Silvopastoral systems are a type of agroforestry that combines trees, forage crops, and livestock on the same land, producing a productive and sustainable agricultural landscape. The multifunctional use improves biodiversity, reduces animal welfare problems, and plays a role in climate change mitigation and adaptation.
Trees in a silvopastoral system give shade and protection to animals, mitigating heat stress and increasing productivity. Their roots prevent soil erosion, stabilize the soil, and enhance water penetration, while leaves and organic material that have dropped enrich the soil. Deep-rooting trees also extract nutrients and water from deeper horizons and enhance pasture growth in times of drought.
These systems provide more biodiversity by supporting the establishment of habitats for birds, insects, and microbes. They also store considerable carbon in both soil and biomass, which lowers greenhouse gas emissions from livestock production. Silvopastoral systems also lower the demand for chemical fertilizers and enhance nutrient cycling.
Farmers economically gain from the diversified income sources from timber, fruits, forage, and animal products. Under well-managed conditions, these systems enhance land-use efficiency and resilience to climate variability.
Silvopastoral systems are a regenerative and climate-smart alternative to intensive livestock farming with environmental, economic, and social advantages in an integrated model.