Grazing in silvopastoral systems: multiple solutions for diversified benefits

Silvopastoral systems are multifunctional systems that combine herbage, shrub and tree layers with grazing animals in a single site. The multiple possible combinations of components within these systems creates different options that have in common the capacity to deliver positive outcomes related to land productivity and environmental and climatic benefits. This editorial provides a perspective of the diversity of ancient and more recent silvopastoral systems and their main benefits. The major challenges for both systems are different. Ancient silvopastoral systems, which originated on cultural grounds, deal mostly with conservation issues, while intensive silvopastoral systems, founded on technological changes of the grazing livestock production model, are more production driven but also concerned with climatic changes. Both types of system share similar benefits, and in this special issue we look at positive outcomes in the perspective of grazing animals, highlighting production and welfare. The purpose of this special issue is to contribute to gathering and sharing the knowledge emerging from grazing on different silvopastoral systems, promoting a common ground for future integrative research approaches.

Automated summary

Silvopastoral systems combine herbage, shrub and tree layers with grazing animals, providing positive outcomes related to land productivity and environmental benefits. Ancient systems focus on conservation, while intensive systems are more production-driven and concerned about climatic changes. Both types share similar benefits, with this special issue highlighting the positive outcomes in terms of production and welfare of grazing animals.