Pasture Degradation Research Articles

Balancing Livestock Environmental Footprints with Forestry-Based Solutions: A Review

Livestock production, as one of the oldest and most significant human activities, plays a vital role in fulfilling the global demand for human nutrition and other animal-related products while contributing to poverty reduction. However, it is also important to address the environmental impact of livestock animals. Over 60% of the global biomass harvested annually to support human activity is directed towards this sector, raising concerns about its sustainability. In addition to substantial water and fertilizer usage reported in recent years, it is estimated that 14.5% of global greenhouse gas emissions are generated by the livestock sector. Furthermore, the increasing amount of manure resulting from intensive animal farming raises concerns about its disposal and potential water pollution. The degradation of pasture and rangeland is another significant contributor to soil erosion. Multiple approaches are being studied to reduce the environmental impact of livestock production, but a sustainable alternative may be through forestry. Forests play a vital role in countering livestock emissions by absorbing billions of tons of carbon dioxide each year, and they act as a crucial carbon sink. Furthermore, the diversity and age of forests impact the carbon sequestration process. Forests also help to combat climate change by reducing soil erosion and regulating the water cycle. As such, sustainable forest management is essential as forests provide multiple benefits, including economic, environmental, and social benefits, while also sequestering carbon. In this review, the current impact of modern livestock production is described, along with the potential for mitigating it through forestry-based solutions.

The productivity, chemical composition and nutritional value of pastures dominated by Artemisia diffusa and Cousinia resinosa in arid lands of southwestern Uzbekistan

Abstract. Bazarov B, Rajamuradov Z, Safin M, Rajabov A, Khayitov D, Kuziev M, Aminjonov S, Ismayilova M, Kudratov J, Khujabekov M, Khaydarov D. 2023. The productivity, chemical composition and nutritional value of pastures dominated by Artemisia diffusa and Cousinia resinosa in arid lands of southwestern Uzbekistan. Biodiversitas 24: 3916-3923. In recent years, extensive degradation of pastures has been observed all over the world as a result of drastic changes in climate and the increase of anthropogenic factors. As a result, the biological diversity of plant communities in pastures decreases, and specific changes occur in dry mass productivity, nutritional value, and other indicators of plant biomass. Therefore, studies aimed at assessing the condition of the vegetation in pastures are important. This research is one of the first studies of this type aimed at determining the biomass yield of pastures dominated by Artemisia diffusa Krasch. ex Poljako and Cousinia resinosa Juz. at varying elevations in arid areas of the southwestern regions of Uzbekistan, analyzing the chemical composition and nutritional value contained in the plants and evaluating the yield and quality of milk of goats fed with such plants. The results showed that dry mass yield, chemical composition, amount of substance, and nutritional value of the biomass produced by the plants in the pastures were directly influenced by the type of plants that make up the pasture, the elevation of the pastures, and climate factors (i.e., season). Our analysis also showed that the resiproductivity, chemical composition, and nutritional parameters were the highest in the mountain pastures compared to those in the hill and desert pastures. Goats fed by grazing in the pastures produced a higher yield and quality of milk compared to goats fed with conventional rations. The findings of this study explain the diversity of the productivity, chemical composition, nutritional value, and potential of the biomass produced by plants in pastures with dominant species A. diffusa and C. resinosa in increasing goat milk production in arid regions.

Complex dissolved organic matter (DOM) on the roof of the world – Tibetan DOM molecular characteristics indicate sources, land use effects, and processing along the fluvial–limnic continuum

Abstract. The Tibetan Plateau (TP) is the world's largest and highest plateau, comprising the earth's biggest alpine pasture system. It is sensitive to the impacts of climate change and anthropogenic pressure. Carbon cycling on the TP is influenced by glaciation and degradation of the pasture ecosystem. Dissolved organic matter (DOM) connects carbon reservoirs, following the hydrological continuum from glaciers and headwaters to lakes. Due to its complexity, DOM cycling along the aquatic continuum and the impact of land use and climate change on DOM characteristics are still not well understood. Here, we study solid phase extracted (SPE) DOM molecular characteristics using ultrahigh-resolution mass spectrometry (FT-ICR-MS) along the TP hydrological continuum from glaciers, groundwater springs, and wetlands, including pastures and alpine steppes, to the endorheic Lake Nam Co. Our study revealed that the SPE-DOM composition was largely influenced by local sources of glaciers, wetlands, and groundwater springs as well as pasture degradation. Glacial meltwater SPE-DOM contained more saturated compounds suggesting microbial sources together with aromatic compounds probably derived from aeolian deposition. In comparison, wetland and stream SPE-DOM were characterised by a higher percentage of highly unsaturated and aromatic molecular formulae. These were likely derived from inputs of vascular plants and soils. Groundwater spring SPE-DOM from degraded pastures differed from intact pasture samples. In degraded systems a strongly oxidised signature with the lowest counts of P heteroatoms, a lower O/C ratio, and a higher aromaticity of SPE-DOM together with a high degradation index suggested a strong transformation of SPE-DOM. SPE-DOM of the endorheic lake was richer in unsaturated molecular formulae compared to the tributaries. This suggests algae and microbial sources and production in the lake. The SPE-DOM rich in aromatic and highly unsaturated formulae visible in the brackish zone of the lake shore contrasted sharply with that of the lake. Aromatic molecular formulae were strongly depleted in the lake deep water suggesting photooxidation of riverine SPE-DOM. This indicates that alpine SPE-DOM signatures are shaped by small-scale catchment properties, land degradation, and the influence of glaciers and wetlands. The close link of alpine SPE-DOM composition to landscape properties is indicative of a strong susceptibility of DOM characteristics to climatic and land use changes in High Asia.

Testing a novel pasture quality index using remote sensing tools in semiarid and Mediterranean grasslands

Estimating the nutritional value of herbage is a core aspect of livestock pasture management. Quantitative information related to significant findings is essential for assessing nutritional provision and preventing pasture degradation. Here, we developed a new Pasture Quality Index (PQI) that indicates the nutritional quality of pastures based on their nutritional value and the composition of plant functional groups of the vegetation. We applied the model on a regional scale using VENμS satellite data, collected more than 450 plant samples, and applied pasture quality parameters analysis. Pasture samples were collected from paddocks under two different grazing intensities in Israel in a semiarid and a Mediterranean grassland. Pasture quality was estimated five times over two years at mid- and peak vegetation growth stages. The PQI included: protein content, fiber content, dry matter digestibility and the proportion of unpalatable spiny thistles. A support vector machine regression model was used to train statistical models that relate ground truth PQI data to the reflectance values of the VENμS satellite. Large-scale forage quality maps at 5 m spatial resolution were created. Fine-resolution drone orthomosaics were used to enhance the satellite-based predictions accuracy, resulting in a model accuracy of R2 = 0.86. We observed that nutritional quality showed strong dependence on seasonality and the grazing regime, with higher quality observed during mid-growth compared to peak growth. Higher quality was also observed under grazing compared to ungrazed paddocks. The occurrence of unpalatable thistles in grazed paddocks significantly reduced the pasture quality at the Mediterranean grassland. To summarize, the PQI enables the integration of several quality indicators into an index that helps in detecting the effects of grazing management on rangelands. In addition, high accuracy was achieved in relating the overall PQI and high spatiotemporal resolution satellite imagery data. Our developed methodology enables site-specific, spatially explicit, frequent, and area-extensive pasture quality assessment that can aid in optimizing livestock management in various ecosystems.

Greenhouse Gas Emissions and Crossbred Cow Milk Production in a Silvopastoral System in Tropical Mexico.

In Mexico, pasture degradation is associated with extensive pastures; additionally, under these conditions, livestock activities contribute considerably to greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. Among the options to improve grazing systems and reduce GHG emissions, silvopastoral systems (SPS) have been recommended. The objectives of this work were to quantify the N outflow in a soil-plant-animal interface, as well as the CH4 emissions and milk production in an SPS with woody legumes (Leucaena leucocephala) that is associated with stargrass (Cynodon nlemfuensis). This was then compared with stargrass in a monoculture system (MS) in the seasons (dry and rainy period) over a two-year period. Dung was collected from the animals of each of the grazing systems and applied fresh to the land plots. Fresh dung and urine were collected from the cows of each grazing system and were applied to the experimental plots. In addition, the soil CH4 and N2O contents were measured to quantify the emissions. Average milk yield by seasons was similar: MS (7.1 kg per animal unit (AU)/day-1) and SPS (6.31 kg per AU/day-1). Cows in the MS had a mean N intake of 171.9 g/UA day-1 without seasonal variation, while the SPS animals' mean N intake was 215.7 g/UA day-1 for both seasons. For the urine applied to soil, the N2O outflow was higher in the MS (peak value = 1623.9 μg N-N2O m-2 h-1). The peak value for the SPS was 755.9 μg of N-N2O m-2 h-1. The N2O emissions were higher in the rainy season (which promotes denitrification). The values for the feces treatment were 0.05% (MS) and 0.01% (SPS). The urine treatment values were 0.52% (MS) and 0.17% (SPS). The emissions of CH4 showed that the feces of the SPS systems resulted in a higher accumulation of gas in the rainy season (29.8 g C ha-1), followed by the feces of the MS system in the dry season (26.0 g C ha-1). Legumes in the SPS helped to maintain milk production, and the N2O emissions were lower than those produced by the MS (where the pastures were fertilized with N).

Simulation of degradation of pasture ecosystems of arid zone

New approaches to the study of succession dynamics are based on the original concept of system dynamics, which was used in the development of simulation models reflecting the dynamics of pasture ecosystems. The temporal dynamics of the soil and vegetation cover of the natural pastures of the Black Lands of Kalmykia reflects the degradation processes that are studied by simulation modeling. The processes of pasture degradation in the subarid belt of Southern Russia were described by ordinary differential equations. This concept is the basic one in the development of simulation models. The dynamics of changes in effective coatings for phytocenoses of pastures of Black Lands in the process of degradation was traced from the original pastures to complete desertification. Analytical solutions for various conditions of succession dynamics in the degradation of natural pasture lands are a convenient test for assessing the adequacy of simulation modeling. The initial time periods of space observations of effective coatings of phytocenoses were used to parametrize simulation models. The models are implemented in the AnyLogic simulation system. The model development process is based on visual programming using the graphical user interface. Information flows in the Anylogic environment are redistributed over time through a system of storage devices interconnected by an oriented graph of the model. A computational experiment demonstrating simulation results with different parameters was used for an indicative (qualitative) assessment of ecosystem sustainability. The results of analytical modeling using ordinary differential equations and simulation modeling showed a high identity. The study of the dynamics of pasture ecosystems using a variation experiment demonstrates the possibility of visual (cognitive) selection of the parameters of the model that determines the conditions of stationarity of pasture ecosystems. Studying the dynamics of successions of pasture phytocnoses by this method opens up new opportunities for solving problems of optimal use of biological resources and sustainability of pasture ecosystems.

State subsidies to increase productivity in beef cattle breeding of the Republic of Kazakhstan: implementation tools

The aim is to justify measures of state stimulation of innovative processes in beef cattle breeding in Kazakhstan. Methods – monographic, financial and economic analysis, comparison, logical generalization. Results – main factors hindering the processes of effective application of innovations in animal husbandry are considered: consequences of the global economic crisis caused by the pandemic, the impact of human activity on the environment, which led to the degradation of pastures and reduction of natural forage base. It was revealed that these problems led to an increase in feed prices when raising beef cattle. At the same time, inflation disrupts the stability of production cycles and sustainability of agri business. The need to expand the meat products market is justified by the main task of public policy in agriculture – ensuring food security and physiological norms for consumption of meat and its products. The article focuses on the study of the mechanism of subsidizing beef cattle. The analysis of the main support programs for the subjects of this industry was carried out. Conclusions – degradation of pastures, lack of drinking points, high cost of animal feeding hinder the innovative activity of producers. Rational methods are proposed for restoring degraded pastures by drilling wells and installing tubular wells to extract groundwater. Calculations were made on the payback of investments received by farms, taking into account investment subsidies from the state. The authors state that the effective use of the available resources of beef cattle breeding, the gene pool of the most intensive breeds of domestic and world breeding, consistent public support for regional programs, and attraction of extra-budgetary funds will accelerate the development of cattle breeding farms in the republic.

LAND RESOURCES OF KASHKADARYA REGION

This article is devoted to the land resources of the Kashkadarya region and the problems that threaten them. Such problems as the composition of the land fund of the Kashkadarya region, salinization, which threatens land resources, pasture degradation, are considered.

Modern Management of Livestock and Pastures in Nomadic Communities

Abstract For thousands of years, pastoralism was the primary economic resource of millions of people, and today it is one of the major activities in many rural communities. This case study uses Elin Ostrom's (2009) eight principles to analyse the impact of the Kyrgyz pasture law on nomadic communities and promote sustainable and equitable management of livestock and pastures. The results show that the pasture-user unions have contributed significantly to the good governance of common-pasture resources, the improvement of the condition of pasture users and the reduction of pasture degradation (0.75±0.09). However, the case study also reveals that there is a need to enhance the use of remote pastures, to improve rotation plans, to ameliorate the monitoring and assessment mechanism (0.65±0.10) and to increase animal health conditions. To further improve pastoral livelihoods, relevant authorities and institutional stakeholders should make increased efforts to ameliorate governance (0.55±0.11) and trust among pasture users, pasture-committee members, veterinarians and local and national institutions.

Dairy production in a region of the Brazilian Atlantic Forest: interactions between climate, fire, vegetation, and pasture degradation

Dairy production in a region of the Brazilian Atlantic Forest: interactions between climate, fire, vegetation, and pasture degradation

Combined tool for improving arid pastures

In this article, the state and the main factors leading to the degradation of pastures of Uzbekistan are considered. To solve this problem, the technology and planting scheme are proposed, and a constructive scheme of combined soil-processing and planting tool for its implementation is developed.

Некоторые правовые проблемы рационального использования пастбищных угодий Республики Казахстан

Цель предлагаемого исследования заключается в комплексном изучении правовых проблем использо-вания пастбищ в современных условиях конституционной реформы в Казахстане, в ходе которой вы-двинут главный приоритет страны — использование земли в интересах народа страны — в разработке научно обоснованных теоретических положений и практических рекомендаций для совершенствова-ния действующего законодательства Республики Казахстан. В настоящее время на насущные вопросы этой проблематики не могут дать однозначные ответы ни государственные органы, ни правовая наука, по данной проблеме отсутствуют специальные научные разработки. Само законодательство Республики Казахстан о пастбищах находится на стадии становления, а проблемы их рационального использования и охраны не получили соответствующей правовой регламентации. Недостаточность четкой регламентации ведения хозяйственной деятельности личных подсобных хозяйств граждан (далее по тексту — ЛПХ) привело к тому, что сегодня мы имеем экологические проблемы деградации пастбищ, неблагоприятную эпизоотическую и санитарную ситуацию в населенных пунктах и вокруг них. Авторами сделан вывод, что действующий Закон РК «О пастбищах» не учитывает сложившиеся проблемы в населенных пунктов, поэтому требуются корректировки его содержания и земельного законодательства страны. Предложено детализировать правовой режим использования пастбищ, находящихся в составе земель лесного и водного фонда, населенных пунктов и на территории особо охраняемых природных территорий. Возрождение отгонного и полуотгонного животноводства требует разработки правовых механизмов регулирования этой сферы аграрного производства, конкретизации режима пользования отгонных и сезонных пастбищ.

Awareness of Climate Change Impact and Adaptation in Agriculture – The Case of Albania

Abstract The Albanian agriculture sector is deeply affected by climate change. To cope with climate change, it is necessary to understand its consequences. The views of agriculture extension service experts are crucial in improving farmers’ understanding and resilience, especially when farming practices are poorly adapted to the changing climate. This paper analyses the risks from climate change and the adaptive capacity of farmers based on an expert evaluation survey. The respondents identified prolongation of drought durations, rising temperatures, above-average occurrences of floods, pre-seasonal rainfall and frost as primary risks during recent years. Extension experts view a high (negative) impact from climate change through processes such as increased plant diseases occurrence, increased exposure to rodents, harmful insects and pests for plants and livestock, as well as forest and pasture degradation. The paper also provides experts’ opinions on the policy implications, such as considerations about adaptation strategies towards climate change.

Diagnosis of the Spatial Variability of Soil Nutrients and Economics of Precision Management in Degraded Pastures

Most Brazilian pastures are in some stage of degradation, either by the reduction of soil fertility or inadequate management. The objective of this study was to diagnose the stage of pasture degradation and the diagnosis and management of the spatial variability of available phosphorus (P) and potassium (K+). A total of 100 soil samples were collected at a depth of 0–20 cm for available P and K+ contents determination. Geostatistical analyses of the obtained data were carried out to produce maps of the spatial distribution of available P and K+, using kriging, and allow the recommendation of fertilizers doses. The cost/benefit ratio of fertilizer recommendation and application was evaluated at fixed and variable rates. The different stages of pasture degradation were directly related to the reduction of soil fertility, as well as to the adopted management. The variability of soil available P and K+ presented spatial dependence, and the pattern of distribution resulted in the stage of the pasture degradation. The diagnosis of the level of pasture degradation associated with the use of geostatistical techniques under a precision agriculture perspective favors the efficient use of fertilizers, as well as correct decision-making and cost reduction regarding soil management.

IPSC Technology: An Innovative Tool for Developing Clean Meat, Livestock, and Frozen Ark.

Induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC) technology is an emerging technique to reprogram somatic cells into iPSCs that have revolutionary benefits in the fields of drug discovery, cellular therapy, and personalized medicine. However, these applications are just the tip of an iceberg. Recently, iPSC technology has been shown to be useful in not only conserving the endangered species, but also the revival of extinct species. With increasing consumer reliance on animal products, combined with an ever-growing population, there is a necessity to develop alternative approaches to conventional farming practices. One such approach involves the development of domestic farm animal iPSCs. This approach provides several benefits in the form of reduced animal death, pasture degradation, water consumption, and greenhouse gas emissions. Hence, it is essentially an environmentally-friendly alternative to conventional farming. Additionally, this approach ensures decreased zoonotic outbreaks and a constant food supply. Here, we discuss the iPSC technology in the form of a "Frozen Ark", along with its potential impact on spreading awareness of factory farming, foodborne disease, and the ecological footprint of the meat industry.

Pastoralism in the high Himalayas: Understanding changing practices and their implications for parasite transmission between livestock and wildlife

Rangelands are increasingly being affected by climatic variations, fragmentation and changes in livestock management practices. Along with resource competition between livestock and wildlife, disease transmission has implications for people and wildlife in these shared landscapes. We worked with two pastoral communities in the Western Indian Himalayas: the migratory Kinnauras that travel to the Trans-Himalayan Pin valley in summer and the resident herders of Pin Valley. Asiatic ibex (Capra sibirica) is the predominant wild herbivore in Pin. The pastures in Pin are grazed by both livestock (migratory and resident) and ibex, with the potential for disease transmission. We investigate the effects of herding practices on livestock health and disease transmission, while focusing on gastro-intestinal nematodes (GINs) as they can spread by sharing pasture between wild and domestic ungulates. Surveys were carried out between June and August 2019, the period when migratory Kinnauras, local herders and Asiatic Ibex are found in Pin Valley. We found that the Kinnaura flocks share pasture with ibex during their time in Pin, exhibiting significantly higher endo-parasite burdens than sedentary livestock, and the Kinnaura flocks are increasing in number. This suggests GIN cross-transmission is possible, as GINs have low host specificity and a free-living, environmental stage that is trophically acquired. As local (sedentary) sheep and goats rarely share pasture with ibex, have low endo-parasite burdens and are few in number, they are unlikely to transmit parasites to ibex. However, increasingly large local stock numbers may be contributing to pasture degradation which could cause nutritional stress and resource competition, exacerbating GIN impacts. We also find evidence for transhumance persisting, in spite of signs of pasture degradation that are seemingly affecting livestock productivity and potentially disease transmission. It is critical that proactive measures are taken, like participatory disease management with the Kinnauras, to align livelihoods with wildlife and rangeland conservation.

Coupled biophysical and decision-making processes in grassland systems in East African savannahs – A modelling framework

Increasing livestock densities on limited grazing areas in African savannahs lead to resource degradation through overgrazing, aggravated by drought. Assessing herd management strategies over longer periods at landscape scale is important to propose options for sustainable land use. This requires an understanding of processes related to hydrology, nutrient cycling, herd movement, pasture degradation, and animal resilience that involve dynamic soil-plant-animal interactions and human decisions about stocking rates, livestock purchases and sales.We present the coupled model system MPMAS-LUCIA-LIVSIM (MLL), the combination of a spatially explicit agent-based model for human decision-making (MPMAS), a spatially distributed landscape model for water flows, nutrient cycles and plant growth (LUCIA), and a herd model (LIVSIM) representing grazing, body weight, nutrition and excreta of individual animals. MLL represents daily vegetation growth in response to grazing and organic inputs, monthly animal performance influenced by forage availability and quality, and herders’ management in response to resource status. New modules for selective grazing, resprouting of pasture, herd movement and model coupling were developed for MLL.The test case of a pastoral system in the Ethiopian Borana region demonstrates the capabilities of MLL to simulate key soil-plant-animal-human interactions under climate-related management scenarios with varying access to grazing land, changing cattle prices and different spending / saving behaviour of herders. 20-year simulations showed the negative impact of consecutive drought years on vegetation biomass, on herd development and movement and how reserving grazing areas for dry seasons could mitigate overgrazing and improve income. Seasonality and drought response of vegetation growth, selective grazing of different plant parts, resprouting after grazing, calving intervals, milk yields and lactation in response to forage supply and quality as well as herder reactions to shocks were plausibly represented.Building upon this successful proof-of-concept, MLL can be used to identify robust management options for improved grazing systems in savannahs in follow-up research.

A SCIENCE MAPPING APPROACH TO PASTURE DEGRADATION

Pastures play a critical role in the global ecological system, covering approximately 20% of the global terrestrial surface. This paper aims to review the progress of research on pasture degradation in different countries. The main research methods for this study include bibliometric analysis, social network analysis and viewing analysis - covering the performance of publications, characteristics of related journals, countries, institutions and authors. The Impact Factor, the H-index and the number of citations are used to investigate the strength of active institutions, authors and scientific periodicals in the field of pasture degradation. Therefore, we intend to outline the research trends already made and point out to future studies. We found 1027 articles published between 1956 and 2018, but none of them has reviewed science in a systematically way. The majority of authors are from China, United States and Germany. These lines of research aim to show the dynamics of pasture in response to the climate, the changes in human activity, the estimates of degraded or healthy areas and the evaluation of public policy interventions. In terms of publication productivity analysis, we highlight the Journal of Arid Environments, the author Richard J. Dean and the institution Chinese Academy of Sciences.

Results of Clinical Examination of Karakul Sheep in Navoi Region

This article presents the results of clinical and laboratory studies on the clinical examination of sooty Karakul sheep. Karakul farming is one of the main branches of animal husbandry, and today some 6 million Karakul sheep are raised in the desert and semi-desert pastures of the Republic. The productivity of most rangelands in these areas is low, and this figure is largely dependent on atmospheric precipitation. In addition, the global problem of global warming is causing a sharp drop in atmospheric precipitation. Pasture degradation is occurring due to inappropriate use of pastures and uncontrolled grazing of livestock. These factors, in turn, have a negative impact on the rapid development of pastoralism, as well as lead to many disorders of metabolism among astrakhan herds, including the emergence of ketonuria of cattle.

Over-grazing in the Dhofar Mountain Region: A Major Sustainability Challenge

Pastoral systems are over-utilised in many countries due to population growth, land monotony, reconstruction, marketization and climate change. In Oman, particularly in the Dhofar Mountains, people are concerned about the social and environmental sustainability of pastoralism because the mountain chains, located in the south of Oman, have long been regarded as one of the best agricultural areas in the country. Overgrazing in the Dhofar Mountains due to a significant increase in the number of domestic livestock poses a threat to the environment. The main objective of this study is to conduct a systematic investigation of the socioeconomic factors affecting the Dhofar Mountain area and how this contributes to the challenges of sustainability, with emphasis on overgrazing and land degradation. A number of social scientific tools, such as focus groups and questionnaires, are being used to examine the social, economic and environmental factors of overgrazing. Results show that overgrazing and expansion in residential buildings have a positive influence on degradation of natural pastures. One of the crucial challenges that socio-ecological systems of mountains are experiencing is that strategies and policies aimed at reducing overgrazing are issued by policy makers residing outside the mountains. To address this challenge, native community stakeholders must have the ability to solve problems and make decisions. The local government should invest in marketing and animal production as an experiment that locals can replicate.