What are the potential economic advantages and disadvantages of a silvopastoral practice as opposed to open grazing?
Economic benefits are both short term and long term. Short-term benefits include protection of the livestock from summer sun and harsh weather in both summer and winter. The trees also protect the forage crop from wind and most forage crops have improved growth in partial shade. Once the amount of shade exceeds 50% production of forage starts to drop off. Silvopastoral practices are planned to keep the density of shade below 50% for as long as possible. Long term benefits depend on the trees planted – fruit, nuts, medicinal crops, boughs, firewood and various solid wood products. For more information see these topic areas in InfoBasket: ‘Silvopasture’, ‘Forest Grazing and Vegetation Management’ and ‘Livestock’.
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