Silvi-pastoral system

Silvi-pastoral system

This system can be defined as growing of trees and grasses or forage species together in same lands at the same time. This system is common in all agro-ecological zones of Nepal, where land is marginal for crop production. In mid-hilly region, land having grasses is known as kharbari. Trees grown in Kharbari in different regions are Terai (Sissoo, Eucalyptus, Ipil Ipil etc) hill (Mainly fodder trees such as Badahar, Tanki, Koiralo, Ipil-Ipil etc and timber species like Chilaune) and mountain (fodder trees such as Gogan, Dudhilo, Khasru etc.

The main advantages of this system are as follows:
 Produce multiple products such as fodder and forage needed for livestock, fuel wood, timber, and leaf litter needed for organic manure production.
 Improve and sustain the livestock productivity which increases the level of income of the farmers.
 Improve the nutritive value of animal feed due to the regular supply of green fodder.
 This is also the best practice for soil nutrient recycling, which also helps to reduce chemical fertilizer purchase.
  Improve the farm site ecology by reducing surface run off, soil erosion and nutrient loss, gully formation and landslides.
 Improve the local micro-climate and enhance the productive capacity of the farm.
 Reduce pressure of community forests and other natural forests for fodder, fuel wood and timber.
 This practices helps for the beautification of the surrounding areas.