Abstract
Small-ruminant fallow grazing (SRFG) in rainfed crop fields is a traditional practice among many indigenous farmer communities. However, its implementation is often unprofitable and unsustainable due to a lack of experimental data. The ‘Fusion approach’ is applied to bridge knowledge gaps in complex physical domains, such as soil and geomorphological processes, and cultivation’ systems. Accordingly, the primary objective of this study is to develop a sustainable SRFG for the local farmers of Arab peninsula using a conceptual review supported by case studies, and a unique fusion-based data acquisition framework. The study framework consists of two stages: data collection and continuous evaluation of the region-design SRFG practices. The data acquisition stage integrates information on rainfed crop production, small-ruminant grazing, which serves as an equivalent cultivation to SRFG, socio-agricultural characteristics of the indigenous Bedouin farming communities. The collected data are used to develop a master design of an improved SRFG. This master design iteratively evaluated to its adaptability to the target farming community, profitability, and environmental sustainability. The refinement process continues until the most suitable SRFG scheme is achieved. The reviewed data indicate that profitability and sustainability can be achieved through proper timing of herd entry, homogeneous grazing, and appropriate herd composition. The SR grazing action may serve, additionally, as a substitute for conventional agricultural practices, including weed control, seed burial, and soil nutrient enrichment. The integration of satellite-based vegetation indices further supports precise timing and monitoring of grazing activities. This fusion-based framework not only enhances understanding of SRFG but also offers a replicable model for analyzing other poorly studied agricultural systems.