Bioeconomic Assessment of an Alley Cropping Field Trial in North Carolina, U.S.: Tree Density, Timber Production, and Forage Relationships

Silvopasture, the combination of trees, forage, and livestock, is a management practice that gaining interest throughout southeastern U.S. This research analyzed hay-based alley cropping field trial transitioning into silvopasture system. We planted four different tree spacings—2.4 × 2.4 m, 3.0 1.8 m (8 8 ft, 10 10ft, 6 ft)—of loblolly pine (Pinus taeda L.) used secondary data for possible planting two grass species—big bluestem (Andropogon gerardii Vitman) switchgrass (Panicum virgatum L.). Tree inventories, forage samples, biometric modeling, economic analysis timber monocultures mixed systems were with discounted cash flow capital budgeting analyses. growth on pasture site was exceptionally fast, generating high projected returns monocultures, which exceeded monoculture crops. Projected stand had greatest Net Present Values (NPV) at 4% discount rate, ranging between USD 3196 3552 per ha (USD 1294 1438 ac) or spacing yield. Representative yields obtained from sources lower productivity, having highest 2581 1045 ac). Optimal NPVs stands ranged about 1500 3500 600/ac 1400/ac), depending within bands, spacing, degree competition trees grasses.