farming. The selection and management of improved grasses and the management of woody perennials in silvipastoral systems can contribute in increased carrying capacities of pastures and thereby liberating fragile lands under grazing for re-afforestation.
Included in
Multi-Strata Silvipastoral Systems for Increasing Productivity and Conservation of Natural Resources in Central America
Conversion of primary forest to pasture is widespread in Central and Latin America and the progressive removal of trees has resulted in environmental degradation and a decline in productivity, simultaneously threatening rural livelihoods and regional biodiversity. Recently there has been keen interest to develop silvipastoral systems for sustainable animal production. Traditional silvipastoral systems are characterised with a diversity of woody perennials that plays an important role in supplying feed to animals in the dry season, production of timber, shade for animals, and in the conservation of natural resources. Improved novel woody perennials such as Morus alba (mulberry) and Trichanthera gigantea (nacedero) are characterised by high nutritive value and the use of these species as supplements for dairy and beef cattle resulted in significant improvements in animal production. Studies on tree/grass silvipastoral systems showed that the use of multi-purpose trees such as Acacia mangium contributed to higher yields (> 30%) of the associated grass and in improvements in soil quality. These silvipastoral systems have been shown to sequester significant amounts of carbon (7 to 16 tons/ha/yr) and they contribute in conservation of water resources and biodiversity. It is concluded that traditional systems are characterised with a diversity of woody perennials that have a significant value for improving animal productivity, and for the conservation of natural resources. Novel non-leguminous woody perennials are of high nutritive value and has a great potential for substituting the use of concentrates in dairy and beef farming. The selection and management of improved grasses and the management of woody perennials in silvipastoral systems can contribute in increased carrying capacities of pastures and thereby liberating fragile lands under grazing for re-afforestation.
