Native trees and shrubs for the productive rehabilitation of tropical cattle ranching lands

Extensive cattle production currently occupies more than 27% of the rural landscapes in Latin America, and continues to expand. This activity, deeply rooted in the culture and rural economy of the region, requires an urgent transformation if it is to become both more efficient and environmentally friendly. Silvopastoral systems that incorporate native trees and shrubs are instrumental for the productive rehabilitation of cattle production and for biodiversity conservation in agricultural landscapes. We discuss research progress and adoption of intensive silvopastoral systems in Colombia and Mexico. Intensive silvopastoral systems (ISS) are a sustainable form of agroforestry for livestock production that combines fodder shrubs planted at high densities (more than 10,000 plants ha−1), trees and palms, and improved pastures. High stocking and the natural production of milk and meat in these systems are achieved through rotational grazing with electric fencing and a permanent supply of water for the cattle. While milk and meat production and cattle reproduction are enhanced, production costs decline as external inputs are replaced by natural processes related to fertility and biological control. We also discuss the importance of the ISS with native trees for climate change adaptation and mitigation, the barriers for their adoption, and how these have been successfully addressed using payment for environmental services, special credits and technical assistance. Finally, we highlight the need for enhancing landscape connectivity by integrating SPS to conservation corridors with native species to promote biodiversity conservation and other environmental services demanded by society.

Research highlights▶ Land rehabilitation and the environmental transformation of cattle ranching are regional priorities in Latin America that must combine research, technology transfer, and public policy. ▶ Intensive silvopastoral systems are a form of science-based agroforestry that allows a rapid increase in productivity and the rehabilitation of degraded pasturelands, and are therefore a novel tool that allows the spatial concentration of cattle production in the most appropriate areas while freeing other lands for ecological restoration and conservation. ▶ Native trees and shrubs will play a key role in enhancing ecosystem services in pastoral landscapes once the physical, cultural, technological, and financial barriers are removed. ▶ In summary, we propose that the mainstreaming of silvopastoral systems in tropical degraded landscapes can simultaneously address environmental and productive issues, making cattle ranching part of the solution rather than the problem.