Management for sustainable use — forage production for rangelands

Abstract

Rangeland animal farming requires a continual supply of adequate quality forage to a) sustain animal output targets, b) facilitate flexibility to vary reproductive cycle dates for continuity of offtake, c) avoid enforced sale dates and d) alleviate the need to overgraze. The integration of herbaceous and/or woody forage to supplement natural range grazing, particularly in dry season, continues to be a serious research challenge. The many environmental, physical, biological, economic and social issues involved require an interdisciplinary research approach and also that scientists must understand diverse farming systems to gain the confidence of potential users. In two main papers and 70 posters, Session B6 aims to evaluate progress and to chart future research and development strategies for improved resource use. It would be entirely naive to suggest that all of the issues raised could be captured in this truncated summary and it is hoped that it will serve to arouse interest and discussion which will in turn advance the understanding and future research outlook for the areas involved. One main paper examines various management options to overcome possible conflict between increasing demand to satisfy human requirements for food and other needs based on combining animal farming with the protective use of natural resources. Resource conservation is defined and the effects of climate and animal based factors are explored in relation to the main aim of achieving a good fit between animal food requirements and vegetative food supply over the whole year. The relative effects of dry and wet season grazing are closely examined for a range of climatic, soil and vegetation biotypes with emphasis on the effects of the scale at which they are assessed and the relative importance of the plant-climate and plant-animal components. The suggestion that the impact of grazing is related to the presence of key resource areas in dry season is questioned. The extension of the discussion to the development of whole grazing ecosystems with and without alternative food sources (intensive and non-intensive systems) represents an embodiment of the many management interventions outlined. Alternative improved grazing/resting managements are suggested to ensure continuity of forage supply and preservation of range condition. The paper provides a component checklist as a basis for future research planning. The role of improved forages and their integration to supplement natural range vegetation is discussed in the second main paper with particular emphasis on improving smallholder welfare and maintenance of landscape function. It is argued that the latter is not restricted to the maintenance of the original mix of plant species. Evidence of regeneration of degraded rangeland is quoted for which the use of compatible species mixtures is advocated. The historic high expectancy and disappointing rate of adoption are emphasised, citing some experiences of undesirable evolutionary dominance and possible loss of biodiversity caused by the use of exotic forages as one cause. However, over-utilisation is presently considered a much greater cause of rangeland degradation and loss of biodviersity. The comparative advantages and limitations for the development of indigenous as opposed to exotic germplasm are outlined. Three strategies for the integration of improved forages to improve the standard of living, especially of smallholders, are outlined, mindful of various farmer and farming conditions and associated community specific socioeconomic circumstances which tend to preclude their use. The specific values of a range of herbaceous and woody species are examined. It is suggested that improved forage species will have greatest impact in increasing livestock products in the more intensive mixed crop-livestock systems. Reference to success in related technology uptake in SE Asia provides hope for the future. About half of the posters examine aspects of yield and feed value of a wide range of plant species and also their use ranges in about 20 countries. Between 5% and 10% of the posters are concerned with each of supplementary forage, specific legume species, sylvopastoral systems and drought tolerance. Land tenure, irrigation, chemical fertilisation, rehabilitation of degraded rangeland, seed germination, gene banks, communal grazing, grazing selection and extension/development are other areas included to give a comprehensive cover of the present state of knowledge on forage production for rangelands. It is anticipated that discussion will further explore the many topics covered and clarify future research orientation. Property rights to germplasm before and after improvement or modification requires clarification as is this may have serious consequences related to collection and other related issues. Discussion of the relatively slow uptake of research results and why research tends to be organised on a commodity basis when the opposite is true for the majority of commercial users appears appropriate in the context that scientists must understand farming systems and be aware of the broader context into which the improved technology will be integrated so that potential users can identify with the results and have confidence in their adoption.