Trees in silvopastoral systems reduce legume proportion with no consequence for internal N resorption efficiency

Abstract In legume-based grasslands, legumes supply the sward with nitrogen (N) from biological N2-fixation. Previous studies in silvopastoral systems have emphasized that legume proportions decline near trees which would cause spatial variation N and concentration of harvested herbage grass swards between trees. natural ecosystems, it was shown resorption efficiency (NRE) increased by nutrient limitation, hence, where are scarce. Therefore, we tested hypothesis NRE is compensates for loss respect to live herbage. Two vegetation compositions consisting were analysed across positions tree lines an alley cropping system established 5 years prior this study. Legume proportion declined up 45% towards line, also dead but on average only 15%. As a consequence reduced mass close trees, yield decreased 50%. Despite unaffected line irrespective composition. Further, results indicate internal cycling managed grassland short defoliation intervals harvests lesser relevance than unmanaged ecosystems. control concentrations shading systems.