Propagation and planting of fodder trees for animal feed in the dry Caribbean

Propagation and planting of fodder trees for animal feed in the dry Caribbean

Thematic area:
Food and nutrition
Productive system:
Sheep, goats and cattle
Geographic coverage:
Dry Caribbean Region

Propagation and planting of fodder trees for animal feed in the dry Caribbean

Description

This technology is a protocol for the sexual propagation and planting of native trees with high forage value, intended to be used in silvopastoral arrangements, forage banks, live fences, and grazing in the dry Caribbean region. This protocol is designed to guide producers in planting trees on their farms, excluding their use for commercial purposes. Its purpose is to provide technical guidance in the propagation and planting processes of forage tree species in tropical dry forest environments. This will contribute to increasing forage biomass availability, promoting the adoption of silvopastoral systems in livestock farming, reducing grazing pressure in forest areas, and generating ecosystem benefits, such as soil conservation and water regulation.

This approach is recommended during the implementation of silvopastoral systems and the reconversion of extensive livestock systems. It is essential to consider local climatic conditions to carry out the recommendations successfully, as they determine the seed production times of the species of interest and allow planting to be planned in the field during periods with higher water availability, ensuring the successful establishment.

The following are the suggested steps for the propagation of native trees that lead to the environmental sustainability of the territories:

1. Identification and selection of seed-producing trees.
2. Collection of seeds from ripe fruits in good condition.
3. Seed storage, labeling, and registration.
4. Seed propagation.
5. Transplanting seedlings and nursery.
6. Final planting in the field.

Its use is recommended for the Caribbean region, the central zone of Guajira (municipalities of Dibulla and Riohacha, and Maicao, Uribia, and Manaure in Alta Guajira), the Cesar River Valley in the municipalities of San Juan del Cesar, Villanueva, Urumita and La Jagua del Pilar, Valledupar, San Diego, La Paz, Codazzi, Becerril, El Paso, Astrea, Chiriguaná and Chimichagua.