Context: In light of the global deterioration of natural resources and forests, silvopasture systems offer a relevant solution to deforestation trends.

About the system

• Silvopasture is an ancient and proven practice that harmoniously integrates trees, forage and livestock on the same land. 

• This system buffer against temperature and wind extremes, providing a favourable living environment for livestock.

• By combining these elements, silvopasture brings numerous environmental advantages, including improved local climate resilience.

• Silvopasture practices currently cover a vast expanse of 550 million hectares worldwide.

What are the advantages of Silvopasture?

• Deforestation: Silvopasture can play a vital role in reversing the negative trend of deforestation for pasture land.

• Carbon Sinks: The trees on silvopasture lands act as natural carbon sinks, sequestering five to 10 times more carbon then pastures without trees.

• Regulate local climatic conditions: Silvopasture systems also regulate local climatic conditions, buffering against temperature and wind extremes, providing a favorable living environment for livestock.

• Nutrition cycle: The extensive root systems of trees within silvopasture plots contribute to nutrient cycling, improved soil stability and quality while effectively combating erosion.

• Soil infiltration rates: Soil infiltration rates in silvopasture systems surpass those of open pastures, enhancing water storage potential.

• Livestock: The cattle utilized the silvopasture landscape more evenly as there was more shading throughout the plot, reducing heat stress during the warm-weather portions of the year. 

Additional Fact

Nutrient cycling

• The nutrient cycle is a system where energy and matter are transferred between living organisms and non-living parts of the environment.

• This occurs as animals and plants consume nutrients found in the soil, and these nutrients are then released back into the environment via death and decomposition.

• In forest environments, there is an exchange of nutrient elements such as hydrogen, nitrogen and oxygen among the soil, plants and animals living within the environment.