EN 
PT_BR 
The off-season planting period, which occurs after the soybean harvest in many integrated systems, represents a strategic window for livestock farmers to invest in systems that guarantee a supply of quality feed throughout the year, especially to cope with the dry season.
In this context, silage intercropped with pasture has stood out as an efficient alternative to maximize land use between harvests, combining the production of bulky feed (silage) and forage for grazing in the same area. "The off-season crop allows for the planting of crops such as corn, sorghum, or millet for silage and, at the same time, the establishment of pastures that will sustain the herd after the harvest," explains the agricultural technician. Robson Luiz Slivinski Dantas.
Photo: Aires Mariga Epagr
In practice, the system consists of the simultaneous cultivation of a crop intended for silage with forage grasses or legumes (such as brachiaria or Panicum spp). After the silage harvest, the intercropped pasture remains established in the soil and can be used for grazing or as ground cover. This model optimizes land use, reduces the need for new plantings, and fits perfectly into integrated production systems, such as crop-livestock integration (CLI). "It's a system that combines agricultural and livestock production, bringing more efficiency to the property," emphasizes Dantas.
The gains for livestock farming are significant from both a nutritional and productive standpoint. “Silage produced from crops like corn and sorghum has high energy value, essential for supplementing the herd during the off-season, while intercropped pasture ensures continuous feeding after harvest. Furthermore, intercropping increases productivity per hectare by allowing the production of two feedstuffs in the same area, reduces feed purchase costs, and contributes to improved soil fertility, especially through the action of grasses that promote nutrient recycling,” he adds.
The strategy is also fundamental for planning the herd's feed during drought. The silage stockpile ensures quality roughage, which can be used during periods of lower pasture growth due to drought, while the intercropped forage tends to have greater resistance and recovery capacity, functioning as a feed supplement as soon as the rains return. "This system gives the producer more security, as they are not solely dependent on pasture during a critical time of year," the technician points out.
After the silage harvest, the pasture takes on a central role in the sustainability of the system, as it provides forage for grazing, protects the soil against erosion, helps retain moisture, and contributes to weed control. "In consortia with species like brachiaria, there are also significant gains in nutrient recycling, which reduces the need for chemical interventions and improves the agronomic efficiency of the area," explains Dantas.
From an economic standpoint, silage intercropped with pasture contributes to cost reduction and increased profitability by decreasing dependence on external feed and inputs. "The higher quality of the diet directly reflects on herd performance, with better weight gain and productivity, both in beef and dairy cattle farming. When the producer manages to produce silage and pasture in the same area, they improve productive efficiency and increase their profit margin," says the professional.
Photo: Paulo Kurtz
Although it is a versatile system, the practice proves especially attractive for producers with limited land, who operate in regions with prolonged drought periods and seek greater food autonomy. Small, medium and large livestock farmers can benefit, but the consortium stands out as a strategic solution for those who need to extract the maximum potential from available areas.
With the advancement of integrated systems and the growing search for sustainability and efficiency in the field, silage intercropped with pasture is consolidating as a trend in Brazilian livestock farming. "It's a smart strategy that combines productive efficiency and environmental preservation, but it requires planning and technical assistance to generate consistent results," Dantas emphasizes.
