Restoring longleaf pine through silvopasture practices: an economic analysis

A modified Hartman model was developed to investigate the economic potential of silvopasture as a means of restoring longleaf pine (Pinus palustris) on private land. Specifically, the model was used to investigate the impact of payments to the landowner for sequestering carbon and the effect of lengthening the rotation to produce red-cockaded woodpecker (Picoides borealis) habitat. The results suggested that silvopasture is more profitable than either traditional ranching or traditional forestry. Further, it was found that, carbon payments increased the profitability, optimal rotation age and optimal tree density for both silvopasture and traditional forestry. In addition, extending the rotation to 60 years to produce red-cockaded woodpecker habitat is less costly with silvopasture than with traditional forestry. These results suggest that silvopasture may be an attractive land use option for landowners who desire to restore longleaf pine on their land.