Can silvo-pastoral agroforestry systems contribute to Scotland’s emission reduction targets?

Integrating woodlands or forests with forage and livestock production systems can reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Agroforestry systems can also provide other benefits like diversification of farm income, shelter for livestock, fuelwood, carbon sequestration, nutrient management, reductions in soil erosion and leaching, biodiversity enhancement, and amenity value.

This policy brief explores the potential for carbon savings from agroforestry options in Scotland. There have been challenges in delivering the annual target of 10,000 ha new planting, and the report discusses the potential for silvo-pasture – those in which trees are planted at wide spacing into grazed, permanent pastures – and the multiple benefits it can deliver.