Silvopasture systems

About Silvopasture system: 

 

• It is an ancient and proven practice that harmoniously integrates trees, forage and livestock on the same land.
• Advantages
  • This system buffer against temperature and wind extremes, providing a favourable living environment for livestock.
  • Carbon sinks: The trees on silvopasture lands act as natural carbon sinks, sequestering significantly five-10 times more carbon then pastures without trees, all while maintaining or enhancing productivity.
  • Nutrient cycling: The extensive root systems of trees within silvopasture plots contribute to nutrient cycling, improved soil stability and quality, while effectively combating erosion.
  • Also this system combine trees and livestock on the same land, silvopasture can play a vital role in reversing the negative trend of deforestation for pasture land. 
  • It also regulates local climatic conditions, buffering against temperature and wind extremes, providing a favourable living environment for livestock.
  • Soil infiltration rates in silvopasture systems surpass those of open pastures, enhancing water storage potential.

 

What is Nutrient cycling?

• The nutrient cycle is a system where energy and matter are transferred between living organisms and non-living parts of the environment.
• This occurs as animals and plants consume nutrients found in the soil, and these nutrients are then released back into the environment via death and decomposition.
• In forest environments, there is an exchange of nutrient elements such as hydrogen, nitrogen and oxygen among the soil, plants and animals living within the environment.

 

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Q1) What are Carbon sinks?

Carbon sinks are natural or artificial reservoirs that absorb and store carbon dioxide (CO2) from the atmosphere. They play a crucial role in mitigating the impact of greenhouse gas emissions on climate change by helping to balance the carbon cycle.

 

Source: Harness silvopasture systems for local climate resilience