Tree-grass-animal systems - silvopasture
Tree-grass-animal systems, also known as silvopasture systems, combine trees with fodder and forage production for livestock. Trees are managed for high-value sawlogs but at the same time they provide shade and shelter for livestock. In this system, managed grazing provides added products and income. The selected livestock are generally browsing animals such as sheep or goats that are more likely to eat trees or large grazing animals such as cattle which step on young trees. Integrating trees, forage and livestock creates a land management system that can produce marketable products while maintaining long-term productivity. Silvopasture systems can also improve wildlife diversity, water quality, soil fertility and physical properties by protecting the soil from water and wind erosion.
Herder cutting branches to feed goats and sheeps, Mali<br> (Photo: A. Faiduti)
Examples of silvopasture practices include: