Abstract
Ruminant livestock production in the tropics, particularly when based on pastures, is frequently blamed for being detrimental to the environment, allegedly contributing to: (1) degradation and destruction of ecosystems, including degradation and loss of soil, water and biodiversity; and (2) climate change (global warming). In this paper we argue that, rather than being detrimental, tropical forage legumes can have a positive impact on the environment, mainly due to key attributes that characterize the Leguminosae (Fabaceae) family: (1) symbiotic nitrogen fixation; (2) high nutritive value; (3) deep-reaching tap-root system; (4) wide taxonomic and genetic diversity; and (5) presence of particular secondary metabolites. Although there are also potential negative aspects, such as soil acidification and the risks of introduced legumes becoming invasive weeds, we submit that legumes have potential to contribute significantly to sustainable intensification of livestock production in the tropics, along with the provision of ecosystem services. To further assess, document and realize this potential, research for development needs in a range of areas are indicated.Keywords: Biodiversity, ecosystem services, GHG emissions, land rehabilitation, soil enhancement, symbiotic nitrogen fixation.DOI: 10.17138/TGFT(6)1-14
Highlights
Feeding the world population is a major challenge for the future when one considers that in 2050 there will be an expected >9 billion people on this planet
We suggest that research make use of the large organismal (= taxonomic) and genetic diversity of tropical forage legumes that is available in the world’s major germplasm collections, e.g. those held by the Australian Pastures Genebank, Center for Tropical Agriculture (CIAT) (Centro Internacional de Agricultura Tropical), Embrapa (Empresa Brasileira de Pesquisa Agropecuária) and ILRI (International Livestock Research Institute)
We showed that tropical forage legumes have considerable potential to increase productivity of forage-based livestock systems, while providing benefits to the environment
Summary
Feeding the world population is a major challenge for the future when one considers that in 2050 there will be an expected >9 billion people on this planet. SI encompasses increased production from existing farmland without negatively affecting the environment, and the approach has been adopted as a policy goal for a number of national and international organizations working towards sustainable development goals. This SI policy goal applies to research on tropical pastures and forages and is reflected, for example, in the theme of the last International Grassland Congress (New Delhi, India, November 2015): Sustainable Use of Grassland Resources for Forage Production, Biodiversity and Environmental Protection. We examine the potential of tropical forage legumes to have a positive impact on environmental issues and provide ecosystem services
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