Tree species with potential for adaptation to climate change in silvopastoral systems, Dominican Republic

Abstract

Livestock systems tend to be susceptible to the effects of climate change. This requires the search for sustainable production alternatives, such as silvopastoral systems. The objective of identify tree species in silvopastoral systems with potential for adaptation to climate change in the province of Santiago Rodríguez, Dominican Republic. The study was conducted from October 2020 to February 2021. A sampling was carried out in 85 farms dedicated to dairy cattle raising. Field visits were made, dasometric variables were collected and semi-structured interviews were conducted with producers. Six types of silvopastoral systems were recorded, where dispersed trees and live fences stand out. The Fabaceae family and species such as Prosopis juliflora, Gliricida sepium, Guazuma ulmifolia and Azadiractha indica prevailed, with 50 % of the individuals found in the province. Various uses offered by tree species (forage, shade, firewood and wood) were identified. Management practices included pruning for firewood and posts for dead fences. Among the negative aspects, the invasion of some species was mentioned, while the positive aspects were that most of the producers wanted to plant trees on their farms. In the town of Santiago Rodríguez, there is a variety of multipurpose tree species that play an important role in traditional livestock systems, since they are adapted to drought conditions. The main tree species are P. juliflora, G. sepium, G. ulmifolia and A. indica and fruit trees: Mangifera indica and Persea americana. These have the potential to adapt to climate change and can be implemented in silvopastoral systems frequently used in the region as scattered trees and live fences.