A dynamic simulation model to assess farm-level effects of pasture intensification strategies on beef herd outputs and carbon footprints in acid soil savannas of Eastern Colombia

Abstract

The neotropical savannas of Eastern Colombia (Llanos) are subjected to changes in land use associated with intensification of beef production and there is limited knowledge on the long-term impacts of these change processes. Furthermore, the effects of spatial and temporal intensification at farm level via the introduction of sown pastures on beef herd outputs, their greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and the resulting carbon (C) footprints in contrasting savanna landscapes of of the Llanos are unknown. This study was aimed to assess the consequences of gradual system intensification via introduction of sown tropical pastures in two contrasting landscapes, the tillable, flat savannas and the highly dissected rangelands, of the well-drained Eastern savannas of Colombia, in terms of cow-calf production and GHG emissions and the resulting C footprints. A dynamic model was developed to simulate the gradual introduction of two types of tropical pastures in a region with dissected and steep slopes and limited tillable areas where cattle would also have access to Serrania savanna and sown pastures, versus one located in the Plains that are fully transformed over time with the exclusion of native rangelands. Marked changes in herd demography, animal outputs, and emissions were found over time. The C footprint of all systems varied over time depending upon the length of time that pastures contributed to soil organic carbon accumulation and the balance between savanna and sown pasture areas at a whole farm level. In conclusion, the dynamics of the systems subject to intensification were marked and were dependent on the temporal and spatial deployment of sown forage resources. Therefore, generalizing the trends for the region as a whole result in uncertainty. Nevertheless, examination of simulated prototypes may shed light on the expected trends and provides guidance for decision-making