Tree Canopy Management Affects Dynamics of Herbaceous Vegetation and Soil Moisture in Silvopasture Systems Using Arboreal Legumes

Understanding ecological interactions between the arboreal and herbaceous components is key to get full benefits from silvopastoral systems. The objective of this 2-yr research was evaluate productivity nutritive value signalgrass (Urochloa decumbens (Stapf.) R. Webster) subjected shading tree legumes Gliricidia (Gliricidia sepium (Jacq.) Steud) or Mimosa (Mimosa caesalpiniifolia Benth.) under different canopy management. Trees were planted in double rows either unharvested harvested only one row, leaving other row unharvested. Response variables for vegetation included height, herbage mass (green leaf blade, green stem, senescent leaves, stem), accumulation rate, bulk density, soil moisture. Total mass, affected by treatment × month harvest management interactions. Herbage rate greater (55 kg DM ha−1d−1) than (32 ha−1d−1). Soil moisture lesser at sites (16.2%) compared with ones (17.2%), it (21.9%) sun (11.5%), varying across season. Harvesting had a short-term transient effect on responses. Tree can affect forage quantity quality; however, these effects are vary spacing. Signalgrass grew faster better when growing Gliricidia.