Southern pines are important tree species in both silvopasture and woodland systems. Information on the dynamics of soil quality and growth of southern pines in these systems, especially when grazing animals are included in the system, is limited. Hypothesis of the study was that the soil quality and growth of southern-pine trees would be better in silvopastures vs. woodlands. The study objective was to evaluate the soil quality and growth of southern pines (loblolly, Pinus taeda and longleaf, Pinus palustris) in silvopastures and woodlands. Studies were conducted in silvopastures and woodlands, with six plots in each system (0.4-ha per plot). Silvopastures were developed from the existing woodlands in 2014 by removing the non-pine vegetation, thinning pine trees, and planting suitable cool- and warm-season forages. Woodlands consisted of longleaf and loblolly pines, hardwood trees, and several understory plant species. Understory vegetation present in both systems was managed with the rotational stocking of meat goats (Kiko) and hair sheep (Katahdin and Katahdin St. Croix cross). Soil bulk density and moisture were evaluated in 2019 and both plus carbon and nitrogen were measured in 2020. Tree height and diameter at breast height (DBH) were measured from 2018 to 2020. Soil carbon and nitrogen were greater in silvopastures versus woodlands (p < 0.05). Both loblolly and longleaf pines grew better in silvopastures versus woodlands, with a greater DBH (16–35%) and basal area (35–78%) in the former system (p < 0.0001). Tree species showed a significant effect (p < 0.001) on all growth parameters within each system, with loblolly pines having the greater height (6–9%), DBH (27–43%), and basal area (62–107) than longleaf pines. Results show that silvopastures offer a better environment for a faster growth of southern pine trees versus woodlands, when the understory vegetation present in both systems is managed with small ruminants.

南方松树是林地和林地系统中的重要树种。关于这些系统中土壤质量和南方松树生长动态的信息，特别是当系统中包括放牧动物时，信息有限。该研究的假设是，在林地与林地相比，南方松树的土壤质量和生长会更好。研究目的是评估南方松树（火炬松、火炬松和长叶松、沼泽松）的土壤质量和生长情况。) 在林地和林地。研究在林地和林地进行，每个系统有六个地块（每个地块 0.4 公顷）。2014 年，在现有林地的基础上，通过去除非松树植被、疏伐松树、种植适宜的冷暖季牧草，开发了林草牧场。林地由长叶松和火炬松、硬木树和几种林下植物组成。两个系统中存在的林下植被通过肉山羊 (Kiko) 和毛绵羊 (Katahdin 和 Katahdin St. Croix cross) 的轮养进行管理。2019 年评估了土壤容重和水分，2020 年测量了加碳和氮。从 2018 年到 2020 年测量了树高和胸径 (DBH)。与林地相比，林地的土壤碳和氮含量更高（p  < 0.05)。与林地相比，火炬松和长叶松在林地中的生长更好，前者的胸径（16-35%）和基部面积（35-78%）更大（p  < 0.0001）。树种对每个系统内的所有生长参数都有显着影响（p  < 0.001），火炬松的高度（6-9%）、胸径（27-43%）和基面积（62-107）高于长叶松。结果表明，当两个系统中存在的林下植被由小型反刍动物管理时，与林地相比，森林牧场为南方松树的更快生长提供了更好的环境。