Enhanced ecosystem services provided by silvopastures

Abstract

Silvopasture management increases agricultural intensification by intentionally integrating livestock with forestry or non-timber forest products on the same land unit. A growing body of literature indicates that such integrations can create positive outcomes for the environment, land productivity, and societal perception of land use. Principles of ecology can be used as a basis for developing silvopasture systems that optimize these outcomes. Well-managed silvopastures can improve overall land productivity, and growing awareness of the practice and greater availability of incentive payments are beginning to drive an increase in implementation. Adoption has been of particular interest to land managers seeking to minimize environmental degradation and improve animal welfare. Silvopastoral land management will likely become more prevalent in the coming years as land managers recognize the potential contributions this practice may provide to their land and production systems.