Silvopastoral trials of commercial pine systems in North Queensland

Project locations: Cardwell Qld

Project partners: Timber Queensland Limited ; Forest and Wood Products Australia Limited ; CQUniversity ; Qld Dept Agriculture and Fisheries ; HQ Plantations Pty Ltd ; CO2 Australia Pty Ltd

Project summary and impacts

This project investigated the potential of silvopastoral systems to diversify income streams for northern Australian graziers while expanding the region’s softwood timber resource. Focusing on commercial Caribbean pine plantations in north Queensland, the research evaluated how timber production, cattle grazing and carbon sequestration could be integrated within the same land management system.

Field trials compared traditional pine plantations with alternative silvopastoral designs that combined reduced tree stocking rates with livestock production. Researchers assessed the interactions between tree growth, pasture production, cattle performance and carbon outcomes, while modelling the financial performance of integrated timber and beef enterprises relative to conventional grazing systems.

The project provided evidence on the productivity, profitability and environmental benefits of combining forestry and livestock production, including opportunities for farm income diversification, improved resilience to climate variability and increased carbon sequestration. By examining the trade-offs and synergies between timber, beef and carbon markets, the research delivered valuable information to support landholder, investor and industry decision-making.

The findings contribute to a stronger evidence base for the adoption of silvopastoral systems in northern Australia and highlight pathways to increase regional timber supply, support sustainable grazing enterprises and unlock new opportunities for carbon and natural capital investment.