Noel Kennedy, Forestry Development Officer with Teagasc discusses how the silvopasture system of agroforestry allows farming and growing a quality crop of trees work together in the same field.
Agroforestry is a well-recognised land management system in which trees or shrubs are grown around or among crops or pasture. In this video, Noel Kennedy explains about silvopasture which is Ireland’s most common agroforestry system chosen by farmers.
By planting trees, usually broadleaf trees, at wide spacing and protecting them with tree shelters, farmers can continue to use the field for grazing, grass production or both.
Grazing is initially limited to smaller animals – typically sheep but grazing by cattle may be possible when the trees are stronger.
As the trees grow and farming continues, silvopasture provides a range of environmental and practical benefits for local biodiversity, water quality, carbon storage and animal welfare and productivity.