Management Factors Affecting the Establishment of Pine Based Silvopastures in Southern Grasslands in the United States

Abstract

Silvopasture practices are being advocated as a means of maintaining pine forest acreage in the southeast United States; however, scientific data on the design and management for optimum tree growth are lacking. Studies were conducted near Booneville AR to determine the effects of weed control, irrigation, soil fertilization and protection from cattle grazing on the establishment of loblolly pines (Pinus taeda L.). Pine seedling growth during the first year after planting was increased significantly by weed control in a factorial experiment in which pre-plant fertilization, irrigation and weed control were treatments. In a follow-up experiment, first-year pine regeneration was increased by a high level of weed control. Pine seedling survival and growth up to 21 months after transplanting were significantly reduced when seedlings were planted into pastures grazed continuously by cattle. These results demonstrate the need for regulated grazing systems during pine regeneration and establishment of silvopastures and that pine growth is best when competing vegetation is minimal.