Understanding the changes induced by the incorporation of trees in low densities into livestock systems: relevance of a long-term interdisciplinary experimental platform
摘要
The purpose of this work is to describe the creation process of the first long-term experimental platform designed for interdisciplinary studies of Silvopastoral Systems (SPS) in Uruguay and to highlight its relevance on filling knowledge gaps across different areas. This experiment involves professionals from diverse fields working together to generate knowledge for sustainable agriculture. The focus is on understanding long-term interactions in SPS, emphasizing native ecosystem conservation and increased agricultural productivity. Covering 30.24 ha, this experimental platform incorporates three treatments, implemented in a randomized complete block design with three replications: (1) a natural grassland without trees, (2) a two-row SPS with 160 tree/ha, and (3) a four-row SPS with 240 trees/ha. The platform's design involves the exploration of variables such as aboveground biomass and botanical composition, microclimate, silviculture, livestock performance, soil carbon dynamics, ecosystem integrity index, monitoring ecological indicators such as amphibian and spiders’ diversity, optimizing modeling and economic benefit and social aspects. This platform will enable the analysis of changes resulting from the incorporation of trees at two different densities into livestock systems. Additionally, we aim to identify the best combination of activities to optimize the farmers income, considering the relevance of a positive impact on social aspects, such as increased demand of employment, adoption by farmers, and the interest of new generations.