Damages caused by cattle on different tree species in silvopastoral systems

Abstract

We assessed the damage done by cattle in three species of trees in a silvopastoral system implanted in the subtropical region of Brazil. The species Schinus terebinthifolius (Raddi), Grevillea robusta (A. Cunn. Ex R. Br) and Eucalyptus dunnii (Maiden), were planted in single rows (14 m x 3 m) to compose a silvopastoral system. During the first three years, the area was used for grain production in alley cropping systems. After 41 months of planting trees cattle were first introduced in the area. Five classes of damage intensity were established: no damage, low, medium, high, and extreme. The damage to the bark of trees were larger than those caused to the crown. The trees of S. terebinthifolius were more damaged by cattle. The maintenance of S. terebinthifolius trees in silvopastoral system is not recommended because the damage done by cattle is of extreme intensity.