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.

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