Trees, cover and livestock together: silvopasture
Silvopasture deliberately integrates trees, forage and livestock under shared management. In this agroforestry system, each component influences the others.
Trees change grazing conditions
Shade can reduce heat stress and trees provide shelter. Depending on species, they can also supply timber, fruit or fodder. Selection and arrangement must fit forage and livestock needs.
Cover supports soil
Vegetation feeds animals and protects against erosion. Residues add organic matter and support soil properties. Grazing management must maintain this cover.
Movement protects vegetation and trees
Managed movement permits forage recovery and helps limit tree damage. Young trees need particular protection against browsing, rubbing and trampling, adapted to tree species, size and livestock.
Several functions on one area
The combination can diversify production and income and benefit biodiversity and soil protection. Design considers trees, forage, animal movement and tree regeneration together. Monitoring helps balance these uses.
Our field work
We aim to explore olives, cover and planned grazing, monitoring vegetation recovery and soil microbiology while protecting trees and adapting to grove conditions.