Sustainable Forage-Based Livestock Systems: Strategies for Enhancing Farm Productivity, Soil Health, and Carbon Sequestration
A special issue of Agriculture (ISSN 2077-0472). This special issue belongs to the section "Farm Animal Production".
Deadline for manuscript submissions: 30 October 2025 | Viewed by 86
Special Issue Editor
Interests: environmental impact circularity of the agro-livestock system; farm management evaluation of the effect of mitigation strategies (animal welfare, nutrition, technologies)
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals
Special Issue Information
Dear Colleagues,
Sustainable forage-based livestock systems have been shown to play a crucial role in improving farm productivity while enhancing soil health and mitigating climate change. The implementation of innovative management strategies, including optimized grazing practices, diversified forage crops, and integrated nutrient cycling, has the potential to reduce the carbon footprint of livestock production and promote long-term environmental sustainability. This Special Issue aims to explore cutting-edge research on sustainable forage production, soil carbon sequestration, and climate-smart livestock management. Key topics include forage species selection for resilience, adaptive grazing techniques, the role of legumes and cover crops in improving soil structure and fertility, and the potential of agroecological approaches to balance productivity with ecosystem services. Additionally, studies on the socioeconomic and policy aspects influencing the adoption of sustainable forage-based livestock systems are welcomed. By integrating insights from agronomy, animal science, ecology, and environmental management, this Special Issue aspires to furnish a comprehensive understanding of how forage-based systems can enhance farm sustainability, contribute to carbon sequestration, and support climate change mitigation efforts. Original research, reviews, and case studies addressing these challenges and opportunities are invited for publication in this Special Issue, which will thereby foster a transition towards more resilient and efficient livestock production.
Dr. Giulia Ferronato
Guest Editor
Manuscript Submission Information
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Keywords
- nutrient cycling
- livestock farming
- forage systems
- grazing management
- carbon storage
- sustainable farming
- ecosystem services
- climate-smart agriculture
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