Microclimatic differences between mature loblolly-pine silvopasture and open-pasture

Abstract

Information is needed on microclimatic differences present in different landscapes, such as open-pasture versus silvopasture, in the Southeast USA. This research tested a hypothesis that microclimatic conditions in mature-pine silvopasture would be milder compared to open-pasture. The research objective was to quantify microclimatic differences between mature-pine silvopasture and open pasture. The research was conducted in a loblolly-pine (Pinus taeda L.)-bahiagrass (Paspalum notatum Flugge) silvopasture and an open bahiagrass pasture, 5-ha each, in Chipley, Florida. Microclimatic parameters (air temperature, soil temperature at 5- and 10-cm depths, wind speed, gust speed, wind direction, humidity, dew point, rainfall, soil-moisture content, total solar radiation, and photosynthetically active radiation) were collected from November 2005 to January 2008 using HOBO© weather stations located in each pasture type. Data were analyzed to determine overall, as well as seasonal, monthly, and diurnal differences between pasture types. Evapotranspiration was calculated from air temperature, wind speed, relative humidity, and total solar radiation. The overall average values for all microclimatic parameters were lower in silvopasture compared to open-pasture. Seasonal, monthly, and diurnal differences between pasture types were also detected for several parameters. These results indicate that milder microclimatic conditions occur in silvopasture versus open-pasture on the Coastal Plain of the Southeast USA.