Abstract
Four forage management treatments, bahiagrass, common bermudagrass, Coastal bermudagrass, and timber only were established in 26-year-old loblolly pine plantation. Pine growth data were collected in 1984, 1990, and 1995, and forage production was evaluated at 21-day intervals from April to October from 1991 through 1995. Forage management practices improved timber production, increasing five-year merchantable volume growth by 13 m3 ha-1. Mean five-year forage crop yields differed among treatments (P = 0.05) with daily dry matter yields averaging 39, 46, and 48 kg ha-1 for bahiagrass, common bermudagrass, and Coastal bermudagrass, respectively. Forage nutritional quality did not differ among forage crops. Forage management treatment future net values were computed for a 5% real interest rate. Although the future net value for bahiagrass and common bermudagrass exceeded Coastal bermudagrass, the mean forage crop future net value was similar to the timber only treatment.
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Clason, T.R. Silvopastoral practices sustain timber and forage production in commercial loblolly pine plantations of northwest Louisiana, USA. Agroforestry Systems 44, 293–303 (1998). https://doi.org/10.1023/A:1006267114962
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1023/A:1006267114962