Dear readers, the search for ecological and economic alternatives that reduce the negative effects of agricultural activities, has allowed the development of more integrated livestock systems, among these alternatives are agroforestry systems, which according to Moreno and Diaz (2008), these well-managed systems allow the production of agricultural products and protect biodiversity, also contribute to soil protection and promote important products such as firewood, timber, shade, windbreaks and even agroecotourism options to improve the landscape.
In this sense, Ojeda (2003), pointed out that agroforestry systems (AFS) are a substantial part of the process of change in livestock farming towards systems that are more friendly to nature. These systems offer a sustainable alternative to increase animal and plant biodiversity, and to increase animal production levels with reduced dependence on external inputs. In the same vein, Mahecha (2002), stated that there are several reasons to consider agroforestry as a viable alternative in agricultural production systems.
Among the reasons or advantages of integrating trees to the agro-ecosystem is the adaptation of a microclimate, which brings multiple benefits such as the contribution of organic matter to the soil through its leaves, helps reduce erosion, in addition to this, some plants such as legumes help fix nitrogen to the soil, improve soil structure thanks to the depth that may have the root system.
On the other hand, when referring to livestock systems, there are alternatives to associate trees with pastures, generally the trees used belong to the leguminous family, which is a multifunctional plant that generates shade for animals which is beneficial to reduce heat stress, its biomass contains adequate percentages of protein which benefits the diet of cattle and besides that the plants in their root systems have the possibility of carrying out the process of symbiosis with some microorganisms such as bacteria of the genus rhizobium.
Some researchers mention that nitrogen fixation in legume symbiosis is estimated to average about 200 kg N/ha/year in the tropics, and the root system of trees and shrubs tends to be deeper, which can help extract nutrients and water from deeper soil layers to more superficial areas. Also, the high leaf production makes the leaves that fall to the soil available organic matter for soil mycoorganisms favoring the biological activity of micro, meso and macro fauna, which help the decomposition of organic matter transforming them into inorganic components that can be easily absorbed by plants.
Dear readers, as I have mentioned in different articles, agricultural production is very complex, there is no systematic recipe for food production, we must take into account that they are natural ecosystems and therefore we must respect the processes that occur to achieve sustainability in the production of healthy food.
| Bibliographic references |
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Mahecha, L. (2002). Silvopastoralism: a production alternative that reduces the environmental impact of cattle ranching. Colombian journal of livestock science, 15 (2). 226-231.
Moreno, F. and Díaz, L. (2008). Sustainable agriculture for the tropics. San Cristóbal: Autores.
Ojeda, P. (2003). Silvopastoral systems. An option for sustainable livestock management [Libro en línea]. Accessed on 20-08-2021 at: http://www.agronet.gov.co/www/docs_si2/2006102417332_Sistemas%20silvopastoriles%20sustentable%20ganaderia.pdf
Greetings @amestyj, certainly agricultural production is essential for agri-food development, so we must establish strategies to balance a more sustainable development, growing legumes is a way to achieve this balance because it helps to maintain the soil and at the same time provide good nutrients to ruminants.
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Greetings dear @carlir, you are right the plants belonging to the families of legumes, have great benefits in ecosystems, because they are multifunctional in that their biomass contains high levels of protein essential for feeding ruminants, in addition to which they enrich the soil with organic matter from their leaves, in addition to helping to fix atmospheric nitrogen with the symbiosis they make with bacteria of the genus rhizobium among others.
Our local resources have a lot of potential, we just need to know how to handle them, so long as you have a great week.
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Very interesting information on livestock techniques friend @amestyj, I have to admit that I know very little about the subject, but the way you develop this information facilitates the learning process.
Greetings my friend!
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Greetings friend @karupanocitizen, thank you for your valuable comment, I am glad that the content is digestible content for readers, in particular the agricultural area I like a lot and is in which I develop daily as a trader that has allowed me to acquire some empirical knowledge, besides educating me in projecthope with your valuable articles.
As for livestock is one of the most predominant economic areas in the area where I am and taking into account the economic situation of the country and the new models of ecological production is necessary to implement alternatives that are economical and environmentally friendly.
See you later brother, have a great week.
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Greetings my friend, a very important topic, the truth in the few opportunities I have had to visit farms and production units I have always wondered why not balance the ecosystem with different plant species, especially many trees are felled to give priority to the grass, these being very important for the soil and create microclimates for other species, I think the field would benefit more with more sustainable practices.
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Well done friend, actually the post boost my moral to the benevolent art of agroforestry.
Infact diversity of plant life within an agroforestry system boosts soil fertility. Beyond fostering food production, this prevents soil erosion, regulates water cycles, sequesters carbon and controls pests and weeds.
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Hello dear friend @benie111, I am very pleased to note your comment, very successful by the way, silvopastoral systems among their multiple functions is that of enhancing the biological processes of ecosystems especially when we use plant species family of legumes that help enhance one of the biogeochemical cycle this case I do reference to the nitrogen cycle. As I told my friend Carlir, we have many valuable natural resources we just need to identify and manage them efficiently.
So long brother, have a great week.
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