Silvopastoral Systems in Temperate Zones of Chile

Abstract

In Chile, indigenous forests (mostly Nothofagus sp. and Acacia caven ) and plantations of fast-growing exotic species cover 13.5 and 2.4 million ha, respectively. The latter consists principally of Pinus radiata and Eucalyptus sp., but also include cherry ( Prunus avium ), poplar ( Populus sp.), and walnut ( Juglans regia ). The main silvopastoral systems that have been established in the temperate zone of the country, excluding arid, semiarid and Patagonian regions, are in: (1) an old Nothofagus forest in the foothills of the Andes, (2) a second-growth "Roble" ( Nothofagus obliqua ) forests of the Andes, with the objectives of rejuvenating the overmature forests, and evaluating the quantity and quality of pasture that is sown under different tree coverages. The Pinus radiata -based silvopastoral systems are the most common system adopted by smallscale agroforestry producers in the Mediterranean Chile in diverse environments from semiarid to humid zones. Furthermore, because of the expanding markets for pine nuts and timber of several hardwood species, several experimental trials were established in the past 20 years between the Valparaiso and Los Lagos regions, including exotic species such as cherry, walnut, poplar and stone pine ( Pinus pinea ). Through regular income from the sale of diverse woody and non-woody forest products, these innovative silvopastoral

Comparative Study between Silvopastoral and Agroforest Systems on Soil Quality in a Disturbed Native Forest of South-Central Chile

“…forest at Ñuble Region, which is under severe degradation processes resulting from: (i) over-logging (e.g., uncontrolled woodlots), (ii) overgrazing, (iii) browsing, limiting forest regeneration, and (iv) allotment and over-utilization of areas destined to agriculture. To address this situation, two different AFSs were established in 2016, an SPS and A GRO F RST , each divided into 3 plots of 1.33 ha [34,38,39] (Figure 1).…”

“…forest at Ñuble Region, which is under severe degradation processes resulting from: (i) over-logging (e.g., uncontrolled woodlots), (ii) overgrazing, (iii) browsing, limiting forest regeneration, and (iv) allotment and over-utilization of areas destined to agriculture. To address this situation, two different AFSs were established in 2016, an SPS and AGROFRST, each divided into 3 plots of 1.33 ha [34,38,39] (Figure 1). The A GRO F RST is used as a complementary food source for cattle (Red Angus) of the SPS during winter, yielding up to 24 t ha −1 yr −1 (dry basis) (2017-2018), which is stored in bundles to be used chiefly during winter as a staple food.…”

“…Based on previous on-site studies [38,70], it was possible to determine temporal changes in SOC concentrations and stocks (0-20 cm) and their respective accumulation rates (Table 4). Both SOC density and accumulation were greater in the A GRO F RST than the SPS, reflected in SOC stock variations: 21.93 Mg C ha −1 for the SPS (5 yr period), while 27.52 Mg C ha −1 for the A GRO F RST (4 yr period).…”

“…All data reported correspond to weighted values for the 0-5 and 5-20 cm depths. * For the year 2015, source: Alfaro et al [69] and ** year 2014 source: Dube et al [38].…”

Climate Change and Silvopasture: The Potential of the Tree and Weather to Modify Soil Carbon Balance

“…In 2016, this conifer represented 15.20% of the Spanish total forest logging, being one of the most important productive species in this country [7]. Moreover, P. radiata has been widely used as tree species in the establishment of silvopastoral systems in Galicia, as well as in other regions of Europe [8,9] and the world [10,11]. In this type of agroforestry system, P. radiata favours C sequestration due to its high growth rate compared to other conifer and broadleaved species [12][13][14].…”