Source: The post is based on the article “Harness silvopasture systems for local climate resilience” published in Down To Earth on 25th July 2023.
What is the News?
In light of the global deterioration of natural resources and forests, silvopasture systems offer a relevant solution to deforestation trends.
What is Silvopasture?
Silvopasture is an ancient and proven practice that harmoniously integrates trees, forage and livestock on the same land.
By combining these elements, silvopasture brings numerous environmental advantages, including improved local climate resilience.
Silvopasture practices currently cover a vast expanse of 550 million hectares worldwide.
What are the advantages of Silvopasture?
Deforestation: Silvopasture can play a vital role in reversing the negative trend of deforestation for pasture land.
Carbon Sinks: The trees on silvopasture lands act as natural carbon sinks, sequestering five to 10 times more carbon then pastures without trees.
Regulate local climatic conditions: Silvopasture systems also regulate local climatic conditions, buffering against temperature and wind extremes, providing a favorable living environment for livestock.
Nutrition cycle: The extensive root systems of trees within silvopasture plots contribute to nutrient cycling, improved soil stability and quality while effectively combating erosion.
Soil infiltration rates: Soil infiltration rates in silvopasture systems surpass those of open pastures, enhancing water storage potential.
Livestock: The cattle utilized the silvopasture landscape more evenly as there was more shading throughout the plot, reducing heat stress during the warm-weather portions of the year.
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