Rotational grazing in beef cattle pasture-based systems as a soil health practice to support climate change mitigation and biodiversity: protocol for a systematic review
Date
2023-06-26
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Abstract
Background: The rise in population and industrial practices are causing negative impacts on our environment, leading to climate change. This phenomenon triggers extreme weather events, increasing soil evaporation and lowering water availability for plants. It requires the attention of every economic sector, and agriculture has the potential to mitigate its effects. The Canadian government has recently launched the Sustainable Agriculture Strategy plan, which goal is to encourage the use of eco-friendly practices and the implementation of new technologies. One of the strategies promoted is rotational grazing, for supporting soil health. Rotational grazing is a practice that involves residency and rest periods of pastures for grazing cattle. This study aims to conduct a systematic review to identify the current rotational grazing systems used worldwide and their impact on GHG emissions, biodiversity, soil health, and productivity. Our findings will inform the value of rotational grazing in beef systems in Canada. Evaluating the cost/benefit relationship of implementing recommended rotational grazing systems with different levels of intensification. Focusing on semi-arid and continental climates, considering both tame and native grassland that pre-exist in Canada.
Methods: This systematic review will include all types of rotational grazing studies under beef grazing operations. As well as: articles that estimate GHG emissions (IPCC methodology), native and tame pastures (Poaceae and Fabaceae) with any type of intensification, the climate of interest (continental, semi-arid), relevant plant species to Canada, biodiversity and Bos Taurus cattle population. If possible, articles will be included in a meta-analysis examining the impacts of the different rotational practices.
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Keywords
ecosystem services, cattle, livestock grazing, greenhouse gas emissions, biodiversity, carbon sequestration, legumes, forage and fodder crops, ruminants, carbon stock
Citation
Sanguinetti, L. I., Tang, M., Ganshorn, H., & Lhermie, G. (2023). Rotational grazing in beef cattle pasture-based systems as a soil health practice to support climate change mitigation and biodiversity: protocol for a systematic review [Protocol]. University of Calgary.