Rebecca J. Barlow, Janice F. Dyer, John S. Kush, and John C. Gilbert

Transcription

1 Rebecca J. Barlow, Janice F. Dyer, John S. Kush, and John C. Gilbert Alabama Cooperative Extension System and Longleaf Pine Stand Dynamics Laboratory, Auburn University School of Forestry and Wildlife Sciences, 3301 Forestry and Wildlife Building, Auburn University, AL, USA,

2 The United States has a history of grazing As early as the 1500 s, cattle brought to the American Southwest by Spanish explorers, grazed the open prairie European settlers continued this practice as they moved westward in the late 1800 s, grazing cattle and sheep on the seemingly endless arid and semi-arid grasslands.

3 Southeastern United States longleaf-slash pine forests made up much of the historical range for southern cattle grazing Grazing in longleaf forestsnot a new idea

4 Piney-woods cattle were managed on open rangeland at a rate of about 2-4 hectares per head depending on time of year and forage type Grazing in longleaf forestsnot a new idea

5 Grazing in longleaf forestsnot a new idea In accordance with age-old custom, southern landowners usually tolerate grazing on their forest lands by the livestock of numerous small famers. The typical forest range is open, no permits are required, no fees are charged, and usually no attempt is made to control fires set by stock owners. Wahlenberg (1946)

6 Woodland grazing management helped limit unwanted understory brush and promoted native grasses Improved wildlife habitat for species such as Bobwhite quail Grazing in longleaf forestsnot a new idea

7 Grazing in longleaf forestsnot a new idea Longleaf also pine benefited from this relationship

8 Why did it work? Silvics of the species Longleaf pine has a unique life history Evolved with fire Needs bare soil for seed to regenerate Grass stage that may last 7-20 years

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10 Fencing laws were enforced in the 1930 s and 40 s Longleaf pine forests were harvested and not regenerated - often turned into pasture or agricultural land A cultural shift contributes to ecological change

11 A cultural shift contributes to ecological change

12 A cultural shift contributes to ecological change Lack of fire on the landscape caused fallow agricultural land to be reforested with faster growing southern pine species such as loblolly (Pinus taeda) and slash (P. elliotti)

13 And the pendulum swings back Today both longleaf and silvopasture are benefitting from a renewed interest by landowners.

14 And the pendulum swings back Longleaf pine restoration planting of old agricultural fields assistance programs to improve wildlife habitat

15 And the pendulum swings back Silvopasture production of high quality timber improved cash flow opportunities from livestock and forage production wildlife habitat, native grass production, and improved soil and water quality

16 A need for more information History has shown that natural longleaf pine stands can be ideally suited for woodland grazing Little is known about how planted longleaf silvopastures may respond to grazing Of importance is understanding when cattle can be introduced into the system

17 A need for more information As part of a silvopasture, cattle are a source of additional income and cash flow that can be important to a private landowner Livestock may damage young seedlings by browsing, trampling, or rubbing On newly planted agroforestry sites, livestock grazing should be delayed for approximately 3-4 years depending on the tree species meters in height for most southern pines

18 A need for more information Past research has focused on slash or loblolly pine silvopastures

19 E.A. Hauss Demonstration Forest In the winter of 2008 twelve, approximately 2.5 hectare blocks were hand planted in double row sets of loblolly or longleaf pine Planting rows were established in an east/west orientation with 2.4 meters between the double rows. A 12-meter alley between double rows of trees was left for forage production Seedlings were planted 2 meters apart within the scalped double rows

20 E.A. Hauss Demonstration Forest

21 E.A. Hauss Demonstration Forest Summer 2008 Imazapyr at a rate of 12.4 ounces/ha was machine applied Fall of 2009 alleys within each blocks treated with imazapic and glyphosate mix for forage establishment. Spring 2010 six blocks (two loblolly and four longleaf) planted in exotic pasture grasses six blocks (two loblolly and four longleaf) planted in native warm season grasses Spring 2011 Third year height measurements compared livestock introduction recommendations ( meters tall)

22 2008

23 2009

24 2012

25 Results Average tree heights at time of planting 1.6 cm for longleaf 19.7 cm for loblolly Average tree heights at end of first growing season 5.6 cm longleaf (0.5 to 20.0 cm) 61.9 cm loblolly (31.5 to cm) First year seedling survival ranged from percent. 68 percent for longleaf 78 percent for loblolly

26 Results Survival at the end of the third growing season 55 percent across all stands regardless of tree species Equipment operator error! Average tree heights at end of third growing season 1.2 m longleaf 3.0 m loblolly

27 Average trees per hectare and heights of longleaf and loblolly seedlings in silvopasture plantings at Hauss Demonstration Forest in 2011 after three growing seasons. Stand Number Species Trees per Hectare Average height in meters 1A Longleaf A Loblolly A Longleaf A Loblolly B Longleaf B Longleaf B Longleaf B Longleaf C Loblolly C Loblolly C Longleaf C Longleaf

28 Results By age 4, or at the end of the third growing season after planting, loblolly pine seedlings were easily livestock resistant by exceeding the minimum recommended height requirement of 1.5 to 2.5m for cattle or livestock introduction In comparison, longleaf pine on similar sites did not meet the average minimum height requirement to be considered livestock resistant

29 Discussion Loblolly pine may be the better choice for silvopasture if -- Early livestock introduction is important to management objectives Want to reduce replanting possibility Have inexperienced equipment operators

30 Discussion Longleaf pine may be the better choice for silvopasture if -- Ecosystem restoration is a priority Have experienced equipment operators Interest in revenue streams beyond cattle such as pine straw

31 Potential benefits from longleaf pine agroforestry sites include high quality pine straw production Longleaf pine straw has desired quality, color, and appearance and can bring a premium in retail outlets Discussion

32 Discussion Pine straw falls during October and November and is harvested December or January This can correspond with the timing of moving cattle from silvopastures to winter forage areas Pine straw production is compatible with timber and livestock production, while providing additional revenue that can offset the cost of cattle introduction delays

33 Pine straw from a longleaf pine silvopasture

34 The time is right for a renaissance in southern pine agroforestry Grazing in longleaf pine forests is an important part of southern land management history Although it may not grow like loblolly pine, longleaf should not be dismissed as viable options for smallscale private landowners

35 Landowners must always consider their objectives when planning a new agroforestry activity and plant the tree species whatever it may be-- that best meets those goals It is important that landowners and land managers understand the silvics of southern pine species differences may impact their land management decisions such as when to introduce cattle

36 Thank you for your time!

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