Overseeding oat into limpograss: The effect of trees on animal performance and profitability

The overseeding of cool-season species into dormant warm-season species and tree inclusion in open pastures are potential options for improving forage quality and extending the grazing period, thus contributing to sustainable livelihoods. However, warm-season species respond differently to cool-season overseeding. To our knowledge, there are no reports concerning the use of the overseeding method in limpograss [Hemarthria altissima (Poir.) Stapf & Hubb.] pastures, particularly in silvopastoral systems. A field experiment was conducted to evaluate the suitability of oat (Avena sativa L.) overseeding into a limpograss pasture in two systems located in a subtropical region, silvopastoral versus open pasture, for 3 consecutive years. The presence of trees had a significant impact on dry matter yield and animal gain per hectare (Gha) during periods of drought. A maximum Gha of 363 kg live weight (LW) ha-1 was observed on limpograss pasture, over 139 days of grazing, after oat overseeding. In contrast, the maximum Gha on oat pasture was only 174 kg LW ha-1. However, it was still possible to obtain up to 112 grazing days in an area that would be fallow in winter. The maximum annual profit obtained was $673.0 ha-1 in the second year, with no differences between systems. To increase economic profits, farmers may search for strategies that add value to silvopastoral products. There is growing interest in silvopastoral systems due to important contributions to sustainable livelihoods.The current study is the first investigating the use of the overseeding technique in limpograss pasture.Oat overseeding into limpograss promoted up to 112 days of grazing in an area that would be fallow in winter.The effect of trees on animal production was neutral or negative in drier summers.The maximum annual profit obtained was $673.0 ha-1, with no differences between systems.