Pasture production in a silvopastoral system in relation with microclimate variables in the atlantic coast of Spain

Abstract

Grasses and legumes of high productivity and nutritional quality are a good alternative as pasture supplements in rangelands of low quality forage. Orchardgrass (Dactylis glomerata L. cv. `Artabro') and white clover (Trifolium repens L. cv. `Huia') are known as shade tolerant and low flammability species that have been successfully used in agroforestry systems in Galicia, both diminishing fire hazard compared with natural shrublands. In this study, annual and seasonal production of a grass mixture of both species was quantified during 3 years in a pinewood under different tree canopy covers. Regardless of cover, pasture production increased in summer, and decreased from fall to spring. We obtained a significant correlation between annual pasture production and light transmission through the tree canopy (R2 = 0.96, P<0.05). Light transmittance through a maritime pine canopy (Pinus pinaster Ait.) was higher than through a Scots pine canopy (P. sylvestris L.), corresponding to 36–57% and 16–21% of full sunlight respectively. The highest herbage production was obtained in no tree stands and the lowest under a P. sylvestris canopy. Fluctuations inlight transmission, temperature and PAR (Photosynthetically Active Radiation) under tree canopy were less apparent compared with no tree stands. Variation in seasonal production was more pronounced in stands without trees, and appeared more uniform when percentage of light intercepted by tree canopy increased.