Southern-pine Silvopastures Research Articles

Comparative assessment of soil health indicators in response to woodland and silvopasture land use systems

The change in land-use systems due to new management practices and confined agricultural space leads to a major shift in soil health. Soil microbial community composition, enzyme activities, and soil physiochemical properties are considered as important indicators of soil health. Past research has focused on soil health in response to major land-use systems such as forest, pasture, and cultivated land. However, the response of soil health indicators specifically, biological indicators to silvopasture systems remains understated. Therefore, the objective of our study was to assess the impact of silvopasture (SPS) and woodland (WS) land-use systems on the soil health indicators. The study site consists of 5-years-old southern-pine silvopasture developed from existing woodland and 13-years old southern-pine/hardwood mixed woodland plots. Soil samples were collected and analyzed for microbial analysis using the MiSeq platform next-generation sequencing, enzyme assay using a microplate fluorimetric method, and soil physiochemical properties. Significantly higher soil organic carbon (2.6 ± 0.12%), total nitrogen (0.09 ± 0.002%), Mehlich phosphorous (26.9 ± 3.09 mg kg−1), nitrate (4.8 ± 0.24 mg kg−1), and pH (6.5 ± 0.10) were observed in SPS. SPS had a significantly higher acidic phosphatase (169.5 ± 6.59), alkaline phosphatase (43.6 ± 3.39), phosphodiesterase (10.5 ± 0.71), and β-glucosidase (61.7 ± 3.34) activity, measured in nmol g−1 hr−1, as compared to WS. Proteobacteria, Actinobacteria, and Acidobacteria were the most dominant bacterial phyla while Ascomycota and Basidiomycota were the most dominant fungal phyla in both systems. The relative abundance of Proteobacteria (43.3%) was significantly higher in SPS while that of Acidobacteria (17.5%) was significantly higher in woodland (WS). Similarly, Basidiomycota were dominant (p < 0.0001) in WS while SPS was dominated by Ascomycota (p < 0.0001). Microbial diversity and the microbial community at the class and genus taxonomic levels were also impacted by the SPS. Copiotrophs and phytopathogens were higher in SPS while oligotrophs, decomposers, and ectomycorrhizae were higher in WS. In conclusion, our study found strong evidence that the nutrient input and vegetation composition in southern-pine SPS led to changes in soil physiochemical properties which further caused a shift in soil microbial community composition in these systems identified by principal component analysis.

93 Health and Performance of Ewes in Woodland and Silvopasture Systems

Abstract The health and performance of small ruminants can be influenced by the type of vegetation available in the grazing lands, which are evolving from conventional sole pastures to other systems containing browse species, such as pastures incorporated with browse, silvopastures, and woodlands. However, how the type of grazing lands would impact animal performance and health is not documented well. The objective of this study was to determine the health and performance of ewe lambs in southern-pine silvopastures and woodlands. The study site consisted of pine silvopastures (3 plots, 0.4-ha each) planted with different cool- and warm-season forages, and woodlands (3 plots, 0.4-ha each) having numerous understory shrubs and herbaceous species. Katahdin-St. Croix-cross ewe lambs (n = 20; live weight – 29.4±1.03 kg., 5–6 months old) were rotationally stocked in study plots (10 animals/system) from May to August 2019. Both silvopasture and woodland systems consisted of 14-year-old longleaf (Pinus palustris Mill.) and loblolly pine (Pinus taeda L.) trees. Animal performance data [live weight (LW), body condition score (BCS), FAMACHA score, and fecal egg count] were collected every 14 days and blood samples collected at the beginning and on d 80 after they were stocked in the study plots. Blood samples were analyzed for PVC using centrifuge machine and other parameters in IDEXX. Data were analyzed using the multivariate analysis of variance in SAS 9.4. The silvopasture ewes gained more weight versus the woodland ewes (P &amp;lt; 0.0001). Fecal egg count was correlated negatively with live weight and BCS and positively with FAMACHA score in both groups (P &amp;lt; 0.05). Woodland ewes showed greater levels of RBC, hemoglobin, and lymphocyte, but less blood urea nitrogen (BUN), monocyte, and basophil than silvopasture ewes (P &amp;lt; 0.05). Results indicate that woodland ewes may need some supplement to improve their weight gain and BUN.

92 Health and Performance of Ewes in Woodland and Silvopasture Systems

Abstract The health and performance of small ruminants can be influenced by the type of vegetation available in the grazing lands, which are evolving from conventional sole pastures to other systems containing browse species, such as pastures incorporated with browse, silvopastures, and woodlands. However, how the type of grazing lands would impact animal performance and health is not documented well. The objective of this study was to determine the health and performance of ewe lambs in southern-pine silvopastures and woodlands. The study site consisted of pine silvopastures (3 plots, 0.4-ha each) planted with different cool- and warm-season forages, and woodlands (3 plots, 0.4-ha each) having numerous understory shrubs and herbaceous species. Katahdin-St. Croix-cross ewe lambs (n = 20; live weight – 29.4±1.03 kg., 5–6 months old) were rotationally stocked in study plots (10 animals/system) from May to August 2019. Both silvopasture and woodland systems consisted of 14-year-old longleaf (Pinus palustris Mill.) and loblolly pine (Pinus taeda L.) trees. Animal performance data [live weight (LW), body condition score (BCS), FAMACHA score, and fecal egg count] were collected every 14 days and blood samples collected at the beginning and on day 80 after they were stocked in the study plots. Blood samples were analyzed for PVC using centrifuge machine and other parameters in IDEXX. Data were analyzed using the multivariate analysis of variance in SAS 9.4. The silvopasture ewes gained more weight versus the woodland ewes (P &amp;lt; 0.0001). Fecal egg count was correlated negatively with live weight and BCS and positively with FAMACHA score in both groups (P &amp;lt; 0.05). Woodland ewes showed greater levels of RBC, hemoglobin, and lymphocyte, but less blood urea nitrogen (BUN), monocyte, and basophil than silvopasture ewes (P &amp;lt; 0.05). Results indicate that woodland ewes may need some supplement to improve their weight gain and BUN.

Diurnal behavior of Kiko wethers in southern-pine silvopastures planted with warm-season forages

Goats are the common grazing livestock integrated into the silvopasture system. Previous grazing studies with goats in southern-pine silvopastures showed significant debarking of pine trees during the cool-season grazing period. However, goats’ behavior in this system during the warm-season grazing period has not been previously reported. The objective of the study was to determine the diurnal behavior and distribution pattern of Kiko wethers in southern-pine silvopastures planted with warm-season forages. The study was conducted at the Atkins Agroforestry Research and Demonstration Site, Tuskegee University, Tuskegee, Alabama, USA. The study site consisted of three silvopasture plots (0.4-ha each) comprising 12-year-old longleaf (Pinus palustris Mill.) and loblolly (Pinus taeda L.) pines, with a tree density of 402 trees ha−1 (loblolly: longleaf ratio – 1.27). Study plots were divided into three zones, and three different warm-season forages were grown in these zones. Forage samples were collected and analyzed for productivity and quality. Ten Kiko wethers (2.75–2.90-year-old, 62.9 ± 1.56 kg BW) were rotationally stocked in the study plots, and their diurnal behavior and distribution pattern studied when they were in each study plot. Data were analyzed using Kruskal–Wallis rank-sum test in R-package. Grazing was the predominant diurnal behavior (46%) shown by Kiko wethers followed by staying in shelters (22%) and lying (17%). Wethers did not show any pine debarking behavior. Wethers spent predominant diurnal time in Zone 3 (42%) planted with sericea lespedeza (Lespedeza cuneata (Dum. Cours.) G. Don) that had the highest quality forages followed by Zone 1 (31%) planted with bahiagrass (Paspalum notatum Flueggé). Kiko wethers could be safe to stock in southern-pine silvopastures containing 12-year-old trees during the warm-season grazing period.

Confinement influenced the diurnal behavior of Katahdin rams and Kiko wethers in southern-pine silvopastures

Previous studies with Kiko wethers rotationally stocked in southern-pine silvopastures showed a significant debarking of 10-11-year-old pine trees during winter and spring. There is a need to identify suitable animals and management strategies to protect trees in silvopastures. The objective of the study was to determine the effect of confinement on diurnal behavior and distribution pattern of Katahdin rams and Kiko wethers cograzing in southern-pine silvopastures during the cool-season grazing period. Diurnal behavior and distribution pattern of Kiko wethers (n = 6; 61.5 ± 1.58 kg live weight) and Katahdin rams (n = 6; 72.7 ± 4.80 kg live weight) were monitored in two sets of studies: (1) animals were rotationally stocked in three silvopasture plots with confinement (plot-gate closed), and (2) the same study was repeated with non-confinement (plot-gate open), allowing access to wooded area and open space located outside the silvopasture plots. Rams did not debark pine trees irrespective of confinement. They spent less time (17%) grazing (p < 0.05) and stayed out of the silvopasture plots for a significant period (42%) with non-confinement. Wethers showed some debarking (2%) of pine trees with confinement, but none without confinement. With non-confinement, wethers’ grazing time decreased (53%) (p < 0.0001), browsing time increased (48×) (p < 0.0001), and distribution outside the silvopasture plots remained significant (73%). Katahdin rams were found safe to use in southern-pine silvopastures consisting of 12-year-old longleaf and loblolly pine trees; however, non-confinement would be necessary while using Kiko wethers to safeguard young southern-pine trees in small silvopasture plots containing similar understory vegetation during the cool-season grazing period.

PSV-4 Confinement Influenced the Diurnal Behavior and Distribution Pattern of Katahdin Rams and Kiko Wethers in Southern-pine Silvopastures.

PSV-4 Confinement Influenced the Diurnal Behavior and Distribution Pattern of Katahdin Rams and Kiko Wethers in Southern-pine Silvopastures.

Behavior and distribution patterns of Katahdin rams in southern-pine silvopastures with cool-season forages

Selection of a suitable grazing livestock is a key for successful management of silvopasture systems. Previous studies have pointed out some damaging behavior of Kiko, a meat goat breed, wethers on pine trees in mixed-pine silvopastures, thereby indicating the need for identifying alternative animal species for this system. Our objective was to determine the diurnal behavior and distribution patterns of Katahdin, a hair sheep breed, rams in southern-pine silvopastures during the cool-season grazing period. The study was conducted during the spring of 2017 at the Atkins Agroforestry Research and Demonstration Site, Tuskegee University, Tuskegee, Alabama, USA. Three 0.4-ha longleaf (Pinus palustris Mill.)-loblolly (Pinus taeda L.) mixed-pine silvopasture plots were planted with three different combinations of coolseason forages in separate subplots. Forage samples were collected before bringing animals into the plots, and analyzed for productivity and quality. Six Katahdin rams (12–15 months old, 72.7 ± 4.80 kg live weight) were rotationally stocked in the study plots, and their diurnal (dawn-dusk) behavior and distribution patterns were observed. Grazing was the most dominating behavior (44%) of rams followed by lying (39%) and loafing (10%). Rams used tree shade while resting and stayed in shelters during the rain. There was no pine debarking by rams throughout the observation period. Rams in silvopastures spent more time grazing during morning (dawn-1100 h) and post-midday (1500 h-dusk) periods, and lying during the midday (1100–1500 h) period. They mostly stayed together irrespective of where they went, resulting in a small value of distribution evenness index. Katahdin rams were found safe to graze in mixed southern-pine silvopasture systems consisting of 12-year-old trees during the coolseason grazing period.

Raising goats in the southern-pine silvopasture system: challenges and opportunities

Pasture-based goat operation is popular among small-scale farmers; however, it may be challenging when forage availability is limited. Grazing opportunity can be increased by developing silvopastures after thinning pine plantations. To successfully manage silvopastures, it is important to understand animals’ interaction with trees. The objective of this study was to evaluate the use of goats in the southern pine silvopasture system. Studies were conducted at two sites: Atkins Agroforestry Research and Demonstration Site, Tuskegee (Site 1), and Plantersville Silvopasture Demonstration Site, Plantersville, Alabama (Site 2). Site 1 consisted of six acres of longleaf (Pinus palustris Mill.) and loblolly (Pinus taeda L.) pine trees (10–11 years old, 147 ± 21.1 trees/acre; longleaf 52.14%, loblolly 47.86%). Site 2 comprised of 14 acres of 17–18 years old loblolly pine silvopastures. Both sites were planted with cool- and warm-season forages, and plots were rotationally grazed with goats (Site 1—Kiko wethers; Site 2—mixed breed of goats) during the 2015–2016 grazing seasons. Goat performance (live weight, body condition score, and FAMACHA score) was monitored every 2 weeks in Site 1, and trees were inspected for possible damage in both sites. Goats performed better while grazing cool-season forages during the spring. In Site 1, goats debarked pine trees, especially longleaf pines during the cool-season grazing period. No debarking was observed in Site 2. This study showed that southern pine silvopastures could provide a good grazing opportunity, but trees can be vulnerable to goats even when they are 10–11 years of age.

Diurnal behavior and distribution patterns of Kiko wethers in southern-pine silvopastures during the cool-season grazing period

Goats are commonly used to utilize the understory vegetation in pine silvopasture systems. Understanding goats’ behavior and their distribution patterns is necessary to manage this system well. The objective of this study was to evaluate the diurnal behavior and distribution patterns of goats in Southern-pine silvopastures during the cool-season grazing period. This study was conducted in 2015 and 2016 in Tuskegee, Alabama, USA. Eight different cool-season forages were planted in separate subplots within each plot in mixed-pine silvopasture systems with three replications (3 plots, 0.4-ha each) in the fall of 2014 and 2015. Trees in the silvopasture consisted of longleaf (Pinus palustris Mill.) and loblolly pine (Pinus taeda L.). Twenty-eight Kiko wethers were rotationally stocked in the silvopasture plots in April 2015, and January to April 2016. When study began, trees were 10 years old (DBH: 12 ± 0.2 cm; height: 7 ± 0.1 m), and animals were 5–7 months old. The diurnal behavior (grazing, browsing, loafing, lying, and debarking) and distribution patterns of goats were monitored from dawn to dusk for two consecutive days (2015) or one day (2016) in each plot at each grazing rotation. Grazing was the most dominant diurnal behavior (36–54%) of Kiko wethers followed by lying (29–34%) and loafing (15–22%). The distribution evenness index was more even in 2016 vs. 2015, spring vs. winter, and mid-day vs. morning. Goats also showed some debarking behavior (< 2%), mostly on longleaf pine. The study showed that goats’ behavior and distribution patterns were influenced by year (age), season, and part of the day.

677 Prevalent weeds in a southern-pine silvopasture system managed with Kiko wethers

677 Prevalent weeds in a southern-pine silvopasture system managed with Kiko wethers

097 Grazing Behavior and Distribution Patterns of Kiko Wethers in Southern-Pine Silvopastures

097 Grazing Behavior and Distribution Patterns of Kiko Wethers in Southern-Pine Silvopastures

Cattle distribution and behavior in southern-pine silvopasture versus open-pasture

Shade present in silvopasture systems could reduce heat stress associated with microclimatic conditions that characterize warm-weather portions of the year on the Coastal Plain of the Southeast USA. Objectives of this research were to: (1) quantify diurnal distribution patterns of landscape use and behavior of cattle in loblolly-pine (Pinus taeda) silvopasture versus open-pasture landscapes, and (2) relate observed differences in landscape use and cattle behavior patterns between the two pastures to differences in microclimatic conditions, and forage quantity and quality. The research was conducted in Chipley, Florida USA within a 5-ha cell of a loblolly-pine-bahiagrass (Paspalum notatum) silvopasture (tree age 20 year), and a 5-ha open bahiagrass pasture with unlimited access to an adjacent 1-ha wooded area. One-day observations of diurnal distribution and behavior of cattle were conducted in March, June, and September 2007; microclimatic conditions were measured, and forage quantity and quality were estimated within each landscape. Cattle utilized the landscape more evenly in the silvopasture versus the open-pasture and this difference was mainly attributed to reduced solar radiation recorded in the silvopasture. Grazing was the dominant behavior in the silvopasture while loafing was dominant in the open-pasture. Shade present in silvopasture appeared to reduce heat stress for cattle grazing during warm-weather portions of the year on the Coastal Plain of the Southeast USA. Further study is needed to determine how this reduction in heat stress influences cattle performance in southern-pine silvopasture, and the nature and extent of the interactions among animal distribution and behavior, microclimatic conditions, and forage characteristics in these systems.

Nitrogen source influences on forage and soil in young southern-pine silvopasture

Southern-pine silvopasture can be established by thinning an existing forest plantation then adding or improving a forage component, or by adding low densities of trees to existing pasture. Studies in mature loblolly ( Pinus taeda L.) pine silvopasture (26 years) developed from a thinned plantation on the Western Coastal Plain of Louisiana, USA estimated higher forage biomass production for open-pasture versus silvopasture. However, little is known about temporal and spatial dynamics of forage productivity and soil quality in permanent pastures being converted to silvopasture on the Southern Coastal Plain of the Southeastern USA. The objectives of this research were to determine the impact of nitrogen (N) source (legume-N versus fertilizer-N), pasture type (silvopasture versus open-pasture), and alley position relative to trees in young Southern Coastal Plain silvopasture on (1) forage productivity and quality; (2) soil aggregate stability, density of fungal hyphae, and soil penetration resistance. This research was conducted in a randomized complete block design with three replications from 2005 to 2007 at Americus, Georgia, USA in a young longleaf pine ( Pinus palustris Mill.)-bahiagrass ( Paspalum notatum Flugge) silvopasture and adjoining bahiagrass pasture without trees (open-pasture). Treatments included either fertilizer-N or overseeded crimson clover ( Trifolium incarnatum L. ‘Dixie’). Silvopasture forage parameters were monitored at two (2005: 1.0 and 6.1 m) or three (2006–2007: 1.0, 3.5, and 6.1 m) alley positions relative to the tree base; soil parameters were monitored at two alley positions (1.0 and 6.1 m). Cool-season (April or May) forage biomass was 40% higher and forage N concentration 27% higher for the legume-N versus fertilizer-N treatment. When compared to the 3.5- or 6.1-m alley positions, forage productivity at the 1.0-m alley position decreased when the pines were 6 years old. Lower N and higher acid detergent fiber (ADF) levels were found in forage from silvopasture versus open-pasture in August 2006, and July and September 2007, the result of pine straw accumulation in the forage alleys. Water stable aggregates were 5% lower in silvopasture versus open-pasture. Soil penetration resistance was lower in silvopasture versus open-pasture at 10–15- and 15–20-cm in 2005, and at 15–20-cm in 2007. This research found that forage productivity and forage and soil quality can be improved, and N fertilizer additions replaced by introduction and maintenance of crimson clover into young longleaf pine-bahiagrass silvopasture during the hay-production period of pasture to silvopasture conversion on Southern Coastal Plain soil in the Southeastern USA.