Shading Effect on Production and Protein Concentration of \u3cem\u3eDactylis Glomerata\u3c/em\u3e and \u3cem\u3eAgrostis Tenuis\u3c/em\u3e

Silvopastoral systems make compatible livestock and timber production and provide important advantages from economic and ecological points of view (Sibbald, 1996). Around one million ha of new afforested areas promoted by the EU Common Agricultural Policy have been established in the last decade, that can be used as potential silvopastoral system areas. Pasture production is usually reduced in dense stands as trees grow up due to the light interception by the tree crown, but the radiation reaching the soil will depend on the tree type and this will affect herbaceous species composition and development. The aim of this work was to evaluate the shading effect (0 and 50 % of light interception) on pasture production and composition of monocultures of cocksfoot (Dactylis glomerata L. var. Artabro) and bent grass (Agrostis tenuis Sibth. cv Highland) in simulated conditions