Silvipastoral Systems Research Articles

Crafting State-of-the-art Agroforestry for Bundelkhand using Insights from Past

Bundelkhand, a pivotal land area in Central India, is geographically demarcated across the states of Uttar Pradesh and Madhya Pradesh. The 13 districts in both states share similarities in cultural and socio-economic aspects. This paper commences with a descriptive portrayal of the Bundelkhand region, delving into the agricultural scenario, which is highly influenced by rainfall patterns. The region boasts a dominant agrarian rural population, with more than 40% comprising women. Owing to the lower productivity of wheat, farm diversification has been consistently recommended. In this context, agroforestry presents a respite, fostering resilience at the farm level. Agri-silvicultural and silvipastoral systems are typically recommended for this region and are detailed alongside the traditionally prevailing agroforestry practices of the area. This review synthesizes the need for agroforestry adoption for four major reasons and its impact on the Bundelkhand region. Furthermore, it presents the constraints, problems, and motivational factors for adopting agroforestry, ultimately providing directions for the way forward

Growth and yield performance of fodder trees and grasses under silvipastoral systems in dryland farming

Growth and yield performance of fodder trees and grasses under silvipastoral systems in dryland farming

Different Silvi-pastoral systems for improving livestock production in rainfed areas of North Western Zone of Tamil Nadu

Different Silvi-pastoral systems for improving livestock production in rainfed areas of North Western Zone of Tamil Nadu

Evaluation of chemical attributes of soils: definition of management zones in silvipastoral system

Soil chemical analysis is a fundamental to achieve optimal cultivation conditions in a productive silvopastoral system, essential for the planning and management of this activity. The objective of this research is to map the spatial distribution of nutrients in the soil in a 5-year-old silvopastoral system composed of brachiaria-brizantha and jacarandá-da-bahia, and to analyze the effect of tree density and canopy on nutrient levels. The study was conducted at the experimental area of the Capixaba Institute for Research, Technical Assistance, and Rural Extension (INCAPER) in the district of Pacotuba, ES. The delimitation of the work area was done using geographic information systems, to create a regular grid of points to enable systematic soil sampling. A total of 75 disturbed soil samples were collected at depths of 0-0.10 m to obtain quantitative soil nutrient data. High-quality images obtained using a remotely piloted aircraft (RPA) allowed for the overlay of soil nutrient data, pasture data, forest inventory data, and sample plot data to assist in comparative analyses. This enabled identification of the areas with lower canopy development, particularly in the northeast portion. By cross-referencing the spatialized soil nutrient data with the data obtained through RPA, it was possible to correlate them with the lower or higher development of the system. The use of RPA, together with a georeferenced database, proved to be an innovative and powerful tool to support decision-making, allowing for the monitoring of system evolution and serving as a basis for evaluating the relationship between chemical elements and tree canopies. Keywords: geostatistics, precision agriculture, soil nutrients.

Phytosociological Analysis of Functional Components in Silvipastoral Land Use Systems of Himachal Pradesh, India

Phytosociological studies are important for devising suitable conservation strategies of the plant genetic resources. Himachal Pradesh is a north-western Himalayan state with diverse landscape having rich and unique floristic diversity. Silvipastoral systems are one among the most prominent agroforestry land use systems which contributes significantly in productivity, ecological balance and livelihood of local communities. Thus, to know the status of floristic and phytosociological diversity in these land use systems, the present study has been conducted from April 2018 to March 2022 in 12 selected villages in Himachal Pradesh. Total number of plant species recorded in study area was 1046 (including 114 tree, 170 shrub and 762 herb species), belonging to 108 families and 538 genera. Poaceae, Asteraceae, Fabaceae, Rosaceae and Lamiaceae were the five most dominant families. Maximum tree density recorded for species Myrica esculenta (980 ind. ha-1) at site 3, Grewia optiva (660 ind. ha-1) at site 2 and Grewia optiva (640 ind. ha-1) at Site 1 Naun, Mandi, followed by Bauhinia variegata (630 ind. ha-1) at Site 2 Banalgi, Solan in zone-II. On the basis of IVI, Cedrus deodara (252.30) was most dominant species followed by Quercus oblongata (193.11), Pinus wallichiana (164.68) and Myrica esculenta (149.10). Among the shrubs Hippophae salicifolia (119.24) was most dominant species followed by Berberis lycium (96.14) and Berberis aristata (90.98). However, Achyranthus aspera (107.66) was most dominant herb species followed by Commelina benghalensis (97.50) and Sonchus asper (44.01). The lowest value of IVI was observed for Capsella bursa-pastoris (9.63) and Tanacetum dolichophyllum (10.54). According to CAMP (Conservation Assessment and Management Prioritization), 2013 nine species viz., Angelica glauca, Berberis aristata, Dioscorea deltoidea, Polygonatum cirrhifolium, Hyoscyamus niger, Bunium persicum, Ephedra gerardiana, Juniperus communis and Selinum vaginatum are threatened and requires conservation and management efforts. In past no study was conducted on floristic and phytosociology diversity of silvipastoral systems of Himachal Pradesh. Hence, present study will definitely act as base line data for further in-depth studies on restoration of degraded lands and silvipastoral system management and improvement programs.

Litter stock and nutrients under different restoration methods in the eastern Amazon

Litter production contributes to soil fertility through the decomposition process, especially in Amazonian soils, which have low fertility. Amazonian ecosystems are dependent on the forest to ensure their maintenance through nutrient cycling, via litter. The objective of this work was to evaluate litter stock and nutrient content under different restoration methods in abandoned pasture areas in the eastern Amazon. The macronutrient content via litter followed the order: Ca > N > P >Mg > K >Na. Calcium was the macronutrient that most returns to the soil via litter. The restoration method through silvipastoral system presented the highest values of nitrogen. The area under passive restoration proved to be the most efficient method to recover areas degraded by pasture in the eastern Amazon, due to the highest litter stock and nutrient content.

Impact of different silvipastoral systems on understorey vegetation and soil properties

The present investigation was carried out in seven different silvipastoral systems . T -TvizCedrus deodara, - 12Robinia pseudoacacia, - Cupressus torulosa, - Prunus armeniaca, - Ailanthus altissimaTTT, T - mixed 3456plantations and T - grassland (control) of Sindh range, Ganderbal Forest Division, Kashmir Province. It aimed 7to assess floristic composition of different plantations and their impact on understorey vegetation and soil nutrients. The results revealed that 12 shrub and 43 herb species were found in all these systems. Cyanodon dactylon Ailanthus altissima Cupressus torulosa was the dominating species under grassland (control), and plantations. was dominating under plantations.was Oxalis acetosella Cedrus deodara Lolium perenne dominating species under mixed stand, and plantations. Maximum Robinia pseudoacacia Prunus armeniaca available nitrogen was recorded in T - plantation (363.76 kg ha ), whereas the highest 2Robinia pseudoacacia-1values for phosphorus and potassium (23.44 kg ha and 312 kg ha respectively) were recorded in T --1-15Ailanthus altissima plantation. Maximum soil organic carbon and electrical conductivity (2.14% and 0.51 dSm , -1respectively) was recorded in T -plantation. pH in different plantation types followed the 5 Ailanthus altissima trend of T >T T T T >T T plantations.

Indigenous knowledge in agroforestry promotion: a case from Bandegaun, Indrawati Rural Municipality, Sindhupalchok District, Nepal

This research presents the role of indigenous traditional knowledge on agroforestry promotion in Bandegaun of Sindhupalchok district. Both primary and secondary information was collected through a household survey, key informant discussion, focus group discussion, direct observation, and review of agroforestry-related literature, papers, and reports. Agriculture was the main occupation of the respondents with the majority (62%) of the total respondents having a small landholding of less than 0.75 ha. However, about 91% of the total had practiced both agri-silviculture and home gardening, 55% of the total respondents had a Silvi-pastoral system and 27% of the total respondents had a small wood lot of trees. The main indigenous traditional knowledge used by the respondents for the promotion of these agroforestry practices in their farms were knowledge on the palatability of fodder species, knowledge on timber quality, knowledge on propagation by cutting, knowledge on NTFP value, knowledge on cash earning, and knowledge on religious value of tree species. A total of 39 tree species were included in the agroforestry practices of the study areas. Among them were 10 fodder species, 12 timber and fuelwood species, 6 NTFPs, and 11 fruit trees. Each study household on average have grown 4 fruit trees, 47 fodder tree, 19 fuelwood, and timber trees, and an NTFP in their farmlands, which have provided a great contribution to fodder, fuelwood, and timber supply for household use reported by 91% of the total respondents and some respondents (76%) had also generated income from the sale of timber, fuelwood, and NTFPs. Finally, it is recommended that indigenous knowledge-based agroforestry awareness and training programs along with preferred seedlings of good quality should be provided to promote agroforestry in study areas.

Carbon sequestration potential of silvipastoral systems in hot arid region of India

Carbon sequestration potential of silvipastoral systems in hot arid region of India

Importance of the silvipastoral system on the animal health and welfare of dairy cattle

Brazil stands out for having one of the largest cattle herds in the world, being the first place in the commercial herd in the whole planet. Within bovine farming, dairy cattle raising stands out for its importance within the national economy because of the representativeness of small family farms, which develop a large part of the national milk production. However, despite the extensive area available for agricultural production, a large part of Brazil is located in the tropical area of the planet. This region is distinguished by high temperatures and high intensity of incident solar radiation. This condition tends to lead the animals to heat stress, thus leading to a decrease in the production of meat, but mainly milk, especially in properties that make use of european breeds. One of the alternatives to overcome the impact of heat stress in tropical regions is to cross european breeds with zebu dairy breeds, as well as seeking measures to reduce the incidence of solar radiation of these animals through integrated systems, such as silvipastoral systems. Thus, this review aims to show that the silvipastoral system is necessary to improve the animal welfare of dairy cattle.

Restoration of degraded sodic soils through silvipastoral systems in the Indo‐Gangetic Plains

AbstractExcessive salts in degraded sodic soils aggravate the bio‐physicochemical properties of soils that need to be remediated and restored in a judicious way. The present study envisages smothering harmful effects of sodic soils and maintaining soil fertility through need‐based silvipastoral systems. We report on a three‐times replicated field experiment with 13 treatments comprised of three agroforestry tree species Acacia nilotica, Casuarina equisetifolia, and Eucalyptus tereticornis planted during 2005 on highly sodic soil of pH 10.6 and exchangeable sodium percentage (ESP) of 89 in the Indo‐Gangetic Plains. Fodder grass species viz. Chloris gayana, Panicum maximum, and Pennisetum purpureum were planted under each of the 10‐year‐old tree species. The maximum biomass production of understory grasses was recorded from A nilotica + C. gayana silvipastoral system while the highest nutritive value in terms of N. P, K, and crude protein content (%) was recorded in A. nilotica + P. purpureum. A strong correlation between photosynthetically active radiation (PAR) and understory grasses was observed. Significantly higher tree growth and biomass yield were recorded under silvipastoral systems over silvicultural system. A significant reduction in soil bulk density and increase in soil porosity, infiltration rate, and water holding capacity (WHC) were recorded in silvipastoral systems over silviculture and control due to reduced sodicity, addition of leaf litter, increase in microbial activities due to tree and grassroots, better plant growth, and fine root decay. Reduction in soil pH, exchangeable sodium percent (ESP), and increase in soil organic carbon were more pronounced under silvipastoral systems over the silviculture. The highest reduction in these parameters was recorded under the A. nilotica + C. gayana silvipastoral system. Similarly, soil microbial biomass carbon (MBC), microbial biomass nitrogen (MBN), microbial biomass phosphorus (MBP), and dehydrogenase activities were higher under silvipastoral systems over the silvicultural system The highest MBC was recorded in C. equisetifolia + C. gayana which was 302.8% higher than the control. However, highest MBN and dehydrogenase activities were recorded under A. nilotica + C. gayana silvipastoral system. Hence, on the basis of total biomass yield and improvement in soil bio‐physicochemical properties A. nilotica + C. gayana silvipastoral system could be a highly ameliorative and productive system for the restoration of degraded sodic soils.

Performance silvicultural de eucalipto em dois modelos de plantio em sistema silvipastoril

The objective of this study was to evaluate the silvicultural performance of eucalyptus-urograndis hybrid (Eucalyptus urophylla x E. grandis) in two plantation models in a silvopastoral system, installed Paranaíta – Mato Grosso state (Brazil). The models of silvipastoral systems evaluated were: model 1 = simple lines of eucalyptus-urograndis, in spacing 6 x 35 m; and model 2 = simple lines of eucalyptus-urograndis associated with african-mahogany (Kaya ivorensis), in a 3:1 ratio, in a 4 x 35 cm spacing. In each of the planting arrangements, three plots of 20 trees randomly distributed were sampled. The dendrometric variables evaluated were: trunk diameter at 1.3 m above ground height (DBH), total height (Ht), crown area (Ac) and bark thickness. The proportion of damage to the bark caused by cattle and the height of damage to the trunk of the trees was also evaluated. The collected data were statistically analyzed by the non-parametric Kruskal-Wallis test, followed by the Dunn test (p < 0,05). The eucalyptus-urograndis in the silvopastoral system in planting model 1 had the best silvicultural performance, due to the highest increments of Ht and DBH, in addition to the smaller amount of trees damaged by cattle.

Fodder status in drought year and the practice of free range grazing in Bundelkhand region of India

Free range grazing of animals, is a practice followed since many years by farmers of Bundelkhand region of India which often leads to conflict in the community. Inadequacy of fodder is the main reason for this. Scientific analysis of fodder scenario in the region which comprises 13 districts of Uttar Pradesh and Madhya Pradesh using secondary data of crops, livestock and land use pattern was carried out so that districts with severe shortage of fodder get priority in livestock development projects. Besides, primary data was collected from 43 farmers to know the reasons for practicing it. Results indicated that 3 districts Tikamgarh, Jhansi and Jalaun belonged to deficient and 4 districts-Mahoba, Hamirpur, Banda and Chitrakoot were in severely deficient dry matter categories. Region faces dry matter shortage of nearly 42%. In all the districts, contribution of crop residue to total dry matter was more. However contribution of greens and concentrate did not vary much and remained almost same across districts. Analysis of primary data revealed that 67.44% of farmers in the region follow the practice of free range grazing. Majority (62.79%) expressed shortage of fodder and water for livestock in summer as the main reason to follow this practice. Establishing cattle shelters during summer in villages was suggested by 67.44% of farmers to restrain from following this practice. Convergence of efforts of different agencies and farmers is required to promote agrihorti- silvipastoral system for sustainable fodder availability in the region.

Validation of a Pampa Corte simulation model for hair sheep production in a tropical silvi-pastoral system in Chiapas, Mexico.

Validation of a Pampa Corte simulation model for hair sheep production in a tropical silvi-pastoral system in Chiapas, Mexico.

Silvipastoral systems: how to use them for carbon neutral milk production?

The potential of tree component neutralization was studied to understand the relationship between livestock, forest production and greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. The objective of this work was to evaluate the carbon balance in a silvopastoral system including semi-intensive dairy farming and to quantify emissions per unit milk produced in Visconde do Rio Branco, Minas Gerais state, Brazil. The tree component of the silvopastoral system was a hybrid of Eucalyptus grandis x Eucalyptus urophylla in a semi-intensive production system, including Brachiaria decumbes as forage grass and crossbred dairy cow. Carbon stock was calculated from the estimated wood volume with forest inventory data, wood density and wood carbon content factor for tree species. Livestock (enteric fermentation and animal waste management), electricity, fuel consumption, nitrogen and limestone fertilization were the GHG emissions considered using emission factors. The carbon balance was obtained by comparing annually the GHG emissions with the increase of this element. The Average Annual Carbon Increment (IMAC) was 7.631 Mg CO2e ha−1 year−1 and the Annual Average Emission of 5.817 Mg CO2e ha−1 year−1. The carbon balance, in all the years, was positive evidencing the contribution of the silvopastoral system to minimize GHG emissions and neutralize the emissions in milk production.

Effect of different soil working techniques on runoff, soil and nutrient losses under Silvipastoral system in degraded hills of Himachal Pradesh

The study was conducted during 2012-2013 to evaluate the effect of different soil working techniques, i.e., continuous contour (T1), small ridge-ditch (T2) and pit planting (T3) on runoff, soil and nutrient losses under Silvipastoral system in degraded lands of Himachal Pradesh. The investigations revealed that among all the soil working techniques continuous contour (T1) proved to be the most effective soil working technique to reduce runoff, soil and nutrient losses in degraded hilly slopes.

Evaluation of high yielding temperate perennial forages for augmenting forage resources in ladakh (India)

The present study was conducted in a community pastureland of Spituk Monastery, Leh (Ladakh) from 2013 to 2015 to evaluate some temperate forage grasses/legumes and their mixtures grown in the interspaces of Salix plantation with a spacing of 4 m × 4 m. The experiment comprised of 13 treatments laid out in a randomized block design with each treatment replicated three times using a plot size of 12 m × 12 m. The results revealed that alfalfa had maximum value of sward height (62.5 cm), which was at par with treatment alfalfa grown in mixture with Dactylis + tall fescue + sainfoin. However, plant cover was maximum (75.6-85.6%) in mixture treatments as compared to sole grass or legume treatments (20.4-80.6%). Maximum green (9.87 t ha-1) and dry fodder yield (2.68 t ha-1) was observed in Dactylis + tall fescue + sainfoin + alfalfa treatment, which was at par with tall fescue + alfalfa treatment. The mean values for plant height, collar diameter, diameter at breast height, number of branches and leaf yield were 1.79 m, 21.2 mm, 16.1 mm, 5.32 and 66.72 dry matter kg ha-1, respectively. The study suggests that tall fescue, Dactylis, red clover and sainfoin hold great promise as intercrop in Salix-based silvipastoral systems for augmenting the fodder needs in the region.

Delineate Soil Characteristics and Carbon Pools in Grassland Compared to Native Forestland of India: A Meta-Analysis

Grassland is a highly dynamic land use system and it provides vital ecosystem services, mainly consisting of carbon storage in the tropics and subtropics. The objective of this study was to delineate grassland in India according to soil characteristics and carbon pools in comparison to native forestland, and to discuss management strategies for improving soil carbon (SC) storage in grassland. A total of 675 paired datasets from studies on grassland and forestland in India generated during the period of 1990–2019 were used for meta-analysis study. The analysis shows that soil pH and bulk density (BD) in grasslands were greater by 1.1% and 1.0% compared to forestlands while soil organic carbon (SOC) declined by 36.3% (p < 0.05). Among carbon pools, labile carbon (LC), non-labile carbon (NLC), and microbial biomass carbon (MBC) were 35.5%, 35.3% and 29.5% lower, respectively, in the grassland compared to the forestland. Total carbon (TC) was 35.0% lower in the grassland than the forestland (p < 0.05). Soil carbon stocks (SCS) were 32.8% lower in the grassland compared to the forestland. In the grassland, MBC/SOC (%) from the surface layer and subsurface layer were lower by 2.4% and 8.5%, respectively compared to forestland. The percentage effect size was found to have decreased from surface soil to subsurface soil. Relative SCS loss and carbon dioxide equivalent emission from the grassland compared to forestland were 15.2% and 33.3 Mg ha−1, respectively (p < 0.05). Proper management strategies like agroforestry, legume introduction, silvipastoral system, fertilization, irrigation, and quality grass species could improve SC storage and reduce SCS loss in grassland. Overall, this study gives an idea that conversion of native forestland into grassland in India has declined the SC content and hence it is necessary to adapt proper strategies to manage the soil-atmosphere carbon balance.

Sistemas silvipastoris no Brasil: uma revisão sistemática

Esta pesquisa tem como objetivo apresentar um histórico dos avanços e da diversidade de dispersão dos Sistemas Silvipastoris no Brasil, através de informações disponíveis na literatura científica. Utilizou-se como método de pesquisa a revisão sistemática da literatura, usando a base de dados Web of Science. No total, 63 artigos foram selecionados com base em critérios de inclusão e exclusão, de uma amostragem inicial de 374. A análise dos artigos selecionados permitiu identificar 73 sistemas silvipastoris, distribuídos por todas as regiões geopolíticas brasileiras. Os sistemas foram categorizados de acordo com a região de implantação, a diversidade e os objetivos dos estudos, relacionando os componentes animais, pastagem, arbóreo, econômico e silvipastoril como sistema. Por fim, essa revisão sistemática permitiu o desenvolvimento de um mapa de evidências, demonstrando as lacunas de conhecimento sobre o tema, bem como as necessidades de avanço nos estudos.

Growth and Biomass Studies of Fodder cum Gum-yielding Trees under Different Spacing in Bundelkhand Region

The Bundelkhand region typically represents semi-arid conditions, where inhabitants of rural areas generally depend upon farming and livestock cultivation. Low availability of water and soil nutrients is the major hindrance in fodder production for livestock. Under such conditions, local people largely depend on fodder producing tree species. Senegalia Senegal sub species Senegal/kerensis and Acacia nilotica sub species indica are two important species of semi-arid region which produce nutritive fodder and also yield valuable edible gum. In present study S. Senegal and A. nilotica were planted in three different spacing viz., 10x10, 10x5 and 5x5 m, to test the effect of spacing on their survival, growth and fodder production. After six years, survival of S. Senegal and A. nilotica ranged from 61-86 (maximum in 10x10 m) and 69-90% (maximum in 5x5 m), respectively S. Senegal planted in wide spacing and A. nilotica planted in close spacing attained maximum height as well as stem diameter Both the species recorded maximum canopy spread and utilizable biomass (kg tree -1 ) in 10x10 and minimum in 5x5 m spacing; however, total biomass (tons ha -1 ) was found higher in close spacing 5x5 m). Apart from this, S. Senegal (37.63 g tree -1 ) and A. nilotica (12.21 g tree -1 ) started yielding gums after five years of plantation. This plantation is expected to yield good quantum of gum in coming years that can be an added advantage to the local inhabitants. Thus, based on the results obtained from the present study it can be concluded that un-utilized piece of lands available in Bundelkh and can be considered for developing S. Senegal and A. nilotica based silvipastoral system which may reduce the scarcity of fodder for livestock farmers in Bundelkh and region and may increase their income through revenue from gum yield.