Characterization of a silvopastoral system as a sustainable management strategy
Abstract
La producción ganadera convencional enfrenta crecientes desafíos ambientales y de productividad que exigen la adopción de modelos más sostenibles. En este contexto, los sistemas silvopastoriles se han promovido como estrategias integradas que combinan árboles, pastos y animales en un único sistema productivo, ofreciendo múltiples beneficios. El objetivo de esta revisión es caracterizar el sistema silvopastoril como una estrategia eficaz para la gestión sostenible de los recursos naturales. Este análisis se basa en la literatura científica actual que describe la estructura, las funciones y los resultados de estos sistemas en diferentes entornos agroecológicos. La relevancia del enfoque silvopastoril reside en su potencial para mejorar la productividad animal, conservar el suelo, regular el ciclo hidrológico, secuestrar carbono y mejorar la biodiversidad. Además, se discuten sus contribuciones a la resiliencia climática y la generación sostenible de ingresos rurales. Sin embargo, también se identifican importantes barreras para su adopción, como limitaciones técnicas, falta de capacitación, resistencia cultural y apoyo insuficiente de las políticas públicas. Se presentan estudios de casos exitosos de América Latina que demuestran la viabilidad del sistema en determinadas condiciones institucionales y ambientales. En conclusión, el sistema silvopastoril representa una alternativa viable y sostenible a las prácticas ganaderas convencionales; Sin embargo, su implementación más amplia requiere políticas de apoyo, investigación aplicada y educación rural continua. Esta revisión proporciona un marco conceptual y práctico para orientar a productores, técnicos, investigadores y formuladores de políticas interesados en la transición hacia sistemas de producción ecológica y económicamente equilibrados.
Downloads
Download data is not yet available.
References
Adegbeye, M. J., Ospina, S. D., Waliszewski, W. S., Sierra-Alarcón, A. M., & Mayorga-Mogollón, O. L. (2024). Potential application of Latin American silvopastoral systems experiences for improving ruminant farming in Nigeria: a review. Agroforestry Systems, 98(5), 1257–1272. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10457-023-00943-y
Álvarez, F., Casanoves, F., Suárez, J. C., Rusch, G. M., & Bieng, M. a. N. (2023). An assessment of silvopastoral systems condition and their capacity to generate ecosystem services in the Colombian Amazon. Ecosystems and People, 19(1). https://doi.org/10.1080/26395916.2023.2213784
Badgery, W., Li, G., Simmons, A., Wood, J., Smith, R., Peck, D., Ingram, L., Durmic, Z., Cowie, A., Humphries, A., Hutton, P., Winslow, E., Vercoe, P., & Eckard, R. (2023). Reducing enteric methane of ruminants in Australian grazing systems: A review of the role for temperate legumes and herbs. Crop & Pasture Science, 74(7–8): 661–679. https://doi.org/10.1071/CP22299
Bilotto, F., Harrison, M. T., Vibart, R., Mackay, A., Christie-Whitehead, K. M., Ferreira, C. S., Cottrell, R. S., Forster, D., & Chang, J. (2024). Towards resilient, inclusive, sustainable livestock farming systems. Trends in Food Science & Technology, 152, 104668. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.tifs.2024.104668
Bussoni, A., Cubbage, F., & Giambruno, J. A. (2021). Silvopastoral systems and multi-criteria optimization for compatible economic and environmental outcomes. Agricultural Systems, 190, 103118. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.agsy.2021.103118
Calle, A. (2023). Silvopastoral Systems: a pathway to Scale-Up restoration in Colombia. In Springer eBooks (pp. 55–71). https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-031-43063-3_3
Cameroni, F. J. D., Casadey, F. V., Boscana, M., & Bussoni, A. (2023). Toward neutral carbon integrated production y silvopastoral systems: an Uruguayan study case modeled using agent-based technique. Research Square (Research Square). https://doi.org/10.21203/rs.3.rs-3640428/v1
Cameroni, F. J. D., Casadey, F. V., Boscana, M., Schinatto, F., & Bussoni, A. (2024). Advancing carbon neutrality in Silvopastoral systems: a case study applying agent-based modeling. Agroforestry Systems, 98(7), 2209–2224. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10457-024-00983-y
Cardoso, A. da S., Longhini, V. Z., Berça, A. S., Ongaratto, F., Siniscalchi, D., Reis, R. A., & Ruggier, A. C. (2022). Pasture management and greenhouse gases emissions. Bioscience Journal, 38(e38099): 1-11. https://doi.org/10.14393/BJ-v38n0a2022-60614
Cheng, S. H., Costedoat, S., Sigouin, A., Calistro, G. F., Chamberlain, C. J., Lichtenthal, P., Mills, M., Nowakowski, A. J., Sterling, E. J., Tinsman, J., Wiggins, M., Brancalion, P. H. S., Canty, S. W. J., Fritts-Penniman, A., Jagadish, A., Jones, K., Mascia, M. B., Porzecanski, A., Zganjar, C., & Brenes, C. L. M. (2023). Assessing evidence on the impacts of nature-based interventions for climate change mitigation: a systematic map of primary and secondary research from subtropical and tropical terrestrial regions. Environmental Evidence, 12(1). https://doi.org/10.1186/s13750-023-00312-3
De La Peña-Domene, M., Ayestarán-Hernández, L. M., Márquez-Torres, J. F., Martínez-Monroy, F., Rivas-Alonso, E., Carrasco-Carballido, P. V., Pérez-Cruz, M. N., Landa, F. a. C., Martínez-Garza, C. (2022). Sistemas silvopastoriles enriquecidos: una propuesta para integrar la conservación en la producción ganadera en comunidades rurales de Los Tuxtlas, México. Acta Botánica Mexicana, 129. https://doi.org/10.21829/abm129.2022.1925
De Macêdo Carvalho, C. B., De Mello, A. C. L., Da Cunha, M. V., De Oliveira Apolinário, V. X., Júnior, J. C. B. D., Da Silva, V. J., Medeiros, A. S., Izidro, J. L. P. S., & Bretas, I. L. (2024). Ecosystem services provided by silvopastoral systems: a review. The Journal of Agricultural Science, 1–68. https://doi.org/10.1017/s0021859624000595
De Oliveira, A. F., Menezes, G. L., Gonçalves, L. C., De Araújo, V. E., Ramirez, M. A., Júnior, R. G., Jayme, D. G., & Lana, Â. M. Q. (2023). Effects of shading on tropical grass characteristics and cattle performance in silvopastoral systems: systematic review and meta-analysis. Animal Production Science, 63(13), 1324–1339. https://doi.org/10.1071/an22313
Del Carmen Andablo-Reyes, A., Moreno-Calles, A. I., Cancio-Coyac, B. A., Gutiérrez-Coatecatl, E., Rivero-Romero, A. D., Hernández-Cendejas, G., & Casas, A. (2023). Agri-silvicultures of Mexican arid America. Journal of Ethnobiology and Ethnomedicine, 19(1). https://doi.org/10.1186/s13002-023-00612-5
Deniz, M., De-Sousa, K. T., Vieira, F. M. C., Vale, M. M. D., Dittrich, J. R., Daros, R. R., & Hötzel, M. J. (2023). A systematic review of the effects of silvopastoral system on thermal environment and dairy cows’ behavioral and physiological responses. International Journal of Biometeorology. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00484-023-02431-5
De-Sousa, K. T., Deniz, M., Hill, J. a. G., Dittrich, J. R., & Hötzel, M. J. (2023). Tree arrangements for silvopastoral system: livestock advisors’ knowledge and attitudes. Agroforestry Systems, 97(6), 1143–1156. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10457-023-00853-z
Díaz, M., Alegre, J., Gómez, C., García, C., & Arévalo-Hernández, C. (2025). Effect of Light on Yield, Nutritive Value of Brachiaria decumbens, and Soil Properties in Silvopastoral Systems, Peruvian Amazon. Grasses, 4(2), 18. https://doi.org/10.3390/grasses4020018
Dubeuf, J., Biehlmann, F., Lorton, R., Sorba, J., & Valenti, M. (2023). Assessing the operational perspectives of agrosilvopastoralism in the Mediterranean Region: Learnings from observations in Corsica. Small Ruminant Research, 229, 107131. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.smallrumres.2023.107131
Figueroa, D., Galicia, L., Foucat, V. S. Á., & Díaz-Morales, B. (2025). Applying the socio-ecological systems framework to assess the sustainability of tropical cattle ranching in Mexico. Frontiers in Sustainable Food Systems, 8. https://doi.org/10.3389/fsufs.2024.1446965
Flores-Coello, G., Hernández-Medrano, J. H., Ku-Vera, J., Diaz, D., Solorio-Sánchez, F. J., Sarabia-Salgado, L., Galindo, F. (2023). Intensive Silvopastoral Systems Mitigate Enteric Methane Emissions from Cattle. Atmosphere, 14(5), 863. https://doi.org/10.3390/atmos14050863
Gebresenbet, G., Bosona, T., Patterson, D., Persson, H., Fischer, B., Mandaluniz, N., Chirici, G., Zacepins, A., Komasilovs, V., Pitulac, T., & Nasirahmadi, A. (2023). A concept for application of integrated digital technologies to enhance future smart agricultural systems. Smart Agricultural Technology, 5, 100255. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.atech.2023.100255
Hanisch, A. L., & Pinotti, L. C. A. (2024). Co-Creating Strategies to Optimize Traditional Silvopastoral Systems through the Management of Native Trees in Caívas in Southern Brazil. Conservation, 4(1), 65–81. https://doi.org/10.3390/conservation4010005
Huertas, S. M., Bobadilla, P. E., Alcántara, I., Akkermans, E., & Van Eerdenburg, F. J. C. M. (2021). Benefits of silvopastoral systems for keeping beef cattle. Animals, 11(4), 992. https://doi.org/10.3390/ani11040992
Jara-Rojas, R., Russy, S., Roco, L., Fleming-Muñoz, D., & Engler, A. (2020). Factors Affecting the Adoption of Agroforestry Practices: Insights from Silvopastoral Systems of Colombia. Forests, 11(6), 648. https://doi.org/10.3390/f11060648
Juárez, M. M., Gamboa, J. a. A., Cordero, W. A., & Maya, E. M. A. (2023). Percepciones y conocimientos de los sistemas silvopastoriles tradicionales en Campeche, México, un enfoque multiespecie. Sociedad Y Ambiente, 26, 1–29. https://doi.org/10.31840/sya.vi26.2748
Kinneen, L., Escobar, M. P., Hernandez, L. M., Thompson, J., Ramos‐Pastrana, Y., Córdoba‐Suarez, E., Romero‐Sanchez, M., Barnes, A., Quintero, M., & Garratt, M. P. D. (2023). Silvopastoral systems benefit invertebrate biodiversity on tropical livestock farms in Caquetá, Colombia. Agricultural and Forest Entomology, 26(1), 126–134. https://doi.org/10.1111/afe.12594
Krüger, A. M., De Mello Tavares Lima, P., Ovani, V., Pérez-Marquéz, S., Louvandini, H., & Abdalla, A. L. (2024). Ruminant Grazing Lands in the Tropics: Silvopastoral Systems and Tithonia diversifolia as Tools with Potential to Promote Sustainability. Agronomy, 14(7), 1386. https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy14071386
Kumar, A., Vaishnav, R., Deori, C., Timung, B., Roy, S., Pradhan, R., Prakash, R., & Bochalya, R. S. (2025). Silvopastoral systems in India for fodder production and livestock sustainability: A review. Journal of Experimental Agriculture International, 47(3): 112–135. https://doi.org/10.9734/jeai/2025/v47i33321
Lecegui, A., Olaizola, A. M., & Varela, E. (2022). Disentangling the role of management practices on ecosystem services delivery in Mediterranean silvopastoral systems: Synergies and trade-offs through expert-based assessment. Forest Ecology and Management, 517, 120273. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.foreco.2022.120273
Lemes, A. P., Garcia, A. R., Pezzopane, J. R. M., Brandão, F. Z., Watanabe, Y. F., Cooke, R. F., Sponchiado, M., De Paz, C. C. P., Camplesi, A. C., Binelli, M., & Gimenes, L. U. (2021). Silvopastoral system is an alternative to improve animal welfare and productive performance in meat production systems. Scientific Reports, 11(1). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-021-93609-7
Mackay-Smith, T. H., Spiekermann, R. I., Richards, D. R., Harcourt, N., & Burkitt, L. L. (2024). An integrative approach to silvopastoral system design: perspectives, potentials and principles. New Zealand Journal of Agricultural Research, 1–41. https://doi.org/10.1080/00288233.2023.2298922
Márquez-Hernández, R. I., Bobadilla-Hernández, A. R., García-Chávez, F. I., Galindo, F., Vargas-Bello-Pérez, E., & Ángeles-Campos, S. C. (2025). Long-term synergies and trade-offs among ecosystem services for silvopasture management in temperate forests of Chapa de Mota (Mexico). Agroforestry Systems, 99(2). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10457-024-01107-2
Mavisoy, H., Rincón, E. C., Vallejos, A. R. R., Narváez-Herrera, J. P., Rosas, L., Del Socorro Guerra Acosta, A., Salcedo, A. a. R., Alban, D. M. A., Chingal, C., De Almeida, A. M., & Fangueiro, D. (2025). Carbon stocks, technological development, and milk yields of dairy cattle silvopastoral production systems in the Andean-amazon region of Colombia. Agroforestry Systems, 99(2). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10457-025-01151-6
Mouratiadou, I., Wezel, A., Kamilia, K., Marchetti, A., Paracchini, M. L., & Bàrberi, P. (2024). The socio-economic performance of agroecology. A review. Agronomy for Sustainable Development, 44(2). https://doi.org/10.1007/s13593-024-00945-9
Opdenbosch, H., & Hansson, H. (2022). Farmers’ willingness to adopt silvopastoral systems: investigating cattle producers’ compensation claims and attitudes using a contingent valuation approach. Agroforestry Systems, 97(1), 133–149. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10457-022-00793-0
Pent, G. J., Fike, J. H., Orefice, J. N., Sharrow, S. H., Brauer, D., Clason, T. R. (2021). Silvopasture practices. ASSA, CSSA and SSSA, 127–162. https://doi.org/10.1002/9780891183785.ch6
Peri, P. L., Chará, J., Viñoles, C., Bussoni, A., & Cubbage, F. (2024). Current trends in silvopastoral systems. Agroforestry Systems, 98(7), 1945–1953. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10457-024-01093-5
Picasso, V., & Pizarro, D. (2024). Silvopastoral transitions in Latin America: toward diverse perennial systems. Agroforestry Systems, 98(7), 2267–2272. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10457-024-01023-5
Quevedo-Cascante, M., Dorca-Preda, T., Mogensen, L., Zollitsch, W., Waqas, M. A., Hörtenhuber, S., Geßl, R., Kongsted, A. G., & Knudsen, M. T. (2024). Life cycle assessment and modeling approaches in silvopastoral systems: A case study of egg production integrated in an organic apple orchard. Journal of Environmental Management, 372, 123377. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jenvman.2024.123377
Rivera, J. E., Serna, L., Arango, J., Barahona, R., Murgueitio, E., Torres, C. F., & Chará, J. (2023). Silvopastoral systems and their role in climate change mitigation and nationally determined contributions in Latin America. In Springer eBooks (pp. 25–53). https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-031-43063-3_2
Rivera, S. a. G., Ortiz, M. G. A., Sangache, V. L. C., Andrade, J. a. C., Teran, J. E. L., Lara, J. C. B., Blacio, M. V. F., & Toulkeridis, T. (2025). Silvopastoral Systems: a Sustainable Livestock Farming Strategy for the Ecuadorian Amazon. Journal of Lifestyle and SDGs Review, 5(3), e04928. https://doi.org/10.47172/2965-730x.sdgsreview.v5.n03.pe04928
Rodríguez-Serrano, A. C., Lara-Bueno, A., García-Muñiz, J. G., Huerta-Bravo, M., & González-Aricega, C. C. (2021). Evaluación mineral de los componentes del sistema silvopastoril intensivo con Leucaena leucocephala en tres épocas del año. Revista Mexicana De Ciencias Pecuarias, 12(3), 893–909. https://doi.org/10.22319/rmcp.v12i3.5431
Röhrig, N., Hassler, M., & Roesler, T. (2020). Capturing the value of ecosystem services from silvopastoral systems: Perceptions from selected Italian farms. Ecosystem Services, 44, 101152. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ecoser.2020.101152
Sales-Baptista, E., & Ferraz-De-Oliveira, M. I. (2021). Grazing in silvopastoral systems: multiple solutions for diversified benefits. Agroforestry Systems, 95(1), 1–6. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10457-020-00581-8
Sales-Baptista, E., & Ferraz-De-Oliveira, M. I. (2021). Grazing in silvopastoral systems: multiple solutions for diversified benefits. Agroforestry Systems, 95(1), 1–6. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10457-020-00581-8
Sandino, C. O. A., Barnes, A. P., Sepúlveda, I., Garratt, M. P. D., Thompson, J., & Escobar-Tello, M. P. (2023). Examining factors for the adoption of silvopastoral agroforestry in the Colombian Amazon. Scientific Reports, 13(1). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-023-39038-0
Sarabia, L., Solorio, F. J., Ramírez, L., Ayala, A., Aguilar, C., Ku, J., Almeida, C., Cassador, R., Alves, B. J., & Boddey, R. M. (2019). Improving the nitrogen cycling in livestock systems through silvopastoral systems. In Springer eBooks (pp. 189–213). https://doi.org/10.1007/978-981-13-8660-2_7
Saucedo-Uriarte, J. A., Ampuero-Trigoso, G., Pasquel-Barzola, K. K., Quispe-Ccasa, H. A., Chuquimia-Valdez, D. S., & Arévalo-Aranda, Y. G. (2025). Effect of silvopastoral systems with integrated forest species from the Peruvian tropics on the soil chemical properties. Open Agriculture, 10(1). https://doi.org/10.1515/opag-2025-0434
Sauer, T. J., Dold, C., Ashworth, A. J., Nieman, C. C., Hernandez-Ramirez, G., Philipp, D., Gennadiev, A. N., & Chendev, Y. G. (2021). Agroforestry practices for soil conservation and resilient agriculture. In Springer eBooks (pp. 19–48). https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-80060-4_2
Schinato, F., Bussoni, A., & Olmos, V. M. (2024). Farmers’ preferences and willingness to incorporate silvopastoral systems in Uruguay. Agroforestry Systems, 98(5), 1243–1256. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10457-023-00935-y
Seidou, A. A., La Fronde Offoumon, O. T., Worogo, S. H. S., Houaga, I., Yarou, A. K., Azalou, M., Boukari, F. Z. A., Idrissou, Y., Houinato, M., & Traoré, I. A. (2023). The effect of the silvopastoral system on milk production and reproductive performance of dairy cows and its contribution to adaptation to a changing climate in the drylands of Benin (West-Africa). Frontiers in Sustainable Food Systems, 7. https://doi.org/10.3389/fsufs.2023.1236581
Smith, M. M., Bentrup, G., Kellerman, T., MacFarland, K., Straight, R., Ameyaw, L., & Stein, S. (2021). Silvopasture in the USA: A systematic review of natural resource professional and producer-reported benefits, challenges, and management activities. Agriculture Ecosystems & Environment, 326, 107818. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.agee.2021.107818
Špirić, J., & Ramírez, M. I. (2023). Silvopastoral systems in local livestock landscapes in Hopelchén, Southern Mexico. Agroforestry Systems, 98(5), 1123–1137. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10457-023-00890-8
Tranchina, M., Reubens, B., Frey, M., Mele, M., & Mantino, A. (2024). What challenges impede the adoption of agroforestry practices? A global perspective through a systematic literature review. Agroforestry Systems, 98(6), 1817–1837. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10457-024-00993-w
Tschopp, M., Ceddia, M. G., & Inguaggiato, C. (2021). Adoption of sustainable silvopastoral practices in Argentina’s Gran Chaco: A multilevel approach. Journal of Arid Environments, 197, 104657. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jaridenv.2021.104657
Uribe, S. M., Orozco, J. D. C., Restrepo, E. M., Londoño, G. a. C., & Rosales, R. B. (2025). Effects of intensive silvopastoral systems on bovine ingestive behavior in three contrasting tropical regions. Journal of Animal Behaviour and Biometeorology, 13(2), 2025011. https://doi.org/10.31893/jabb.2025011
Varela, E., Olaizola, A. M., Blasco, I., Capdevila, C., Lecegui, A., Casasús, I., Bernués, A., & Martín-Collado, D. (2022). Unravelling opportunities, synergies, and barriers for enhancing silvopastoralism in the Mediterranean. Land Use Policy, 118, 106140. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.landusepol.2022.106140
Vargas, J., Ungerfeld, E., Muñoz, C., & DiLorenzo, N. (2022). Feeding strategies to mitigate enteric methane emission from ruminants in grassland systems. Animals, 12(9), 1132. https://doi.org/10.3390/ani12091132
Vikas, N., & Ranjan, R. (2024). Agroecological approaches to sustainable development. Frontiers in Sustainable Food Systems, 8. https://doi.org/10.3389/fsufs.2024.1405409
Yaebiyo, G., Tadesse, T., Birhane, E., Hadgu, K. M., Kiros, S., & Meresa, T. M. (2024). Integrated adoption of controlled grazing and multipurpose fodder trees for enhancing tree cover in dryland farming systems. Agricultural Systems, 218, 103967. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.agsy.2024.103967
Zabala, A., Barrios, L. E. G., & Pascual, U. (2022). From participation to commitment in silvopastoral programmes: Insights from Chiapas, Mexico. Ecological Economics, 200, 107544. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ecolecon.2022.107544
Álvarez, F., Casanoves, F., Suárez, J. C., Rusch, G. M., & Bieng, M. a. N. (2023). An assessment of silvopastoral systems condition and their capacity to generate ecosystem services in the Colombian Amazon. Ecosystems and People, 19(1). https://doi.org/10.1080/26395916.2023.2213784
Badgery, W., Li, G., Simmons, A., Wood, J., Smith, R., Peck, D., Ingram, L., Durmic, Z., Cowie, A., Humphries, A., Hutton, P., Winslow, E., Vercoe, P., & Eckard, R. (2023). Reducing enteric methane of ruminants in Australian grazing systems: A review of the role for temperate legumes and herbs. Crop & Pasture Science, 74(7–8): 661–679. https://doi.org/10.1071/CP22299
Bilotto, F., Harrison, M. T., Vibart, R., Mackay, A., Christie-Whitehead, K. M., Ferreira, C. S., Cottrell, R. S., Forster, D., & Chang, J. (2024). Towards resilient, inclusive, sustainable livestock farming systems. Trends in Food Science & Technology, 152, 104668. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.tifs.2024.104668
Bussoni, A., Cubbage, F., & Giambruno, J. A. (2021). Silvopastoral systems and multi-criteria optimization for compatible economic and environmental outcomes. Agricultural Systems, 190, 103118. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.agsy.2021.103118
Calle, A. (2023). Silvopastoral Systems: a pathway to Scale-Up restoration in Colombia. In Springer eBooks (pp. 55–71). https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-031-43063-3_3
Cameroni, F. J. D., Casadey, F. V., Boscana, M., & Bussoni, A. (2023). Toward neutral carbon integrated production y silvopastoral systems: an Uruguayan study case modeled using agent-based technique. Research Square (Research Square). https://doi.org/10.21203/rs.3.rs-3640428/v1
Cameroni, F. J. D., Casadey, F. V., Boscana, M., Schinatto, F., & Bussoni, A. (2024). Advancing carbon neutrality in Silvopastoral systems: a case study applying agent-based modeling. Agroforestry Systems, 98(7), 2209–2224. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10457-024-00983-y
Cardoso, A. da S., Longhini, V. Z., Berça, A. S., Ongaratto, F., Siniscalchi, D., Reis, R. A., & Ruggier, A. C. (2022). Pasture management and greenhouse gases emissions. Bioscience Journal, 38(e38099): 1-11. https://doi.org/10.14393/BJ-v38n0a2022-60614
Cheng, S. H., Costedoat, S., Sigouin, A., Calistro, G. F., Chamberlain, C. J., Lichtenthal, P., Mills, M., Nowakowski, A. J., Sterling, E. J., Tinsman, J., Wiggins, M., Brancalion, P. H. S., Canty, S. W. J., Fritts-Penniman, A., Jagadish, A., Jones, K., Mascia, M. B., Porzecanski, A., Zganjar, C., & Brenes, C. L. M. (2023). Assessing evidence on the impacts of nature-based interventions for climate change mitigation: a systematic map of primary and secondary research from subtropical and tropical terrestrial regions. Environmental Evidence, 12(1). https://doi.org/10.1186/s13750-023-00312-3
De La Peña-Domene, M., Ayestarán-Hernández, L. M., Márquez-Torres, J. F., Martínez-Monroy, F., Rivas-Alonso, E., Carrasco-Carballido, P. V., Pérez-Cruz, M. N., Landa, F. a. C., Martínez-Garza, C. (2022). Sistemas silvopastoriles enriquecidos: una propuesta para integrar la conservación en la producción ganadera en comunidades rurales de Los Tuxtlas, México. Acta Botánica Mexicana, 129. https://doi.org/10.21829/abm129.2022.1925
De Macêdo Carvalho, C. B., De Mello, A. C. L., Da Cunha, M. V., De Oliveira Apolinário, V. X., Júnior, J. C. B. D., Da Silva, V. J., Medeiros, A. S., Izidro, J. L. P. S., & Bretas, I. L. (2024). Ecosystem services provided by silvopastoral systems: a review. The Journal of Agricultural Science, 1–68. https://doi.org/10.1017/s0021859624000595
De Oliveira, A. F., Menezes, G. L., Gonçalves, L. C., De Araújo, V. E., Ramirez, M. A., Júnior, R. G., Jayme, D. G., & Lana, Â. M. Q. (2023). Effects of shading on tropical grass characteristics and cattle performance in silvopastoral systems: systematic review and meta-analysis. Animal Production Science, 63(13), 1324–1339. https://doi.org/10.1071/an22313
Del Carmen Andablo-Reyes, A., Moreno-Calles, A. I., Cancio-Coyac, B. A., Gutiérrez-Coatecatl, E., Rivero-Romero, A. D., Hernández-Cendejas, G., & Casas, A. (2023). Agri-silvicultures of Mexican arid America. Journal of Ethnobiology and Ethnomedicine, 19(1). https://doi.org/10.1186/s13002-023-00612-5
Deniz, M., De-Sousa, K. T., Vieira, F. M. C., Vale, M. M. D., Dittrich, J. R., Daros, R. R., & Hötzel, M. J. (2023). A systematic review of the effects of silvopastoral system on thermal environment and dairy cows’ behavioral and physiological responses. International Journal of Biometeorology. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00484-023-02431-5
De-Sousa, K. T., Deniz, M., Hill, J. a. G., Dittrich, J. R., & Hötzel, M. J. (2023). Tree arrangements for silvopastoral system: livestock advisors’ knowledge and attitudes. Agroforestry Systems, 97(6), 1143–1156. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10457-023-00853-z
Díaz, M., Alegre, J., Gómez, C., García, C., & Arévalo-Hernández, C. (2025). Effect of Light on Yield, Nutritive Value of Brachiaria decumbens, and Soil Properties in Silvopastoral Systems, Peruvian Amazon. Grasses, 4(2), 18. https://doi.org/10.3390/grasses4020018
Dubeuf, J., Biehlmann, F., Lorton, R., Sorba, J., & Valenti, M. (2023). Assessing the operational perspectives of agrosilvopastoralism in the Mediterranean Region: Learnings from observations in Corsica. Small Ruminant Research, 229, 107131. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.smallrumres.2023.107131
Figueroa, D., Galicia, L., Foucat, V. S. Á., & Díaz-Morales, B. (2025). Applying the socio-ecological systems framework to assess the sustainability of tropical cattle ranching in Mexico. Frontiers in Sustainable Food Systems, 8. https://doi.org/10.3389/fsufs.2024.1446965
Flores-Coello, G., Hernández-Medrano, J. H., Ku-Vera, J., Diaz, D., Solorio-Sánchez, F. J., Sarabia-Salgado, L., Galindo, F. (2023). Intensive Silvopastoral Systems Mitigate Enteric Methane Emissions from Cattle. Atmosphere, 14(5), 863. https://doi.org/10.3390/atmos14050863
Gebresenbet, G., Bosona, T., Patterson, D., Persson, H., Fischer, B., Mandaluniz, N., Chirici, G., Zacepins, A., Komasilovs, V., Pitulac, T., & Nasirahmadi, A. (2023). A concept for application of integrated digital technologies to enhance future smart agricultural systems. Smart Agricultural Technology, 5, 100255. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.atech.2023.100255
Hanisch, A. L., & Pinotti, L. C. A. (2024). Co-Creating Strategies to Optimize Traditional Silvopastoral Systems through the Management of Native Trees in Caívas in Southern Brazil. Conservation, 4(1), 65–81. https://doi.org/10.3390/conservation4010005
Huertas, S. M., Bobadilla, P. E., Alcántara, I., Akkermans, E., & Van Eerdenburg, F. J. C. M. (2021). Benefits of silvopastoral systems for keeping beef cattle. Animals, 11(4), 992. https://doi.org/10.3390/ani11040992
Jara-Rojas, R., Russy, S., Roco, L., Fleming-Muñoz, D., & Engler, A. (2020). Factors Affecting the Adoption of Agroforestry Practices: Insights from Silvopastoral Systems of Colombia. Forests, 11(6), 648. https://doi.org/10.3390/f11060648
Juárez, M. M., Gamboa, J. a. A., Cordero, W. A., & Maya, E. M. A. (2023). Percepciones y conocimientos de los sistemas silvopastoriles tradicionales en Campeche, México, un enfoque multiespecie. Sociedad Y Ambiente, 26, 1–29. https://doi.org/10.31840/sya.vi26.2748
Kinneen, L., Escobar, M. P., Hernandez, L. M., Thompson, J., Ramos‐Pastrana, Y., Córdoba‐Suarez, E., Romero‐Sanchez, M., Barnes, A., Quintero, M., & Garratt, M. P. D. (2023). Silvopastoral systems benefit invertebrate biodiversity on tropical livestock farms in Caquetá, Colombia. Agricultural and Forest Entomology, 26(1), 126–134. https://doi.org/10.1111/afe.12594
Krüger, A. M., De Mello Tavares Lima, P., Ovani, V., Pérez-Marquéz, S., Louvandini, H., & Abdalla, A. L. (2024). Ruminant Grazing Lands in the Tropics: Silvopastoral Systems and Tithonia diversifolia as Tools with Potential to Promote Sustainability. Agronomy, 14(7), 1386. https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy14071386
Kumar, A., Vaishnav, R., Deori, C., Timung, B., Roy, S., Pradhan, R., Prakash, R., & Bochalya, R. S. (2025). Silvopastoral systems in India for fodder production and livestock sustainability: A review. Journal of Experimental Agriculture International, 47(3): 112–135. https://doi.org/10.9734/jeai/2025/v47i33321
Lecegui, A., Olaizola, A. M., & Varela, E. (2022). Disentangling the role of management practices on ecosystem services delivery in Mediterranean silvopastoral systems: Synergies and trade-offs through expert-based assessment. Forest Ecology and Management, 517, 120273. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.foreco.2022.120273
Lemes, A. P., Garcia, A. R., Pezzopane, J. R. M., Brandão, F. Z., Watanabe, Y. F., Cooke, R. F., Sponchiado, M., De Paz, C. C. P., Camplesi, A. C., Binelli, M., & Gimenes, L. U. (2021). Silvopastoral system is an alternative to improve animal welfare and productive performance in meat production systems. Scientific Reports, 11(1). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-021-93609-7
Mackay-Smith, T. H., Spiekermann, R. I., Richards, D. R., Harcourt, N., & Burkitt, L. L. (2024). An integrative approach to silvopastoral system design: perspectives, potentials and principles. New Zealand Journal of Agricultural Research, 1–41. https://doi.org/10.1080/00288233.2023.2298922
Márquez-Hernández, R. I., Bobadilla-Hernández, A. R., García-Chávez, F. I., Galindo, F., Vargas-Bello-Pérez, E., & Ángeles-Campos, S. C. (2025). Long-term synergies and trade-offs among ecosystem services for silvopasture management in temperate forests of Chapa de Mota (Mexico). Agroforestry Systems, 99(2). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10457-024-01107-2
Mavisoy, H., Rincón, E. C., Vallejos, A. R. R., Narváez-Herrera, J. P., Rosas, L., Del Socorro Guerra Acosta, A., Salcedo, A. a. R., Alban, D. M. A., Chingal, C., De Almeida, A. M., & Fangueiro, D. (2025). Carbon stocks, technological development, and milk yields of dairy cattle silvopastoral production systems in the Andean-amazon region of Colombia. Agroforestry Systems, 99(2). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10457-025-01151-6
Mouratiadou, I., Wezel, A., Kamilia, K., Marchetti, A., Paracchini, M. L., & Bàrberi, P. (2024). The socio-economic performance of agroecology. A review. Agronomy for Sustainable Development, 44(2). https://doi.org/10.1007/s13593-024-00945-9
Opdenbosch, H., & Hansson, H. (2022). Farmers’ willingness to adopt silvopastoral systems: investigating cattle producers’ compensation claims and attitudes using a contingent valuation approach. Agroforestry Systems, 97(1), 133–149. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10457-022-00793-0
Pent, G. J., Fike, J. H., Orefice, J. N., Sharrow, S. H., Brauer, D., Clason, T. R. (2021). Silvopasture practices. ASSA, CSSA and SSSA, 127–162. https://doi.org/10.1002/9780891183785.ch6
Peri, P. L., Chará, J., Viñoles, C., Bussoni, A., & Cubbage, F. (2024). Current trends in silvopastoral systems. Agroforestry Systems, 98(7), 1945–1953. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10457-024-01093-5
Picasso, V., & Pizarro, D. (2024). Silvopastoral transitions in Latin America: toward diverse perennial systems. Agroforestry Systems, 98(7), 2267–2272. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10457-024-01023-5
Quevedo-Cascante, M., Dorca-Preda, T., Mogensen, L., Zollitsch, W., Waqas, M. A., Hörtenhuber, S., Geßl, R., Kongsted, A. G., & Knudsen, M. T. (2024). Life cycle assessment and modeling approaches in silvopastoral systems: A case study of egg production integrated in an organic apple orchard. Journal of Environmental Management, 372, 123377. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jenvman.2024.123377
Rivera, J. E., Serna, L., Arango, J., Barahona, R., Murgueitio, E., Torres, C. F., & Chará, J. (2023). Silvopastoral systems and their role in climate change mitigation and nationally determined contributions in Latin America. In Springer eBooks (pp. 25–53). https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-031-43063-3_2
Rivera, S. a. G., Ortiz, M. G. A., Sangache, V. L. C., Andrade, J. a. C., Teran, J. E. L., Lara, J. C. B., Blacio, M. V. F., & Toulkeridis, T. (2025). Silvopastoral Systems: a Sustainable Livestock Farming Strategy for the Ecuadorian Amazon. Journal of Lifestyle and SDGs Review, 5(3), e04928. https://doi.org/10.47172/2965-730x.sdgsreview.v5.n03.pe04928
Rodríguez-Serrano, A. C., Lara-Bueno, A., García-Muñiz, J. G., Huerta-Bravo, M., & González-Aricega, C. C. (2021). Evaluación mineral de los componentes del sistema silvopastoril intensivo con Leucaena leucocephala en tres épocas del año. Revista Mexicana De Ciencias Pecuarias, 12(3), 893–909. https://doi.org/10.22319/rmcp.v12i3.5431
Röhrig, N., Hassler, M., & Roesler, T. (2020). Capturing the value of ecosystem services from silvopastoral systems: Perceptions from selected Italian farms. Ecosystem Services, 44, 101152. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ecoser.2020.101152
Sales-Baptista, E., & Ferraz-De-Oliveira, M. I. (2021). Grazing in silvopastoral systems: multiple solutions for diversified benefits. Agroforestry Systems, 95(1), 1–6. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10457-020-00581-8
Sales-Baptista, E., & Ferraz-De-Oliveira, M. I. (2021). Grazing in silvopastoral systems: multiple solutions for diversified benefits. Agroforestry Systems, 95(1), 1–6. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10457-020-00581-8
Sandino, C. O. A., Barnes, A. P., Sepúlveda, I., Garratt, M. P. D., Thompson, J., & Escobar-Tello, M. P. (2023). Examining factors for the adoption of silvopastoral agroforestry in the Colombian Amazon. Scientific Reports, 13(1). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-023-39038-0
Sarabia, L., Solorio, F. J., Ramírez, L., Ayala, A., Aguilar, C., Ku, J., Almeida, C., Cassador, R., Alves, B. J., & Boddey, R. M. (2019). Improving the nitrogen cycling in livestock systems through silvopastoral systems. In Springer eBooks (pp. 189–213). https://doi.org/10.1007/978-981-13-8660-2_7
Saucedo-Uriarte, J. A., Ampuero-Trigoso, G., Pasquel-Barzola, K. K., Quispe-Ccasa, H. A., Chuquimia-Valdez, D. S., & Arévalo-Aranda, Y. G. (2025). Effect of silvopastoral systems with integrated forest species from the Peruvian tropics on the soil chemical properties. Open Agriculture, 10(1). https://doi.org/10.1515/opag-2025-0434
Sauer, T. J., Dold, C., Ashworth, A. J., Nieman, C. C., Hernandez-Ramirez, G., Philipp, D., Gennadiev, A. N., & Chendev, Y. G. (2021). Agroforestry practices for soil conservation and resilient agriculture. In Springer eBooks (pp. 19–48). https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-80060-4_2
Schinato, F., Bussoni, A., & Olmos, V. M. (2024). Farmers’ preferences and willingness to incorporate silvopastoral systems in Uruguay. Agroforestry Systems, 98(5), 1243–1256. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10457-023-00935-y
Seidou, A. A., La Fronde Offoumon, O. T., Worogo, S. H. S., Houaga, I., Yarou, A. K., Azalou, M., Boukari, F. Z. A., Idrissou, Y., Houinato, M., & Traoré, I. A. (2023). The effect of the silvopastoral system on milk production and reproductive performance of dairy cows and its contribution to adaptation to a changing climate in the drylands of Benin (West-Africa). Frontiers in Sustainable Food Systems, 7. https://doi.org/10.3389/fsufs.2023.1236581
Smith, M. M., Bentrup, G., Kellerman, T., MacFarland, K., Straight, R., Ameyaw, L., & Stein, S. (2021). Silvopasture in the USA: A systematic review of natural resource professional and producer-reported benefits, challenges, and management activities. Agriculture Ecosystems & Environment, 326, 107818. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.agee.2021.107818
Špirić, J., & Ramírez, M. I. (2023). Silvopastoral systems in local livestock landscapes in Hopelchén, Southern Mexico. Agroforestry Systems, 98(5), 1123–1137. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10457-023-00890-8
Tranchina, M., Reubens, B., Frey, M., Mele, M., & Mantino, A. (2024). What challenges impede the adoption of agroforestry practices? A global perspective through a systematic literature review. Agroforestry Systems, 98(6), 1817–1837. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10457-024-00993-w
Tschopp, M., Ceddia, M. G., & Inguaggiato, C. (2021). Adoption of sustainable silvopastoral practices in Argentina’s Gran Chaco: A multilevel approach. Journal of Arid Environments, 197, 104657. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jaridenv.2021.104657
Uribe, S. M., Orozco, J. D. C., Restrepo, E. M., Londoño, G. a. C., & Rosales, R. B. (2025). Effects of intensive silvopastoral systems on bovine ingestive behavior in three contrasting tropical regions. Journal of Animal Behaviour and Biometeorology, 13(2), 2025011. https://doi.org/10.31893/jabb.2025011
Varela, E., Olaizola, A. M., Blasco, I., Capdevila, C., Lecegui, A., Casasús, I., Bernués, A., & Martín-Collado, D. (2022). Unravelling opportunities, synergies, and barriers for enhancing silvopastoralism in the Mediterranean. Land Use Policy, 118, 106140. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.landusepol.2022.106140
Vargas, J., Ungerfeld, E., Muñoz, C., & DiLorenzo, N. (2022). Feeding strategies to mitigate enteric methane emission from ruminants in grassland systems. Animals, 12(9), 1132. https://doi.org/10.3390/ani12091132
Vikas, N., & Ranjan, R. (2024). Agroecological approaches to sustainable development. Frontiers in Sustainable Food Systems, 8. https://doi.org/10.3389/fsufs.2024.1405409
Yaebiyo, G., Tadesse, T., Birhane, E., Hadgu, K. M., Kiros, S., & Meresa, T. M. (2024). Integrated adoption of controlled grazing and multipurpose fodder trees for enhancing tree cover in dryland farming systems. Agricultural Systems, 218, 103967. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.agsy.2024.103967
Zabala, A., Barrios, L. E. G., & Pascual, U. (2022). From participation to commitment in silvopastoral programmes: Insights from Chiapas, Mexico. Ecological Economics, 200, 107544. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ecolecon.2022.107544
Published
2025-10-02
How to Cite
Antonio Medina, Anadelia, Aurelio Morales Rivera, Efrén Ramírez Bribiesca, and David Paredes-Diaz. 2025. “Characterization of a Silvopastoral System As a Sustainable Management Strategy”. Archivos Latinoamericanos De Producción Animal 33 (3 in progr), 123-35. https://doi.org/10.53588/alpa.330301.
Section
Invited papers
Copyright (c) 2025 Anadelia Antonio Medina, Aurelio Morales Rivera, Efrén Ramírez Bribiesca, David Paredes-Diaz
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike 4.0 International License.
