Silvopastoralism (the main agroforestry land management system) is a practice that is used in many parts of the world to combine livestock, trees, and forage. Silvopasture can be established in two ways: trees can be introduced into a pasture or forages can be introduced into a thinned forest. Silvopasturing means more than simply fencing livestock in the woods. Successful silvopastoralism requires active and intensive management, mainly to ensure that grazing areas are controlled, rotated and that there are long rest and recovery periods between grazings. That’s what distinguishes silvopastoralism from woodland grazing of the past with its relatively unmanaged, prolonged access by animals and its negative effects. If done correctly, silvopastoralism can be a mutually beneficial arrangement. Livestock keep undergrowth in check while enjoying the dappled shade and comfortable temperatures provided by the trees. Both the pasture and the trees benefit from the free manure, which promotes the growth of nutritious and varied forage. In silvopastoral systems we can grow trees for any use or product (nuts, timber, fruit) and include livestock, as long as the trees are spaced to let in enough light for grass sward to grow. In Slovenia there are many suitable regions for silvopastoral use, specially those situated in less favourable areas.
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