Influence of pasture botanical composition and fertilization treatments on tree growth

Abstract

Silvopastoral systems, which combine tree and pasture production, are more complex ecosystems than exclusively agronomic systems. Good silvopasture management should seek to increase positive interactions (or synergies) and reduce negative interactions among system components (soil, trees, grass and cattle) to increase global system productivity. Tree growth and pasture production within such systems can be optimized through appropriate species selection and fertilization. The aim of the present study, carried out over the course of 3 years, was to compare how traditional fertilisation, sewage sludge dose, and potassium affect pasture-tree competition, botanic composition and tree growth in a silvopastoral system located on agricultural land during the early years of system development. The addition of potassium is recommended for improving tree growth in silvopastoral systems with slightly acidic soil, especially if the pasture has high legume content. White clover is a good choice of species for silvopastoral systems because it promotes tree growth. Our study revealed that pasture production improved when sewage sludge was used as a fertiliser, but annual production was still more strongly dependent on weather conditions.