Botanical Composition and Forage Production in an Emulated Silvopasture

Abstract

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;

Photosynthetically active radiation use efficiency of Dactylis glomerata and Schedonorus phoenix along a hardwood tree-induced light gradient

“…There is some evidence that higher PARUE may be realized in silvopastures with trees planted in north-south rows. Buergler et al (2005) found no statistical difference in forage yield between a high shade treatment and an unshaded treatment under black walnut and honey locust in north-south rows even though there was a 67% decrease in total daily PAR. Feldhake et al (2008) similarly found in 2 out of 3 years no decrease in forage yield under black locust (Robinia pseudoacacia L.) rows compared to alley centers even though sunny, mid-day PAR was attenuated by 80% under tree rows.…”

“…However, the timing of daily shade has resulted in increased forage production if factors such as high temperature stress are prevented. Buergler et al (2005) observed slight increases in forage production in black walnut (Juglans nigra L.) and honey locust (Gleditsia triacanthos L.) silvopastures when forages received full sun most of the morning but mottled shade midday and afternoon. Garrett and Kurtz (1983) also found forages shaded by black walnut had greater yields than when grown in open fields.…”

Establishment and production from thinned mature deciduous-forest silvopastures in Appalachia

“…For this reason differences in PAR were likely not solely responsible for differences in yield between open pasture and silvopasture. Minimal forage yield differences were found in response to shading by trees planted in rows within existing Appalachian pastures (Buergler et al 2005;Feldhake et al 2008). Had these oak silvopasture soils been managed historically the same as the open pastures there may have been less forage yield difference.…”

“…These systems also provide potential environmental services such as microclimate modification for forages and livestock, improved wildlife habitat, carbon sequestration, and capture and recycling of nutrients leached below the forage root zone. A number of research projects have shown the positive potential for Appalachian silvopastures in the last two decades by planting trees such as black walnut (Juglans nigra L.), black locust (Robinia pseudoacacia L.), or honey locust (Gleditsia triacanthos L.) into existing pastures (Buergler et al 2005;Feldhake et al 2008).…”

A review of suitable companion crops for black walnut

“…Fescue (Festuca arundinacea Schreb.) grown in 7-8 year old black walnut stands produced significantly more forage in medium density stands (7.3 m between rows) versus low or high density stands (14.6 m and 1.8 m between rows, respectively) (Buergler et al 2005). A comparison of overall forage yields in fescue fields planted with black walnut and honey locust (Gleditisia triacanthos L.) showed that forage production decreased more dramatically under high density Honey Locust than under high density Black Walnut (Buergler et al 2005).…”