Silvopasture Benefits
While many critical research questions remain, the existing body of scientific literature is clear on the myriad benefits of systems that thoughtfully integrate livestock with forage and woody perennials.
Animal Health Benefits
Research shows that animals raised in silvopasture systems experience lower stress, higher weight gain, and improved fertility due to better temperature regulation and dietary variety.
- Impacts of Heat Stress on Global Cattle Production in the 21st Century: A Modeling Study – Study done in 2022 by Cornell researchers. Study directly recommends silvopasture: “A 2022 study from Cornell University predicted that losses of cattle herds due to heat stress will total $15 to $40 billion a year by the end of the century. To avoid these losses, the authors note that “tree–livestock systems can be highly effective in reducing heat stress.”
- Shade use, welfare and performance of ewes grazing in temperate silvopastures differing in tree density
Economics
- Browse Agroforestry Using Honeylocust – this study notes annual returns of 9-30% on honey locust planted in pasture
- Silvopasture offers climate change mitigation and profit potential for farmers in the eastern United States – This study notes that there are between 14 million and 62 million acres of potential opportunity to expand silvopasture practices in the eastern United States
- Economic Case Studies (PDF) – Presentations from the Northeast Silvopasture Conference held in Watkins Glen, NY in November 2011.
Soil Health and Ecosystem Services
Carbon Sequestration
Trees in silvopasture systems absorb atmospheric carbon, contributing to climate mitigation strategies. Well-managed silvopastures can store more carbon than conventional grazing lands.
- Carbon dynamics of silvopasture systems in the Northeastern US – Results indicate that silvopastures stored 43% more total carbon (136.42 Mg C ha− 1) than treeless pastures (95.47 Mg C ha− 1), with tree carbon in silvopastures being the driving factor.
- Trees for soil organic carbon storage in a temperate organic agroforestry system
- Potential of crop-livestock integration to enhance carbon sequestration and agroecosystem functioning in semi-arid croplands
Tree Fodder as Livestock Feed
When properly managed, trees can not only reduce heat stress, store carbon, and improve soil health, but can also provide feed for livestock during dry times when pastures aren’t producing.
