Silvopastoral Systems - Management Protocols

Management of agricultural component:

• Plots are grazed by breeding sheep with lambs in season (breeds used are appropriate to individual sites);
• Ewes and lambs are turned out after lambing;
• Lambs are removed at weaning;
• Ewes are removed at the start of winter when pastures would be damaged by further grazing;
• Pastures are maintained at common seasonal sward height profiles for upland and for lowland sites by "putting and taking" sheep based on weekly measurements of sward height;
• Grazed plots are based on ryegrass (Lolium perenne) dominated permanent pastures;
• Grazed pastures receive 150 kg nitrogen per hectare per annum in 4 applications;
• Phophorus and potassium are applied as required by local circumstances.

Management of forestry component:

• Trees are planted in a square grid pattern;
• Trees in agroforestry plots are individually protected by shelters or net guards;
• A 1m diameter spot was kept weed free for three years after planting;
• Both broadleaves and conifers are pruned to create a knot-free bole;
• Conifers are also pruned to minimise the sail effect of the canopy;
• Pruning is based upon an agreed protocol, details from Max Hislop.