Browsing by Subject "Silvopasture"

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    A Comparison of Soil Infiltration Rates across Silvopasture, Open Pasture and Traditional Forest Management in Central Minnesota
    (2016-10) Vaughan, Sophia
    Silvopastoral implementation has been proposed as an environmentally and economically beneficial practice for livestock farmers in Central Minnesota. To assess the adoptability and merits of silvopastoral systems, three paddocks (open pasture, traditional woodlands, and silvopasture) were developed at three farms. Water infiltration was used as a metric for water and soil quality. Soil infiltration, moisture content, saturated hydraulic conductivity and physical soil properties were collected at each location. Subsurface nutrient transport was measured in situ and in a laboratory with a bromide tracer. Soil infiltration rates increased at 47% of test locations. The bromide tracer tests and soil texture results confirmed minimal secondary porosity present, inhibiting vertical nutrient transport. Vegetation and animal management, geology, soils, climate change and prior land use were discussed as possible influences for soil infiltration. Results suggest silvopasture implementation in this region can improve soil infiltration without increasing the risk of water pollution.
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    Expanding agroforestry in Minnesota, USA: assessing the potential for silvopasture as an alternative to passive woodland grazing
    (2016-08) Ford, Madeline
    177,791 ha of woodlands in Minnesota, USA are grazed. Often these woodlands are not managed specifically for timber or cattle benefits. This lack of management often leads to decreased timber value and reduced forage yields. Silvopasture is a potential alternative to this lack of land management on Minnesota woodlots. Silvopasture is a type of agroforestry that intentionally combines trees, forage and livestock in an intensively-managed system. However, very limited information exists about silvopasture use in Minnesota. This three-year study (2013-2015) examines the potential for silvopasture success in Minnesota through comparing production of unmanaged woodland grazing, silvopasture and open pasture sites. The study collaborated with three farmers in Central Minnesota to assess these three grazing systems on their land. Silvopasture paddocks were established through thinning and seeding woodland areas. The study assessed forage production, forage quality, species diversity, and livestock performance. Forage production was generally greater in silvopasture systems compared to unmanaged woodland grazing systems, and forage quality was lower in open pasture systems, at least during the first year. Additionally, species diversity was typically lowest in open pasture systems, and comparable between silvopasture and woodland areas. Livestock performance was similar between the grazing systems. Results indicate that silvopasture has potential in Minnesota, but more research is needed to develop specific management guidelines as well as monitor silvopasture for longer periods of time.