Silvopastoral Systems in the Delta Region of Argentina

Abstract

The increase in cultivated area worldwide has brought about a change inland-use pattern. In the temperate-wet regions, the silvopastoral systems(SPS) that integrate afforestation using deciduous species with cattle raisingcreate diversifi ed systems, which demand management practices tocapitalise on the benefi cial effects and to minimise negative impact on theenvironment. The increase in silvopastoral activity on Salicaceae plantationsin the region of the Delta of the Paraná River in Argentina raised thechallenge of developing technologies for a forest-forage system that leadsto sustainable cattle raising in this kind of environment. The acquiredknowledge on SPS establishment aimed at producing quality wood ofPopulus sp. and Salix sp. for sawn wood, veneers, crushed wood, woodpulp and energy, and foliage as cattle feed. The use of bare (unrooted) polecuttings of 1, 2, or 3 years of age as planting material, instead of cuttings,necessitates wide spacing in nursery planting (1 × 1 m and 1,2 × 1,2 m).This should reduce the time between fi eld planting of trees and lettingcattle into the system without causing damage to the trees during the fi rstand second years of plantation establishment. The wider spacing of treesin the plantation (5 × 5 m and 6 × 6 m) allows the establishment of a dense,productive understory consisting of native species of recognized nutritivevalue as well as shade-tolerant exotic species such as Dactylis glomerata that increase the understory carrying capacity. These management techniques,which optimise system productivity, should ensure proper use andbalance between SPS components.