Incorporating trees into pastures may alter forage nutritive value. The objective of this study was to determine nutritive value in response to trees and slope position in an emulated (no animals) silvopasture. In 1995, black walnut (Juglans nigra L.) and honey locust (Gleditsia triacanthos L.) trees were planted within three block plots of predominantly tall fescue (Lolium arundinaceum (Schreb.) Darbysh.) pasture. Soils on the site, (Unison and Braddock) are fine, mixed mesic Typic Hapludults, well drained, with moderately steep slopes (10-25%). Trees were planted down slopes in rows to create low-, medium-, and high-tree densities at shoulder-, mid-, and toeslope positions. Forage from sampling sites (n 5 54) under field treatment combinations was harvested May, June, and July in 2002 and 2003. Concentrations of neutral and acid detergent fiber (NDF, ADF), acid detergent lignin (ADL), crude protein (CP), total nonstructural carbohydrate (TNC) and Ca, P, Mg, and K were determined. Few differences due to treatment were observed for NDF and ADF concentrations. Concentrations of TNC decreased with greater tree density and appeared to follow tree leaf growth. Crude protein concentrations were typically greater under honey locust trees. Forage mineral concentrations frequently were greater with increased tree density. Trees appear to have both positive and negative effects on forage nutritive value, and their effects on animal performance warrants further research.
logical interactions between crop components and emphasize species diversity rather than only crop yield (Mat-Integrating trees into pasture may increase pasture production and son et al., 1997; Garrett and McGraw, 2000). improve nutritive value by altering both species composition and productivity. Our objective was to determine forage yield and botani-Silvopastoralism is one such agroforestry practice that cal composition in response to tree species, tree density, and slope po-intentionally integrates trees, forage crops, and livestock sition in an emulated silvopasture (the site had no animals). In 1995, into a structural practice of planned interactions (Clason black walnut (Juglans nigra L.) and honey locust (Gleditisia triaand Sharrow, 2000). Greater forage production, nutritive canthos L.) trees were planted within plots (r ϭ 3) of predominantly value, and digestibility are reported for pastures grown tall fescue (Festuca arundinacea Schreb.) pasture. Trees were planted under trees (Smith, 1942; Garrett and Kurtz, 1983; Burner down slopes in rows to create low, medium, and high tree densities and Brauer, 2003) relative to open sites, and this may at shoulder-, mid-, and toe-slope positions. Sampling sites (n ϭ 54) reflect changes in botanical composition. For example, under field treatment combinations were harvested May to October Brooks (1951) noted reduced species of poor forage merit at 35-d intervals in 2002 and 2003. Before spring, summer, and fall such as broomsedge (Andropogon virginicus L.) and A.L. Buergler, Oregon State Univ., Corvallis, OR 97331;
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