Dynamic rotational grazing: environmental performance of grassland systems: Demonstration of an innovative technology (PTD LIFE)

Description:

Grassland ecosystems, including soil and hedges, hold an important part of Europe’s biodiversity and offer a wide range of public goods and services, ranging from meat and dairy products to recreational and tourism opportunities. In addition, they act as carbon sinks, and are therefore a vital asset in the effort to reduce levels of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere. Changes in agricultural practices and land-use pressures mean that grasslands are disappearing at an alarming rate and are nowadays among Europe’s most threatened ecosystems.

The PTD LIFE project aimed to validate an innovative technology to improve the environmental performance of grassland systems and ensure their sustainability. Specifically, the project developed and tested an agro-environmental method called "dynamic rotational grazing" (DRG), and analyzed its beneficial technological, ecological and economic impacts. This new method is based on the study of sustainable agro-environmental systems. It was tested on the farms of 120 cattle breeders, in partnership with local actors and specialized providers. Specific actions include the preservation of hedgerows, the improvement of good breeding practices, and the selection of the most appropriate grass species. Scientific field measurements were used to assess the effects of DRG practices on the environmental and economic sustainability of livestock farming. These cover aerobic biodiversity in soils, fertilizer use, carbon capture, greenhouse gas emissions and farming profitability. The establishment of a network of producers will allow for the implementation of a dissemination policy at the European level.

Project information

Lead

CAVEB, COOPERATIVE AGRICOLE AU SERVICE DES PRODUCTEURS DE VIANDES, France

Partners

FRCIVAM PC (Fédération Régionale des Centres d'Initiatives pour Valoriser l'Agriculture et le Milieu Rural du Poitou Charentes), France
CIRAD (Centre de Coopération International en Recherche Agronomique pour le Développement), France
UMR6553UR1 (CNRS EcoBio Rennes 1), France
INRA (Institut National de Recherche Agronomique), France
SMAEG (Syndicat Mixte d'Action pour l'Expansion de la Gâtine), France
AGROBIO PC (AGROBIO Poitou Charentes), France

Source of funding

LIFE13 ENV/FR/001315