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Title: OPTIMIZING FORAGE PRODUCTION WITHIN A TEMPERATE SILVOPASTURE SYSTEM

Author
item BUERGLER, A - VIRGINIA TECH
item BOWDEN, C - NORTH CAROLINA STATE UNIV
item FIKE, J - VIRGINIA TECH
item Feldhake, Charles
item BURGER, J - VIRGINIA TECH
item MCKENNA, J - VIRGINIA TECH

Submitted to: North American Agroforestry Conference
Publication Type: Abstract Only
Publication Acceptance Date: 1/15/2003
Publication Date: 6/24/2003
Citation: Buergler, A., Bowden, C., Fike, J., Feldhake, C.M., Burger, J., McKenna, J. 2003. Optimizing forage production within a temperate silvopasture system. North American Agroforestry Conference, CD-ROM.

Interpretive Summary:

Technical Abstract: Incorporating trees into pasture production systems may improve economic viability of small, pasture-based farms by increasing productivity and diversification. To develop optimum designs for silvopasture systems in Appalachia, we are evaluating effects of tree species, tree spacing, and slope on pasture production and determining how the microclimate environment affects forage productivity. In 1995, black walnut (BW) and honey locust (HL) saplings were planted within three replicate plots of predominantly tall fescue pasture. Within each plot, four rows of each tree species were planted on a 12% slope. To create a two-way gradient of light and soil moisture both across and up the slope, trees were planted with spacings of 1.8, 3.7, and 14.6 m within the rows and 3.7, 7.3, and 14.6 m between the rows. Forage production was greatest (P < 0.01) with moderate shade. Seasonal yields for low-, medium-, and high-density plantings were 4500, 5200, and 4300 kg/ha respectively (SE=110). Increased planting density had greater negative effects on yield under HL trees (species X density interaction; P < 0.05). Aspect had no effect on forage productivity though soil moisture was greater (P < 0.05) at toe slope positions. As expected, incident light was reduced with increased shade. Generally, canopy and soil surface temperatures were reduced by shade from 9 AM till 6 PM. Intermediate tree spacings appear to improve forage yield by altering the microclimate. Appropriate plantings of trees in pastures appear to be an effective way of increasing total system productivity.