Silvopasture Project, VA

This is an Agroforestry Regional Knowledge Exchange (ARKx) Agroforestry Project Profile. This profile information is provided with permission so that others can see successful stories and learn more about regional agroforestry practice adoption.

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State: Virginia

Agroforestry Practices: Silvopasture

Trees and Shrubs: Apple trees (McIntosh, Pink Lady< Arkansas Black, Granny Smith, Crabapple) Jujube, Mulberry

Goals: Our main goals are increasing biodiversity and forage opportunities for cattle and wildlife.

Project Details: We view agroforestry as a way to increase the diversity and quality of forage for both our livestock and wildlife on the farm. This diversity helps not only the animals but also the microbiology of the ecosystem. We feel this is an important point that many miss. The health of any ecosystem begins with the healthy microbiology of the soil itself and this can only be accomplished via a wide variety of inputs. Different species of plant and tree provide different resources to the soil and consume others. Only through this symbiotic relationship can any ecology prosper. This is why we feel it's important to increase the diversity of the ecosystem and introducing native trees that have been destroyed by monoculture in the region really help to correct these deficiencies.