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Soil quality and growth of southern pines in silvopastures and woodlands integrated with small ruminants

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Abstract

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.

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Acknowledgements

This study was funded by USDA-NIFA-AFRI Grant Number 2016-68006-2476 and a partial support was provided by USDA/NIFA/McIntire Stennis Cooperative Forestry Research Programs at Tuskegee University, Award Number NI19MSCFRXXXG011. Authors are grateful for the support received from the George Washington Carver Agricultural Experiment Station and Cooperative Extension, Tuskegee University, to conduct this research.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences, College of Agriculture, Environment and Nutrition Science, Tuskegee University, Tuskegee, AL, 36088, USA

    Uma Karki, Bidur Paneru, Anand Tiwari, Nevershi Ellis, Shailes Bhattrai, Lila Karki & Sanjok Poudel

  2. Department of Crop and Soil Environmental Sciences, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Blacksburg, VA, 24061, USA

    Bidur Paneru & Sanjok Poudel

  3. Department of Poultry Science, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, 30602, USA

    Shailes Bhattrai

  4. Department of Agriculture, Food, and Resource Sciences, UMES Cooperative Extension, University of Maryland Eastern Shore, Princess Anne, MD, 21853, USA

    Lila Karki

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  1. Uma Karki
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Correspondence to Uma Karki.

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Karki, U., Paneru, B., Tiwari, A. et al. Soil quality and growth of southern pines in silvopastures and woodlands integrated with small ruminants. Agroforest Syst 96, 517–526 (2022). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10457-021-00709-4

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