Skip to main content
SpringerLink
Log in

Modeling forage growth in a Midwest USA silvopastoral system

  • Published:
Agroforestry Systems Aims and scope Submit manuscript

Abstract

Tree effects on understory pasture growth in a silvopastoral system were modeled by explicit simulation of tree canopy light and rainfall interception, evapotranspiration, and nutrient uptake. The algorithms to model these effects were incorporated into a multispecies grazing simulation model, GRASIM, to form the Silvopasture GRASIM model (SGRASIM). The new model was evaluated using forage biomass data and soil moisture data collected from a silvopasture field experiment with black walnut (Juglans nigra L.). The SGRASIM model performed well in simulating the growth of three competing dominant forage species (orchardgrass [Dactylis glomerata L.], Kentucky bluegrass [Poa pratensis L.], and tall fescue [Festuca arundinacea (Schreb.)] in the pasture both under tree canopy and in open pasture (linear regression of observed on simulated biomass for the species gave r 2 values above 0.97). Model growth parameters for forage under tree canopy, compared with those for an open pasture, bear testament to the shading effects from the forest canopy in terms of reduced photosynthetic efficiency, increased leaf area ratio, and photosynthate partitioned to aboveground biomass. The new model reasonably followed the soil moisture time series in the upper soil layer (0–30 cm), where the bulk of the forage roots reside.

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.

Access this article

Log in via an institution

Price excludes VAT (USA)
Tax calculation will be finalised during checkout.

Instant access to the full article PDF.

Institutional subscriptions

Similar content being viewed by others

References

  • G. Allard C.J. Nelson S.G. Pallardy (1991) ArticleTitleShade effects on growth of tall fescue: I. Leaf anatomy and dry matter partitioning Crop Sci. 31 163–167 Occurrence Handle10.2135/cropsci1991.0011183X003100010037x

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • L.S. Anderson R.I. Muetzelfeldt F.L. Sinclair (1993) ArticleTitleAn integrated research strategy for modeling and experimentation in agroforestry Commonwealth For. Rev. 72 161–174

    Google Scholar 

  • A. Arneth F.M. Kelliher G. Bauer D.Y. Hollinger J.N. Byers J.E. Hunt T.M. McSeveny W. Ziegler N.N. Vygodskaya I. Milukova A. Sogachov A. Varlagin E.-D. Schulze (1996) ArticleTitleEnvironmental regulation of xylem sap flow and total conductance of Larix gmelinii trees in Eastern Siberia Tree Physiol. 16 247–255 Occurrence Handle14871769

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • H. Baltzer W.P. Braun W. Kohler (1998) ArticleTitleCellular automata models for vegetation dynamics Ecol. Model. 107 113–125 Occurrence Handle10.1016/S0304-3800(97)00202-0

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Bandini S. and Pavesi G. 2004. A Model Based on Cellular Automata for the Simulation of the Dynamics of Plant Populations. In: Pahl-Wostl C., Schmidt S., Rizzoli A.E. and Jakeman A.J. (eds), Complexity and Integrated Resources ManagementTransactions of the 2nd Biennial Meeting of the International Environmental Modelling and Software Society, iEMSs: Manno, Switzerland, 2004. Volume 1, pp. 277–282.

  • F. Berendse (1979) ArticleTitleCompetition between plant populations with different rooting depths. I. Theoretical considerations Oceologia (Berlin) 43 19–26 Occurrence Handle10.1007/BF00346669

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • L.A. Bruijnzeel (2001) ArticleTitleHydrology of tropical montane cloud forests: a reassessment Land Use Water Res. Resour. 1 1–18

    Google Scholar 

  • C.D. Canham J.S. Denslow W.J. Platt J.R. Runkle T.A. Spies P.S. White (1990) ArticleTitleLight regimes beneath closed canopies and tree-fall gaps in temperate and tropical forests Can. J. For. Res. 20 620–631

    Google Scholar 

  • R.L. Chazdon (1988) ArticleTitleSunflecks and their importance to forest understory plants Adv. Ecol. Res. 18 1–63

    Google Scholar 

  • S. Dong C.F. Scagel L. Cheng L.H. Fuchigami P.T. Rygiewicz (2001) ArticleTitleSoil temperature and plant growth stage influence nitrogen uptake and amino acid concentration of apple during early spring growth Tree Physiol. 21 IssueID8 541–547 Occurrence Handle11359712 Occurrence Handle1:CAS:528:DC%2BD3MXksFams7k%3D

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • A.D. Friend A.K. Stevens R.G. Knox M.G.R. Cannell (1997) ArticleTitleA process-basedbiogeochemical, terrestial biosphere model of ecosystem dynamics (Hybrid v3.0) Ecol. Model. 95 249–287 Occurrence Handle1:CAS:528:DyaK2sXjsVemtb4%3D Occurrence Handle10.1016/S0304-3800(96)00034-8

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • J.E. Jackson J.W. Palmer (1981) ArticleTitleLight distribution in discontinuous canopies: calculation of leaf areas and canopy volumes above defined ‘irradiance contours’ for use in productive modeling Ann. Bot. 47 561–565

    Google Scholar 

  • S. Jose A.R. Gillespie (1997) ArticleTitleLeaf area-productivity relationships among mixed-species hardwood forest communities of the central hardwood region For. Sci. 43 IssueID1 56–64

    Google Scholar 

  • B.T. Kang T. Grimme T.L. Lawson (1985) ArticleTitleAlley cropping sequentially cropped maize and cowpea with leucaena on a sandy soil in Southern Nigeria Plant Soil 85 267–277 Occurrence Handle1:CAS:528:DyaL2MXksFehsb0%3D Occurrence Handle10.1007/BF02139631

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • K.D. Kephart D.R. Buxton S.E. Taylor (1992) ArticleTitleGrowth of C3 and C4 perennial grasses under reduced irradiance Crop Sci. 32 1033–1038 Occurrence Handle10.2135/cropsci1992.0011183X003200040040x

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • B.M.M. Köstner E.-D. Schulze F.M. Kelliher D.Y. Hollinger J.N. Byers J.E. Hunt T.M. McSeveny R. Meserth P.L. Weir (1992) ArticleTitleTranspiration and canopy conductance in a pristine broad-leaved forest of Nothofagus: an analysis of xylem sap flow and eddy correlation measurements Oecologia 91 350–359 Occurrence Handle10.1007/BF00317623

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • M.R. Kuhns H.E. Garrett R.O. Teskey T.M. Hinckley (1985) ArticleTitleRoot growth of black walnut trees related to soil temperaturesoil water potential, and leaf water potential For. Sci. 31 IssueID3 617–629

    Google Scholar 

  • F. Lafolie L. Bruckler F. Tardieu (1991) ArticleTitleModeling root water potential and soil-root water transport: I. Model presentation Soil Sci. Soc. Am. J. 55 1203–1212 Occurrence Handle10.2136/sssaj1991.03615995005500050002x

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Landsberg J.J. 1986. Physiological Ecology of Forest Production. J.J. Landsberg (ed.) Academic Press, London, pp.115–116.

  • G.J. Lawson N.M.J. Crout P.E. Levy D.C. Mobbs J.S. Wallace M.G.R. Cannell R.G. Bradley (1995) ArticleTitleThe tree-crop interface: representation by coupling of forest and crop process-models Agrofor. Syst. 30 199–221 Occurrence Handle10.1007/BF00708921

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • X. Roux ParticleLe S. Grand E. Dreyer F.A. Daudet (1999) ArticleTitleParameterization and testing of a biochemically based photosynthesis model for walnut (Juglans regia) trees and seedlings Tree Physiol. 19 481–492 Occurrence Handle12651538

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • S. Malkin D.C. Fork (1981) ArticleTitlePhotosynthetic units of sun and shade plants Plant Physiol. 67 580–58 Occurrence Handle16661717 Occurrence Handle1:CAS:528:DyaL3MXhsFelsL0%3D Occurrence Handle10.1104/pp.67.3.580

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • K.G. McNaughton P.G. Jarvis (1983) Predicting effects of vegetation changes on transpiration and evaporation T.T. Kozlowski (Eds) Water Deficits and Plant Growth VII, Additional Woody Crop Plants Academic Press New York 2–42

    Google Scholar 

  • D.C. Mobbs M.G.R. Cannell N.M.J. Crout G.J. Lawson A.D. Friend J. Arah (1998) ArticleTitleComplementarity of light and water use in tropical agroforests I. Theorectical model outlineperformance and sensitivity For. Ecol. Manage. 102 259–274 Occurrence Handle10.1016/S0378-1127(97)00167-9

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Mobbs D.C., Lawson G.J. and Brown T.A.W. 1999. HyPAR – Model for Agroforestry Systems. Technical Manual. The British Department for International Development (DFID) Forestry Research Programme, pp. 40–41.

  • R.H. Mohtar D.R. Buckmaster S.L. Fales (1997a) ArticleTitleA grazing simulation model: GRASIM A: model development Trans. ASAE 40 IssueID5 1483–1493

    Google Scholar 

  • R.H. Mohtar J.D. Jabro D.R. Buckmaster (1997b) ArticleTitleA grazing simulation model: GRASIM B: field testing Trans. ASAE 40 IssueID5 1495–1500

    Google Scholar 

  • R.H. Mohtar T. Zhai X.W. Chen (2000) ArticleTitleA world wide web-based grazing simulation model (GRASIM) Computers and Electronics in Agriculture 2000 29 243–250 Occurrence Handle10.1016/S0168-1699(00)00147-2

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Neitsch S.L., Arnold J.G., Kiniry J.R. and Williams J.R. 2001. Soil and Water Assessment Tool (SWAT) Technical Manual. Version 2000. GrasslandSoil and Water Research Laboratory, Agricultural Research Service and Blackland Research CenterTexas Agricultural Experiment Station.

  • M.V. Noordwijk B. Lusiana (1999) ArticleTitleWaNuLCAS, a model of waternutrient and light capture in agroforestry systems Agrofor. Syst. 43 217–242 Occurrence Handle10.1023/A:1026417120254

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • C.K. Ong (1991) Interactions of lightwaterand nutrients in agroforestry systems M.E. Avery M.G.R. Cannell C.K. Ong (Eds) Biophysical Research for Asian Agroforestry Oxford & IBH Publishing Co. PVT. LTD Winrock Interantional, USA

    Google Scholar 

  • H. Ozier-Lafontaine G. Vercambre R. Tournebize (1997) ArticleTitleRadiation and transpiration partitioning in a maize-sorghum intercrop: Test and evaluation of two models Field Crops Res. 49 127–145 Occurrence Handle10.1016/S0378-4290(96)01047-7

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Parsch L.D. and Loewer O.J. 1995. GRAZE beef-forage simulation model: user guide. Parsch L.D. and Loewer O.J. (eds), Fayetteville, Ark, University of Arkansas.

  • A.J. Pearce L.K. Rowe J.B. Stewart (1980) ArticleTitleNight-timewet canopy evaporation rates and the water balance of an evergreen mixed forest Water Resour. Res. 16 955–959

    Google Scholar 

  • Pearson H.A. 1990. Silvopasture: forest grazing and agroforestry in the southern costal plain. Presented at the Practical Agroforestry in the Mid-South Conference, West Memphis, AR, pp. 27–30, November, 1990.

  • J.A. Pearson T.J. Fahey D.H. Knight (1984) ArticleTitleBiomass and leaf area in contrasting lodgepole pine forests Can. J. For. Res. 14 259–265

    Google Scholar 

  • P.L. Peri D.J. Moot D.L. McNeil (2005) ArticleTitleModelling photosynthetic efficiency (α) for the light-response curve of cocksfoot leaves grown under temperate field conditions Eur. J. Agron. 22 IssueID3 277–292 Occurrence Handle1:CAS:528:DC%2BD2MXhtlSku7w%3D Occurrence Handle10.1016/j.eja.2004.04.002

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • J.E. Phelps P.Y.S. Chen (1989) ArticleTitleLumber and wood properties of plantation-grown and naturally grown black walnut For. Prod. J. 39 IssueID2 58–60 Occurrence Handle1:CAS:528:DyaL1MXhsFKgsro%3D

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Polanin N., Maletta M., Cowgill W.P. and Kamara S. 1999. How to Fertilize Shade Trees (FS031). Rutgers Cooperative Extension New Jersey Agricultural Experiment Station. 4 pages.

  • J.T. Ritchie (1972) ArticleTitleA model for predicting evaporation from a row crop with incomplete cover Water Resour. Res. 8 IssueID5 1204–1213 Occurrence Handle10.1029/WR008i005p01204

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • L.K. Rowe (1983) ArticleTitleRainfall interception by an evergreen beech forestNelson, New Zealand J. Hydrol. 66 143–158 Occurrence Handle10.1016/0022-1694(83)90182-8

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • C.A. Rotz J.A. Black D.R. Mertens D.R. Buckmaster (1989) ArticleTitleDAFOSYM: A model of the dairy forage system J. Prod. Agr. 2 83–91

    Google Scholar 

  • T.N. Shiflet (1980) What is the resource? R. Dennis Child Evert K. Byington (Eds) Southern Forest Range and Pasture Resources Winrock International Morrilton, AR 17–28

    Google Scholar 

  • W. Shuttleworth J.S. Wallace (1985) ArticleTitleEvaporation from sparse crops – an energy combination theory Quart. J. R. Met. Soc. 111 839–855 Occurrence Handle10.1256/smsqj.46909

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • D.I. Stannard (1993) ArticleTitleComparison of Penman-Monteith, Shuttleworth-Wallace, and modified Priestley-Taylor evapotranspiration models for wildland vegetation in semiarid rangeland Water Resour. Res. 29 IssueID5 1379–1392 Occurrence Handle10.1029/93WR00333

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Z. Teklehaimanot P.G. Jarvis (1991a) ArticleTitleModelling of rainfall interception loss in agroforestry systems Agrofor. Syst. 14 65–80 Occurrence Handle10.1007/BF00141597

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Z. Teklehaimanot P.G. Jarvis (1991b) ArticleTitleDirect measurement of evaporation of intercepted water from forest canopies J. Appl. Ecol. 28 603–618 Occurrence Handle10.2307/2404571

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Z. Teklehaimanot P.G. Jarvis D.C. Ledger (1991) ArticleTitleRainfall interception and boundary layer conductance in relation to tree spacing J. Hydrol. 123 261–278 Occurrence Handle10.1016/0022-1694(91)90094-X

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • B. Thompson (1976) Black walnut for profit: [a guide to risks and rewards] Bruce Thompson (ed.), Forest Grove Timber Press Ore

    Google Scholar 

  • J.H.M. Thornley (1991) ArticleTitleA transport-resistance model of forest growth and partitioning Ann. Bot. 68 211–226

    Google Scholar 

  • Thornley J.H.M. and Johnson I.R. 1990. Plant and crop modeling A mathematical approach to plant and crop physiology. J.H.M. Thornley and I.R. Johnson (ed.), Clarendon Press, Oxford 1990.

  • D. Wallach P. Loisel B. Goffinet R. Habib (1990) ArticleTitleModeling the time dependence of nitrogen uptake in young trees Agron. J. 82 IssueID6 1135–1140 Occurrence Handle10.2134/agronj1990.00021962008200060023x

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • V.H. Watson C. Hagedorn W.E. Knight H.A. Pearson (1984) ArticleTitleShade tolerance of grass and legume germplasm for use in the southern forest range J. Range Manag. 37 229–232

    Google Scholar 

  • S. Weinbaum C. Kessel ParticleVan (1998) ArticleTitleQuantitative estimates of uptake and internal cycling of 14N-labeled fertilizer in mature walnut trees Tree Physiol. 18 795–801 Occurrence Handle12651400

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • D. Whitehead F.M. Kelliher (1991) ArticleTitleA canopy water balance model for a Pinus radiata stand before and after thinning Agric. For. Metereol. 55 109–126 Occurrence Handle10.1016/0168-1923(91)90025-L

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • J.R. Wilson (1996) ArticleTitleShade-stimulated growth and nitrogen uptake by pasture grasses in a subtropical environment Aust. J. Agric. Res. 47 1075–1093 Occurrence Handle1:CAS:528:DyaK28XlvFOhsrw%3D Occurrence Handle10.1071/AR9961075

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Young H.E., Ribe J.H. and Wainwright K. 1980. Weight Tables for Tree and Shrub Species in MaineLife Sciences and Agricultural Experiment Station. University of Maine at Orono. Miscellaneous Report 230.

  • T. Zhai R.H. Mohtar H. Karsten M. Carlassare (2004) ArticleTitleModeling growth and competition of multi-species pasture system Trans. ASAE 47 IssueID2 617–627

    Google Scholar 

  • P.J. Zinke (1967) Forest interception studies in the United States W.E. Sopper H.W. Lull (Eds) International Symposium on Forest Hydrology Oxford Pergamon 137–161

    Google Scholar 

Download references

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Agricultural and Biological Engineering, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN, 47907, USA

    Tong Zhai & Rabi H. Mohtar

  2. Department of Forestry and Natural Resources, Purdue University, IN, USA

    Andrew R. Gillespie & Guntram R. von Kiparski

  3. Department of Agronomy, Purdue University, IN, USA

    Keith D. Johnson

  4. Department of Animal Sciences, Purdue University, IN, USA

    Michael Neary

Authors
  1. Tong Zhai
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  2. Rabi H. Mohtar
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  3. Andrew R. Gillespie
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  4. Guntram R. von Kiparski
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  5. Keith D. Johnson
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  6. Michael Neary
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

Corresponding author

Correspondence to Rabi H. Mohtar.

Rights and permissions

Reprints and permissions

About this article

Cite this article

Zhai, T., Mohtar, R.H., Gillespie, A.R. et al. Modeling forage growth in a Midwest USA silvopastoral system. Agroforest Syst 67, 243–257 (2006). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10457-005-3823-0

Download citation

  • Received:

  • Accepted:

  • Issue Date:

  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10457-005-3823-0

Keywords

Search

Navigation