The Role of Silvopastoral Systems in the Rehabilitation of Andean Stream Habitats
background
This article discusses the prevalence and impact of cattle grazing in the Andean region of Colombia. It asserts that ranching drastically alters the oxygen demand of and pH of streams, increases algae growth, and reduces light penetration. Ranching also damages stream flow and riverbanks, leading to higher erosion and run-off. Grasslands on previously forested areas have led to compaction of soil so that there is less infiltration leading to more run-off, floods due to increased speeds and volume, and less water in the streams during the dry season.
Conclusions & Takeaways
The authors discuss potential silvopastoral strategies to mitigate the negative impacts of ranching on streams. These approaches include protection of springs and water courses, and the planting of trees. Use of these techniques can reduce siltation of streams, decrease run-off speeds, improve infiltration, stabilize of river banks, and improve the quality of stream habitat. The authors also emphasize the need to the enrich riparian stream corridors with native tree species and recommend planting to increase the presence of fodder trees, live fences, wind barriers and trees in pastures.
Reference:
Chará J and Murgueitio E. 2005. The role of silvopastoral systems in the rehabilitation of Andean stream habitats. Livestock Research for Rural Development, Vol. 17, Art. #20.
Affiliation:
- Centre for Research on Sustainable Agricultural Production Systems (CIPAV), Cali, Colombia