Rotational Grazing Effects on Rangeland Vegetation at a Farm Scale

Abstract

We evaluated the adequacy of rotational grazing to improve rangeland condition in the Flooding Pampa region, eastern Argentina, comparing the floristic composition dynamic of the 2 main plant communities under rotational and continuous grazing over a study period of 4 years (1993-1996). The experiment was conducted in commercial farms located in 4 sites of the Flooding Pampa region. In each site, a couple of farms, one managed under rotational grazing (implemented in 1989) and an adjacent one managed under continuous grazing at a similar stocking rate (1 AU ha À1), constituted the replications of the experiment. Basal cover of species, litter, and bare soil were monitored in midslope and lowland grassland communities on each farm. Total plant basal cover in midslope and in lowland communities remained unchanged over the whole experimental period under both grazing methods. Under rotational grazing, litter cover was higher in both communities while the amount of bare soil showed a significant reduction in lowlands and a tendency to be lower in midslope. Basal cover of legumes, C 3 annual and C 3 perennial grasses was higher, while cover of C 4 prostrate grasses was lower under rotational grazing in the midslope community. In the lowland community, rotational grazing effects were evident only in the drier years, when higher cover of hydrophytic grasses and legumes and lower cover of forbs occurred. Plant species diversity did not change in response to grazing. In conclusion, rotational grazing promoted functional groups composed of high forage value species and reduced bare soil through the accumulation of litter. These changes indicate an improvement in rangeland condition and in carrying capacity. As the stocking rate was approximately 60% higher than the average stocking rate of the Flooding Pampa region, we believe that productivity and sustainability may be compatible by replacing continuous with rotational grazing.

The Effects of Grazing Systems on Plant Communities in Steppe Lands—A Case Study from Mongolia’s Pastoralists and Inner Mongolian Settlement Areas

“…Near the end of the 18th century, the theory of rotational grazing was developed by James Anderson in Scotland. After that, many other scholars carried out supporting studies at various locations, showing that rotational grazing can increase grass production and improve grassland utilization [6,7,32]. Some studies also explain that rotational grazing can facilitate grassland recovery, increase vegetation coverage and pasture quality [33].…”

“…Recently, precision grazing management systems have become a hot research topic for grazing ecologists throughout the world. Both rotational grazing and continuous grazing have also become focal points, whereby their pros and cons are discussed through controlled experiments [5][6][7].…”

Sustainable Pasture Management

“…Jacobo [32] observed that productivity and sustainability might be compatible by replacing continuous with rotational grazing. The reason is that rotational grazing promoted functional groups composed of high forage value species and reduced bare soil through the accumulation of plant residues.…”

The Use of Indicator Species and Ecological Degradation Model for Condition Assessment in Turkey

“…The main significant subjects in monitoring programs are mentioned following as being fast and sensitive to vegetation change, the trend identification, and the evaluation of sustainable management implementations, respectively. Jacobo et al (2006) emphasized that the impact of grazing on community structure and ecosystem functioning is a key issue for range management in order to maximize livestock production and sustainability of the operations.…”