Search Results (222)

Extensive animal production systems based on dryland pastures in Mediterranean regions have low profit margins. Improvements in soil fertility or grazing management and stocking rates are recognized strategies for reversing this situation and to ensure long-term agricultural sustainability. This article aims to assess whether this strategy of possible intensification of sheep production has a significant impact on soil compaction, which is a manifestation of soil functionality degradation resulting from trampling. An experimental design with four treatments was implemented (with and without dolomitic limestone application; continuous grazing with low stocking rates, CG-LSR, and deferred grazing with high stocking rates, DG-HSR). The study involved cone index (CI, in kPa) measurements (48 sampling areas, 12 in each treatment) on eight dates during two annual pasture/grazing cycles (2023/2024 and 2024/2025). Other soil parameters, the presence of trees and grazing preferences were also monitored and correlated with CI. The main results showed: (i) significantly higher soil compaction under CG-LSR than under DG-HSR; (ii) a negative and significant effect of soil moisture content (SMC) on CI (r = −0.381; p < 0.05); (iii) a significant CI increase in preferential grazing areas, but only in the topsoil layer (0–10 cm) and with a very weak correlation coefficient (r = 0.172; p < 0.05); and (iv) no significant differences in CI under and outside tree canopy areas (UTC and OTC, respectively) for the depth range of 0–30 cm. These results are good indicators of the desired and sustainable intensification of extensive livestock grazing systems. Full article

Beef production is widely recognized as a significant contributor to global greenhouse gas emissions, making robust and transparent environmental assessments essential for advancing sustainability within supply chains. This study applies a comprehensive cradle-to-grave Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) to evaluate the environmental performance of beef destined for export, following ISO 14040, ISO 14044 and ISO 14067 standards and the Product Category Rules for meat of mammals. Sixteen impact categories were quantified for 1 kg of vacuum-packed beef using detailed primary data from a pasture-based production system and a representative processing facility. The total climate change impact was 3.27 × 10¹ kg CO₂eq, with enteric methane and feed production jointly responsible for over 70% of overall impacts. Slaughtering and distribution were associated mainly with fossil energy use and ozone depletion, while soil carbon sequestration partially compensated biogenic emissions. The results were consistent with international benchmarks, highlighting the environmental advantages of pasture-based systems, low fertilizer use, and stable land management. Key hotspots were identified in animal growth, feed efficiency, and manure management, with logistics also contributing notably. Overall, the study provides a high-resolution environmental baseline that can support Environmental Product Declarations and guide targeted mitigation strategies across beef supply chains. While the results are derived from a specific pasture-based production system, the study is positioned as a case-study-based application of a high-resolution LCA framework, illustrating how detailed inventories can support environmental benchmarking and hotspot identification without implying statistical representativeness of all beef production systems. Full article

Nitrogen (N) fertilization plays a key role in pasture productivity but also contributes to environmental losses, especially under tropical conditions. This study evaluated the effects of four N rates (0, 50, 75, and 100 kg N ha⁻¹) as urea on soil N dynamics, ammonia (NH₃) volatilization, nitrous oxide (N₂O) emissions, and biomass accumulation in Brachiaria brizantha cv. Piatã, cultivated in a clayey Oxisol in the Brazilian Savanna. The experiment was conducted over two pasture growth cycles during the late summer and early fall. NH₃ volatilization increased with the N rate and showed significant differences in the initial samplings of both cycles. N₂O emissions were low, strongly influenced by rainfall, and resulted in emission factors ≤ 0.3%. Soil NH₄⁺ and NO₃⁻ concentrations did not differ statistically among treatments. Biomass production increased over time on Cycle 2 but plateaued at greater doses, with no significant differences between treatments. The limited biomass response suggests physiological saturation or environmental constraints. Findings indicate that N losses and use efficiency are shaped by rainfall and plant demand. Full article

The intensive use of chemical fertilizers in agriculture contributes to environmental pollution, which has driven the search for sustainable alternatives such as organic fertilizers. Among these, biofertilizer has garnered interest due to its potential to improve crop growth and yield. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of two types of biofertilizer: Bio Chumbinia (standardized) and traditional biofertilizer, as well as a control treatment (water), on the morphology, growth, yield, and leaf area of Maralfalfa (Pennisetum sp.). Morphological and growth variables were measured every 14 days, while yield and leaf area were evaluated in two successive periods corresponding to 42 days of growth. The results indicated that most morphological and growth parameters were significantly influenced by treatment, time, and evaluation (p < 0.05), except for tiller number, blade number, and the blade emergence rate (p > 0.05). Bio Chumbinia showed superior values compared with the control at 6.0 cm for plant height, 0.1 cm/day in the growth rate, 4.1 cm for blade length, and 1.2 mm for blade width; when compared with the traditional biol, the values were similar. The growth rate and leaf emergence peaked on day 14 and subsequently declined. The fresh and dry matter yields were consistently higher on Bio Chumbinia treatment than others (p < 0.05). Although no differences were found for blade weight and leaf area between Bio Chumbinia and the control, the leaf area in Bio Chumbinia was 1400 cm² more than the control. The second evaluation showed improved productivity, which is consistent with the higher values on the morphological characteristics. No differences were observed in the leaf-to-stem + sheath dry matter ratio. These results demonstrate the potential of Bio Chumbinia to improve the productive performance of Maralfalfa as a foliar fertilizer in sustainable agricultural systems in Peru. Full article

Cool-season (C3) forage grasses are a cornerstone of temperate grassland systems, where improving productivity, nutritive value, and stress resilience is essential for sustainable forage production. In this context, plant growth-promoting microorganisms (PGPMs) have gained increasing attention as potential alternatives or complements to mineral and organic fertilization in grassland management. This review synthesizes current knowledge on the role of bacterial and fungal PGPM in enhancing the growth, nutrient use efficiency, and stress tolerance of C3 forage grasses, with particular emphasis on species of the genus Lolium. Available evidence indicates that PGPMs can substantially improve biomass production and plant performance under both optimal and stress conditions through a range of direct and indirect mechanisms. These include phytohormone production, nitrogen fixation, phosphate solubilization, as well as the activation of antioxidant defense systems and stabilization of plant water relations under stress. While Lolium perenne L. and Lolium multiflorum Lam. remain the most extensively studied model species, comparable growth-promoting responses have also been reported for Dactylis glomerata L., Festuca species, and Festulolium hybrids. Increasing attention is being directed toward bacterial and fungal endophytes, which may provide more persistent physiological benefits due to their close association with plant tissues. However, PGPM effects are often strongly species-, genotype-, and environment-dependent, particularly in complex grassland systems. Overall, PGPMs represent a promising tool for sustainable grassland management, although their effective application will require long-term field studies conducted under realistic meadow and pasture conditions. Full article

This study analyzed how climate variability affects lactation yield and reproduction in Holstein cows in a continental climate. It specifically compared Wet-Bulb Temperature (T_wb) with the standard Temperature–Humidity Index (THI). We conducted a retrospective study on a dairy farm in Konya, Türkiye, analyzing a total of 144 complete lactation records from a herd of 90 cows calving between 2022 and 2023. To rule out nutritional factors, a consistent TMR diet without pasture access was maintained in both years. Average Daily Milk Yield (ADMY) was calculated to adjust for lactation length. Climatic data showed a distinct contrast. Ambient temperatures and THI were similar between years (p > 0.05). However, 2022 was characterized by “humid heat” (high T_wb), while 2023 presented a “dry heat” profile with significantly lower T_wb (p < 0.001). This difference significantly impacted performance. Cows in the 2023 group produced much higher milk yields (50.55 ± 3.01 kg) than the 2022 group (30.74 ± 0.81 kg) (p < 0.001). Unexpectedly, milk yield peaked during the Autumn and Summer seasons of the low-humidity year. In contrast, fertility declined with thermal load. Poor winter fertility suggested a “carry-over” effect of previous heat stress. These findings show that T_wb is a better indicator of thermal comfort than THI in continental climates. Furthermore, low humidity can significantly reduce the negative impact of heat on milk production. Full article

Alpacas thrive in Andean ecosystems, efficiently converting natural pasture into products such as fiber and meat, making their breeding a production alternative in Guamote. Intensive grazing and the shift in the spatial distribution of plants due to climate change negatively impact the moorlands. In this context, this study analyzed the influence of floristic composition on the productivity and quality of natural pastures. The methodology included a floristic inventory in a sample of 98 cells in four communities, collecting flora data using the Parker method to measure species composition, density, and cover. In addition, soil fertility and nutritional quality of desirable pastures were assessed through physical and chemical analyses. Principal component and cluster analyses were then applied to correlate the variables. The results showed 26 species, with Poaceae and Asteraceae standing out as dominant and abundant. Tablillas and Pull Quishuar stood out for their productivity and carrying capacity (4.83 t/ha), while Galte Bisñag showed high protein and plant vitality in their pastures. Component 1 stood out for its high production (3.71 t/ha) and carrying capacity in fertile soils; Axis 2 linked Galte Bisñag with high nutritional quality and vegetation cover, while Axis 3 related Asaraty with compacted soils and an intermediate balance. The direct influence between floral species and the productivity of natural pastures leads to the exploration and implementation of measures for sustainable grazing. Full article

The study evaluated the effects of nitrogen fertilization on the morphogenetic, structural, productive, and nutritional characteristics of Brachiaria brizantha cv. Paiaguás subjected to two stockpiling periods in a pot experiment. The experiment was conducted using a randomized block design in a 4 × 2 factorial arrangement, with four nitrogen doses (0, 25, 50, and 75 mg N dm⁻³, applied as urea) and two stockpiling periods (80 and 120 days). Increasing nitrogen doses promoted linear increases in leaf appearance, elongation, and senescence rates, as well as tiller population density, while reducing phyllochron and leaf lifespan. Forage mass increased linearly with nitrogen, ranging from 96.25 to 113.00 g of dry matter per pot, and leaf blade mass showed a similar response. Root mass exhibited a quadratic response, with a maximum estimated value of 49.33 g pot⁻¹ at 60.18 mg N dm⁻³, this quadratic equation explained 96% of the variation in the results. No significant interaction was observed between nitrogen doses and stockpiling periods for dry matter, crude protein, mineral matter, or neutral detergent fiber contents. However, nitrogen fertilization increased crude protein content across plant fractions, with leaf crude protein rising from about 70 to over 110 g kg⁻¹ dry matter. Nitrogen fertilization at 75 mg N dm⁻³ combined with an 80-day stockpiling period improves canopy structure, forage production, and nutritional quality of Paiaguás grass, highlighting the importance of synchronizing nitrogen supply with deferment duration in deferred pasture management. Full article

Livestock production in the high Andes is vital for rural livelihoods and food security but is limited by poor pasture quality, environmental variability, and restricted resources. Pasture improvement, achieved through management practices and particularly through fertilization, may enhance productivity and sustainability in high-Andean livestock systems. This study aimed to characterize mixed herds composed of domestic sheep (Ovis aries), alpacas (Vicugna pacos), llamas (Lama glama), and domestic cattle (Bos taurus) and to evaluate the role of pasture fertilization on herd composition and livestock size. Primary data were collected through structured questionnaires administered to 88 randomly selected livestock producers, complemented by direct field observations of grazing areas, corrals, shelters, and water sources. The survey documented herd structure, grazing management, pasture conservation, fertilization practices, and farm infrastructure. Data from multiple farms were analyzed using a clustering approach to group production units with similar characteristics, and statistical models were applied to assess the effects of fertilization, pasture area, and water sources. Three distinct clusters were identified: one dominated by alpacas, another by sheep, and a third by llamas with the most uniform stocking density. Pasture fertilization was most common in the sheep-dominated cluster and was significantly associated with higher sheep numbers, while no significant effects were detected for alpacas, llamas, or cattle. Farms without fertilization showed slightly higher overall livestock size; however, a strong negative interaction between pasture area and lack of fertilization indicated that expanding grazing land alone could not offset low forage quality. These findings suggest that targeted fertilization, when combined with sustainable grazing practices, may contribute to improved herd performance and long-term resilience in heterogeneous Andean livestock systems. Full article

The mitigation of greenhouse gas emissions in livestock farming is one of the main challenges for agriculture in the Cerrado biome. Among promising practices, the use of soil remineralizers (REM) stands out as a sustainable and complementary alternative to conventional fertilizers. This study evaluated the effects of applying REM derived from basalt and biotite schist on emissions of N₂O, CO₂ and CH₄, the global warming potential (GWP), as well as on soil carbon and nitrogen in Urochloa brizantha cv. BRS Paiaguás pasture. The experiment was conducted in randomized blocks with five treatments (control, KCl, basalt 8.33 Mg ha⁻¹, basalt 40 Mg ha⁻¹, and biotite schist 151 Mg ha⁻¹). Results indicated that KCl and high-dose basalt (40 Mg ha⁻¹) promoted greater accumulated N₂O emissions and higher GWP values. In contrast, biotite schist reduced N₂O emissions and showed the lowest GWP (81.67 kg CO₂ eq. ha⁻¹), while basalt at a moderate dose (8.33 Mg ha⁻¹) increased soil C and N stocks. It is concluded that soil remineralizers, especially those derived from biotite schist, represent viable alternatives to reduce environmental impacts and promote the sustainability of tropical agricultural systems in Cerrado biome. Full article

In the oilseed–cereal–forage system, information on the performance of grasses of the genus Megathyrsus maximus and on the optimal fertilization levels for forage production is still scarce. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate forage yield (FY) of pastures established in crop succession systems and subjected to two fertilization regimes during the 2020 and 2021 growing seasons, in the municipality of Rio Verde, Brazil. The experiment evaluated four M. maximus cultivars (Paredão, Zuri, Quênia, and Tamani) under two fertilization rates: maintenance (50, 50, 20, and 3.2 kg ha⁻¹ year⁻¹ of N, K, S, and micronutrients, respectively) and enhanced (150, 150, 40, and 6.4 kg ha⁻¹ year⁻¹, respectively). The Zuri cultivar showed a higher daily forage accumulation rate and greater forage leaf mass compared with the other cultivars. In addition, the Zuri and Paredão cultivars achieved the highest FY, reaching 12.80 and 12.10 Mg ha⁻¹, respectively. The Tamani cultivar exhibited a lower neutral detergent fiber concentration and a higher total digestible nutrient concentration, indicating its potential for systems that prioritize higher forage nutritive value. Zuri and Paredão maximize forage yield in crop succession systems, while enhanced fertilization increases yield by 15%, with adoption dependent on economic feasibility. Full article

Machine learning models such as XGBoost show strong potential for predicting pasture quality metrics like crude protein (CP) content in tamani grass (Panicum maximum). However, their ‘black box’ nature hinders practical adoption. To address this limitation, this study applied SHapley Additive exPlanations (SHAP) to interpret an XGBoost model and uncover how management practices (grazing interval, nitrogen fertilization, and pre- and post-grazing heights) and environmental factors (precipitation, temperature, and solar radiation) jointly influence CP predictions. Data were divided into 80% for training/validation and 20% for testing. Model performance was assessed with stratified 5-fold cross-validation, and hyperparameters were tuned via grid search. The XGBoost model yielded a Pearson correlation coefficient (r) of 0.78, a mean absolute error (MAE) of 1.45, and a coefficient of determination (R²) of 0.57. The results showed that precipitation in the range of 100–180 mm increased the predicted CP content. Application of 240 kg N ha⁻¹ year⁻¹ positively affected predicted CP, whereas a lower dose of 80 kg N ha⁻¹ year⁻¹ had a negative impact, reducing predicted levels of CP. These findings highlight the importance of integrated management strategies that combine grazing height, nitrogen fertilization, and grazing intervals to optimize crude protein levels in tamani grass pastures. Full article

High-Nature-Value (HNV) grasslands in the Apuseni Mountains represent traditional semi-natural ecosystems with high biodiversity and major ecological value, but are constantly exposed to pressures generated by both agricultural intensification and abandonment. This study asses the effects of long-term mineral fertilization on floristic composition and grassland diversity within a permanent experiment initiated in 2001 in Gârda de Sus (Romania). Four variants of mineral fertilization were tested: control (N0), low-input (N₅₀P₂₅K₂₅), medium-input (N₁₀₀P₅₀K₅₀) and high-input (N₁₅₀P₇₅K₇₅). Floristic analyses were performed using the modified Braun-Blanquet method, and the data were interpreted using multivariate analyses and diversity indices. The results revealed a clear trophic gradient. Both the control and low-input variants maintained high diversity and the stability of communities dominated by Festuca rubra and its associated oligotrophic species. In contrast, medium and high fertilization produced a pronounced reduction in community components, with the dominance of nitrophilous species, especially Agrostis capillaris, a species which is consumed by animals. Multivariate analyses confirmed that the dominant effect on plant communities was the fertilization level, outweighing the interannual climatic variations. Low fertilization maintained biodiversity with minimal changes after 17 years, while higher inputs led to significant species losses and reduced stability of community. The results provide a scientific benchmark for creating specific sustainable management scenarios and highlight the need for accepted organic alternatives. This study is one of the few long-term experiments in the Carpathians that documents the impact of fertilization on HNV grasslands and provides essential benchmarks for adapting management strategies in the context of the Common Agricultural Policy. Full article

Improving sustainability in agricultural systems depends on increasing the efficiency of nitrogen (N) use and recycling. This study evaluated whether animal supplementation and legume-based pastures can enhance N balance and residual N availability in an integrated crop-livestock system (ICLS). The experiment was conducted in two phases—livestock and cropping—using three treatments: a control pasture (oat + ryegrass), a legume mixture (oat + ryegrass + arrowleaf clover), and a supplementation treatment (oat + ryegrass with concentrate supplementation at 1% of live weight), each replicated three times. Soybeans were grown during the cropping phase. Supplementation increased the stocking rate by 21%, while both supplementation and legumes led to a 30% increase in residual N returned via feces and urine, without negatively affecting soybean yield (~4.1 Mg ha⁻¹). N off-take by soybean grain was approximately 9% higher in these treatments, while N exported via cattle carcasses remained unchanged across treatments, averaging 8.2 kg ha⁻¹. Overall, soybeans accounted for 96–97% of total N export, and animals for only 3–4%. These results demonstrate that animal supplementation and legume integration enhance N use efficiency and contribute to nutrient recycling in ICLS, offering a viable strategy to reduce dependence on synthetic fertilizers. The findings support the development of more sustainable livestock and crop systems by maximizing nutrient retention, maintaining yield, and improving soil fertility. Furthermore, the implications for soybean yield and the sustainability of livestock systems indicate a potential positive economic and environmental impact for producers and policymakers. Full article

Alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.), a drought-tolerant legume, significantly influences carbon and nitrogen cycling in arid and semi-arid regions. This study investigated carbon and nitrogen storage and sequestration dynamics in alfalfa pastureland cultivated for 2–7 years under temperate continental arid climate conditions (110–190 mm annual precipitation). Overall, the biomass, carbon and nitrogen sequestration in alfalfa pasture, and carbon and nitrogen storage and sequestration in soil exhibited a quadratic pattern with planting years. The above-ground biomass peaked at 19.28 t·hm⁻², with carbon and nitrogen sequestration reaching the highest level at 10.18 t·hm⁻² and 0.511 t·hm⁻², respectively, in year 5. Both annual carbon and nitrogen sequestration of the below-ground vegetation exhibited an increase, reaching a peak before decreasing with planting year, and from Y3 to Y7, the sequestration values were consistently higher than those in Y2. Soil carbon and nitrogen sequestration peaked in year 3. Compared to the adjacent fallow lands, alfalfa pasturelands maintained positive soil carbon sequestration until year 6 but became negative (−8.03 t·hm⁻²) by year 7. From years 2–6, alfalfa pasture fixed carbon and nitrogen at comparable rates but returned disproportionately less carbon than nitrogen to the soil. To optimize sustainability, we recommend (1) rotating alfalfa after 6 years to prevent soil nutrient depletion and (2) applying carbon-rich fertilizers post-year 3 to balance nutrients and prolong productivity in arid climates. Full article