Agrisilviculture System | Silvopasture System | Agrosilvipasture System
Silvopasture System is the practice of integrating trees, forage, and the grazing of domesticated animals in a mutually beneficial way. It utilizes the principles of managed grazing, and it is one of several distinct forms of agroforestry.
Properly managed silvopasture (grazed woodland) can increase overall productivity and long-term income due to the simultaneous production of tree crops, forage, and livestock, and can provide environmental benefits and has been practiced in many parts of the world for centuries. Silvopasture is not the same as unmanaged grazingin woodlands.
The main advantages of this system are as follows:
- Produce multiple products such as fodder and forage needed for livestock, fuel wood, timber, and leaf litter needed for organic manure production.
- Improve and sustain the livestock productivity which increases the level of income of the farmers.
- Improve the nutritive value of animal feed due to the regular supply of green fodder.
- This is also the best practice for soil nutrient recycling, which also helps to reduce chemical fertilizer purchase.
- Improve the farm site ecology by reducing surface run off, soil erosion and nutrient loss, gully formation and landslides.
- Improve the local micro-climate and enhance the productive capacity of the farm.
- Reduce pressure of community forests and other natural forests for fodder, fuel wood and timber.
- This practices helps for the beautification of the surrounding areas.