Silvopastoral systems developed in Misiones and Corrientes, Argentina

Abstract

The proper use of the environment, in natural or transformed systems, is a global issue and the most popular approach to its achievement is the development of diversified and environmentally friendly systems because they adopt adequate measures for its protection. In this sense, Silvopastoral Systems (SPS) combine trees and animal production in the same area in order to diversify and improve productivity in an environmentally friendly manner. This leads to cattle products and timber and non-timber forest products. The region that includes the province of Misiones and Corrientes in Argentina is rich in Guaraní history due to the presence of the Jesuit Order (1586), who developed agroforestry systems with native forests in those communities. In both provinces the climate is defined as subtropical with frosts and a regular rainfall pattern; it is characterizes by production diversification and yerba mate is an iconic crop. Forestry development is the most important in the country and SPSs currently take up around 100,000 ha (247,000 acres) in both provinces. They were particularly promoted in the past two decades following the results obtained in applied research and the transfer of technologies to the productive sector by the INTA (National Institute of Agricultural Technology), the Regional Consortia of Agricultural Experimentation, national and provincial agencies and other organizations of farmers. The information available about SPSs is presented, with reference to the production persistence of the forage component - grassland and pastures with an emphasis on the adaptation of C4 forage species, improvement of their nutritive quality, effect of shade on soil fertility and cattle receptivity. With reference to the forest component, the recommended species are listed, with densities, spacing and management. The quality of the timber produced at the SPSs is analyzed through appearance grading, specifically for remanufacturing purposes (Factory grade), modulus of elasticity (MOE) and microfibril angle (MFA). The physical and mechanical properties of low density plantations (SPSs) were identified as significantly higher than in the intensive forestry system. Various methodologies are presented as applied to the economic and financial analysis of SPSs, like planning and management tools. The business limitations to the adoption of SPSs in both provinces include the capital investment required and, in the case of Misiones, the small size of the farms. The impact of SPSs is promising at a social level (higher income for the farms and genuine job generation), for the environment (sustainability of the resources), and for the economy of the territories (generation of products with a current or future differential value and efficient use of resources).