Silvopastures of varying ages can be merged and managed on a landscape basis. The establishment of forage in even-aged or uneven aged silvicultural situations may require thinning and some type of tillage to provide a favorable seedbed for germination and growth. Management Livestock grazing should be intensively managed. A successful silvopasture requires understanding forage growth characteristics and managing the timing and duration of grazing to avoid browsing of young tree seedlings or elongating shoots. Livestock should be excluded from tree plantings during vulnerable periods.
Similar approaches can minimize damage by trampling or rubbing.
Improper management of silvopastures can reduce desirable woody and herbaceous plants by over-grazing and soil compaction. Thus, proper management is the key to success. Economic risk is reduced because the system produces multiple products, most of which have an established market. Production costs are reduced and marketing flexibility is enhanced by distributing management costs between timber and livestock components. Comprehensive land utilization in silvopastoral systems provides a relatively constant income from livestock sale and selective sale of trees and timber products.