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Jiang A, Mipam TD, Jing L, Li Z, Li T, Liu J, Tian L. Large herbivore grazing accelerates litter decomposition in terrestrial ecosystems. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2024; 922:171288. [PMID: 38423309 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2024.171288] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/26/2023] [Revised: 02/20/2024] [Accepted: 02/24/2024] [Indexed: 03/02/2024]
Abstract
Plant litter decomposition is critical for carbon and nutrient cycling globally. However, the effect of large herbivore grazing on litter decomposition and its mechanisms remain less explored. Here, 1203 paired observations and 381 independent experiments were analyzed to determine how litter decomposition and nutrient cycling respond to changes in grazing intensity. Grazing significantly increased litter decomposition rate by 14.08 % and litter carbon release by 5.03 %, and this effect was observed in grasslands and croplands but not in forests. The positive grazing effect was also found under sheep and cattle/yak grazing. Moderate grazing advanced the home-field advantage effect but inhibited under heavy grazing for grazed litters. The grazing effect was larger for high quality litter than for low quality litter. Litter decomposition slowed under >10 years heavy grazing but accelerated under moderate grazing. The effects of large herbivore grazing on litter decomposition were jointly influenced by grazing intensity, livestock type, climate condition, decomposition duration, litter quality, and soil properties. Our results demonstrated that large herbivore grazing accelerates litter decomposition globally and emphasized the significance and importance of grazing intensity on litter decomposition, which should be integrated into terrestrial ecosystem models.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ao Jiang
- Sichuan Zoige Alpine Wetland Ecosystem National Observation and Research Station, Key Laboratory for Bio-resource and Eco-environment of Ministry of Education, College of Life Sciences, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610064, China
| | - Tserang Donko Mipam
- Sichuan Zoige Alpine Wetland Ecosystem National Observation and Research Station, Institute of Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau, Southwest Minzu University, Chengdu 610041, China
| | - Luhuai Jing
- Sichuan Zoige Alpine Wetland Ecosystem National Observation and Research Station, Key Laboratory for Bio-resource and Eco-environment of Ministry of Education, College of Life Sciences, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610064, China
| | - Zhe Li
- Sichuan Zoige Alpine Wetland Ecosystem National Observation and Research Station, Key Laboratory for Bio-resource and Eco-environment of Ministry of Education, College of Life Sciences, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610064, China
| | - Tao Li
- Sichuan Zoige Alpine Wetland Ecosystem National Observation and Research Station, Key Laboratory for Bio-resource and Eco-environment of Ministry of Education, College of Life Sciences, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610064, China
| | - Jianquan Liu
- Sichuan Zoige Alpine Wetland Ecosystem National Observation and Research Station, Key Laboratory for Bio-resource and Eco-environment of Ministry of Education, College of Life Sciences, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610064, China
| | - Liming Tian
- Sichuan Zoige Alpine Wetland Ecosystem National Observation and Research Station, Key Laboratory for Bio-resource and Eco-environment of Ministry of Education, College of Life Sciences, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610064, China.
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2
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McDonald SE, Badgery W, Clarendon S, Orgill S, Sinclair K, Meyer R, Butchart DB, Eckard R, Rowlings D, Grace P, Doran-Browne N, Harden S, Macdonald A, Wellington M, Pachas ANA, Eisner R, Amidy M, Harrison MT. Grazing management for soil carbon in Australia: A review. JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT 2023; 347:119146. [PMID: 37852027 DOI: 10.1016/j.jenvman.2023.119146] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2023] [Revised: 08/23/2023] [Accepted: 09/22/2023] [Indexed: 10/20/2023]
Abstract
The livestock industry accounts for a considerable proportion of agricultural greenhouse gas emissions, and in response, the Australian red meat industry has committed to an aspirational target of net-zero emissions by 2030. Increasing soil carbon storage in grazing lands has been identified as one method to help achieve this, while also potentially improving production and provision of other ecosystem services. This review examined the effects of grazing management on soil carbon and factors that drive soil carbon sequestration in Australia. A systematic literature search and meta-analysis was used to compare effects of stocking intensity (stocking rate or utilisation) and stocking method (i.e, continuous, rotational or seasonal grazing systems) on soil organic carbon, pasture herbage mass, plant growth and ground cover. Impacts on below ground biomass, soil nitrogen and soil structure are also discussed. Overall, no significant impact of stocking intensity or method on soil carbon sequestration in Australia was found, although lower stocking intensity and incorporating periods of rest into grazing systems (rotational grazing) had positive effects on herbage mass and ground cover compared with higher stocking intensity or continuous grazing. Minimal impact of grazing management on pasture growth rate and below-ground biomass has been reported in Australia. However, these factors improved with grazing intensity or rotational grazing in some circumstances. While there is a lack of evidence in Australia that grazing management directly increases soil carbon, this meta-analysis indicated that grazing management practices have potential to benefit the drivers of soil carbon sequestration by increasing above and below-ground plant production, maintaining a higher residual biomass, and promoting productive perennial pasture species. Specific recommendations for future research and management are provided in the paper.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah E McDonald
- NSW Department of Primary Industries, Trangie Agricultural Research Centre, Trangie, NSW, 2823, Australia.
| | - Warwick Badgery
- NSW Department of Primary Industries, Orange Agricultural Institute, 1447 Forest Rd, Orange, NSW, 2800, Australia
| | - Simon Clarendon
- NSW Department of Primary Industries, Tamworth Agricultural Institute, Tamworth, NSW, 2340, Australia
| | - Susan Orgill
- Select Carbon, 275 George St, Brisbane, Qld, 4000, Australia
| | - Katrina Sinclair
- NSW Department of Primary Industries, Wollongbar Agricultural Institute, Wollongbar, NSW, 2477, Australia
| | - Rachelle Meyer
- School of Agriculture and Food, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, 3010, Australia
| | - Dominique Bowen Butchart
- Tasmanian Institute of Agriculture, University of Tasmania, Newnham, Launceston, 7248, Australia
| | - Richard Eckard
- School of Agriculture and Food, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, 3010, Australia
| | - David Rowlings
- Centre for Agriculture and the Bioeconomy, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - Peter Grace
- Centre for Agriculture and the Bioeconomy, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | | | - Steven Harden
- NSW Department of Primary Industries, Tamworth Agricultural Institute, Tamworth, NSW, 2340, Australia
| | - Ainslie Macdonald
- School of Agriculture and Food, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, 3010, Australia
| | - Michael Wellington
- Centre for Entrepreneurial Agri-Technology, Australian National University, 116 Daley Rd, Acton, Australia
| | | | - Rowan Eisner
- Tasmanian Institute of Agriculture, University of Tasmania, Newnham, Launceston, 7248, Australia
| | - Martin Amidy
- Centre for Entrepreneurial Agri-Technology, Australian National University, 116 Daley Rd, Acton, Australia
| | - Matthew Tom Harrison
- Tasmanian Institute of Agriculture, University of Tasmania, Newnham, Launceston, 7248, Australia
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3
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Alexanderson MS, Luke H, Lloyd DJ. Regenerative farming as climate action. JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT 2023; 347:119063. [PMID: 37804633 DOI: 10.1016/j.jenvman.2023.119063] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/14/2023] [Revised: 06/21/2023] [Accepted: 08/30/2023] [Indexed: 10/09/2023]
Abstract
Regenerative agriculture is an alternative approach to farming that has been gaining traction and interest among farmers due to its potential to reduce input costs, improve soil health, and increase the resilience of farming systems. This paper undertakes a practice-based analysis of farmers, applying a lens of regenerative agriculture. Surveys were developed as a part of a broader project using an established methodological framework. Topics were developed and adapted with input from local stakeholders before being mailed out to three farming regions across Australia (the Western Australian Wheatbelt, the Eyre Peninsula in South Australia and Central West New South Wales). The research clustered farmers into two groups: those who are using best-practices that fall inside the scope of regenerative agriculture, and those who are not. The similarities and differences in farmer attributes, as well as self-reported knowledge levels and information sources used by each group are explored. Results indicate that a belief in anthropogenic climate change may be one of the primary divides between the two groups, and therefore a possible driver of best-practice implementation. The findings provide insight into perceptions of regenerative agriculture for Australian farmers, and may assist with knowledge dissemination amongst those managing our environment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mathew Stephen Alexanderson
- Faculty of Science and Engineering, Southern Cross University, 1 Military Road, Lismore, NSW, Australia; Cooperative Research Centre for High Performance Soils, Callaghan, NSW, Australia.
| | - Hanabeth Luke
- Faculty of Science and Engineering, Southern Cross University, 1 Military Road, Lismore, NSW, Australia; Cooperative Research Centre for High Performance Soils, Callaghan, NSW, Australia.
| | - David John Lloyd
- Faculty of Science and Engineering, Southern Cross University, 1 Military Road, Lismore, NSW, Australia.
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4
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Takola E, Bonfanti J, Seppelt R, Beckmann M. An open-access global database of meta-analyses investigating yield and biodiversity responses to different management practices. Data Brief 2023; 51:109696. [PMID: 37965610 PMCID: PMC10641118 DOI: 10.1016/j.dib.2023.109696] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2023] [Revised: 10/04/2023] [Accepted: 10/12/2023] [Indexed: 11/16/2023] Open
Abstract
We here present a database of evidence on the impact of agricultural management practices on biodiversity and yield. This database is the result of a systematic literature review, that aimed to identify meta-analyses that use as their response variables any measure of biodiversity and yield. After screening more than 1,086 titles and abstracts, we identified 33 relevant meta-analyses, from which we extracted the overall estimates, the subgroup estimates as well as all information related to them (effect size metric, taxonomic group, crop type etc.). We also extracted information relative to the empirical studies used for each meta-analysis and recorded the countries in which they took place and assessed the quality of each meta-analysis. Our dataset is publicly accessible and can be used for conducting second-order meta-analyses on the effect of management measures on species richness, taxon abundance, biomass and yields. It can also be used to create evidence maps on agriculture-related questions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elina Takola
- Department of Computational Landscape Ecology, UFZ—Helmholtz Centre for Environmental Research, Permoserstrasse 15, Leipzig, 04318, Germany
| | - Jonathan Bonfanti
- Eco&Sols, Univ Montpellier, CIRAD, INRAE, Institut Agro, IRD, Montpellier, France
| | - Ralf Seppelt
- Department of Computational Landscape Ecology, UFZ—Helmholtz Centre for Environmental Research, Permoserstrasse 15, Leipzig, 04318, Germany
- Institute of Geoscience & Geography, Martin-Luther-University Halle-Wittenberg, Halle (Saale), Germany
- German Centre for Integrative Biodiversity Research (iDiv), Halle-Jena-Leipzig, Puschstrasse 4, 04103 Leipzig, Germany
| | - Michael Beckmann
- Department of Computational Landscape Ecology, UFZ—Helmholtz Centre for Environmental Research, Permoserstrasse 15, Leipzig, 04318, Germany
- Department of Agriculture, Ecotrophology and Landscape Development, Anhalt University of Applied Sciences, 06406 Bernburg, Germany
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5
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Garrote PJ, Bugalho MN, Fedriani JM. Seedling responses to moderate and severe herbivory: a field-clipping experiment with a keystone Mediterranean palm. PLANT BIOLOGY (STUTTGART, GERMANY) 2023; 25:1058-1070. [PMID: 37713282 DOI: 10.1111/plb.13581] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/24/2023] [Accepted: 08/30/2023] [Indexed: 09/17/2023]
Abstract
Plant-ungulate interactions are critical in shaping the structure of Mediterranean plant communities. Nevertheless, there is a dearth of knowledge on how plant intrinsic and extrinsic factors mediate the sign and strength of plant-ungulate interactions. This is most relevant when addressing natural or assisted restoration of plant communities in human-disturbed areas. We conducted field-clipping experiments simulating how different intensities of ungulate herbivory may affect the natural regeneration and establishment of the Mediterranean dwarf palm (Chamaerops humilis), a keystone species in Mediterranean ecosystems. We quantified seedling survival and size in two human-disturbed sites (SW Spain) where wild and domestic ungulates exert high herbivory pressure on vegetation. Severe clipping and seedling aging reduced rates of seedling survival. In contrast, moderate clipping did not affect seedling survival, suggesting a certain degree of C. humilis tolerance to herbivory. Severe clipping reduced seedling height strongly but not seedling diameter, and these effects seem to have decreased seedling survival. Nurse shrubs increased seedling size, which likely improved seedling survival. We also found seedling compensatory growth which varied between study sites. Field-clipping experiments can help disentangle effects of plant extrinsic and intrinsic factors on the sign and strength of plant-ungulate interactions and their ecological consequences on the dynamics of human-disturbed ecosystems. We call attention to the importance of appropriately managing scenarios of severe herbivory and summer droughts, particularly frequent in Mediterranean ecosystems, as synergic effects of such key drivers can negatively affect the structure and dynamics of plant communities and endanger their conservation.
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Affiliation(s)
- P J Garrote
- Desertification Research Centre (CIDE), CSIC-UVEG-GV, Moncada (Valencia), Spain
- Centre for Applied Ecology "Prof. Baeta Neves" (CEABN-InBIO), School of Agriculture, University of Lisbon, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - M N Bugalho
- Centre for Applied Ecology "Prof. Baeta Neves" (CEABN-InBIO), School of Agriculture, University of Lisbon, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - J M Fedriani
- Desertification Research Centre (CIDE), CSIC-UVEG-GV, Moncada (Valencia), Spain
- Doñana Biological Station (EBD), CSIC, C/Américo Vespucio s/n, Isla de la Cartuja, Seville, Spain
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6
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Kirkman KP, Fynn RWS, McGranahan D, O’Reagain PJ, Dugmore T. Future-proofing extensive livestock production in subtropical grasslands and savannas. Anim Front 2023; 13:23-32. [PMID: 37841760 PMCID: PMC10575301 DOI: 10.1093/af/vfad045] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/17/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Kevin P Kirkman
- School of Life Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Pietermaritzburg, South Africa
| | - Richard W S Fynn
- Okavango Research Institute, University of Botswana, Maun, Botswana
| | - Devan McGranahan
- Agricultural Research Service, United States Department of Agriculture, Miles City, Montana, USA
| | - Peter J O’Reagain
- Queensland Department of Agriculture and Fisheries, Charters Towers, QLD 4820, Australia
| | - Trevor Dugmore
- Livestock Production Science, KwaZulu-Natal Department of Agriculture and Rural Development, Cedara, South Africa
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7
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Nakagawa S, Noble DWA, Lagisz M, Spake R, Viechtbauer W, Senior AM. A robust and readily implementable method for the meta-analysis of response ratios with and without missing standard deviations. Ecol Lett 2023; 26:232-244. [PMID: 36573275 PMCID: PMC10108319 DOI: 10.1111/ele.14144] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2022] [Revised: 11/04/2022] [Accepted: 11/07/2022] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
The log response ratio, lnRR, is the most frequently used effect size statistic for meta-analysis in ecology. However, often missing standard deviations (SDs) prevent estimation of the sampling variance of lnRR. We propose new methods to deal with missing SDs via a weighted average coefficient of variation (CV) estimated from studies in the dataset that do report SDs. Across a suite of simulated conditions, we find that using the average CV to estimate sampling variances for all observations, regardless of missingness, performs with minimal bias. Surprisingly, even with missing SDs, this simple method outperforms the conventional approach (basing each effect size on its individual study-specific CV) with complete data. This is because the conventional method ultimately yields less precise estimates of the sampling variances than using the pooled CV from multiple studies. Our approach is broadly applicable and can be implemented in all meta-analyses of lnRR, regardless of 'missingness'.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shinichi Nakagawa
- Evolution & Ecology Research Centre and School of Biological, Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of New South Wales, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Daniel W A Noble
- Division of Ecology and Evolution, Research School of Biology, The Australian National University, Canberra, Australian Capital Territory, Australia
| | - Malgorzata Lagisz
- Evolution & Ecology Research Centre and School of Biological, Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of New South Wales, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Rebecca Spake
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Reading, Reading, UK
| | - Wolfgang Viechtbauer
- Faculty of Health, Medicine, and Life Sciences, Department of Psychiatry and Neuropsychology, School for Mental Health and Neuroscience, Maastricht University, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Alistair M Senior
- Charles Perkins Centre, School of Life and Environmental Sciences and Sydney Centre for Precision Data Science, University of Sydney, New South Wales, Camperdown, Australia
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8
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Verhoeven E, Wardle GM, Roth GW, Greenville AC. Characterising the spatiotemporal dynamics of drought and wet events in Australia. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2022; 846:157480. [PMID: 35868391 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2022.157480] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2022] [Revised: 07/05/2022] [Accepted: 07/14/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Global climate change has altered precipitation patterns and disrupted the characteristics of drought and rainfall events. Climate projections confirm that more frequent, intense, and extreme droughts and rainfall events will continue. However, knowledge around how drought and wet events move dynamically through space and time is limited, especially in the southern hemisphere. Australia is the driest inhabited continent, renowned as the land of droughts and flooding rains, but recent climate-driven changes to the severity of wildfires and floods have garnered global attention. Here we used S-TRACK, a novel method for spatial drought tracking, to build pathways for past drought and wet events in Australia to examine their spatiotemporal dynamics. Characteristics such as duration, severity, and intensity were obtained from these pathways, and modified Mann-Kendall tests and Sen's slope were used to detect significant trends in characteristics over time. Drought conditions in southern Australia have intensified, particularly in the southwest of Australia and Tasmania, while the north of the country is experiencing longer, more severe, and more intense wet conditions. We also found that the location of drought and wet hotspots has clearly shifted in response to precipitation changes since the 1970's. Finally, pathways for the most extreme events show peak severity is reached in the middle to late stages of pathways, and that the largest drought and wet areas of a pathway have moved further west in recent times. The findings in this study provide the necessary knowledge to improve preparedness for extreme precipitation events as they become more common and to inform predictions for agricultural output or the extent of other climate events such as wildfires and flooding.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elise Verhoeven
- School of Life and Environmental Sciences, The University of Sydney, New South Wales 2006, Australia; Sydney Institute of Agriculture, The University of Sydney, New South Wales 2006, Australia.
| | - Glenda M Wardle
- School of Life and Environmental Sciences, The University of Sydney, New South Wales 2006, Australia; Sydney Institute of Agriculture, The University of Sydney, New South Wales 2006, Australia
| | - Guy W Roth
- School of Life and Environmental Sciences, The University of Sydney, New South Wales 2006, Australia; Sydney Institute of Agriculture, The University of Sydney, New South Wales 2006, Australia
| | - Aaron C Greenville
- School of Life and Environmental Sciences, The University of Sydney, New South Wales 2006, Australia; Sydney Institute of Agriculture, The University of Sydney, New South Wales 2006, Australia
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9
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Li X, Zhang Z, Lü X, Li Y, Jin K, van der Putten WH. Soil aggregate microbiomes steer plant community overyielding in ungrazed and intensively grazed grassland soils. JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT 2022; 321:115919. [PMID: 36001914 DOI: 10.1016/j.jenvman.2022.115919] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2021] [Revised: 07/29/2022] [Accepted: 07/30/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Plant and soil microbial community composition play a central role in maintaining ecosystem functioning. Most studies have focused on soil microbes in the bulk soil, the rhizosphere and inside plant roots, however, less is known about the soil community that exists within soil aggregates, and how these soil communities influence plant biomass production. Here, using field-conditioned soil collected from experimental ungrazed and grazed grasslands in Inner Mongolia, China, we examined the composition of microbiomes inside soil aggregates of various size classes, and determined their roles in plant-soil feedbacks (PSFs), diversity-productivity relationships, and diversity-dependent overyielding. We found that grazing induced significantly positive PSF effects, which appeared to be mediated by mycorrhizal fungi, particularly under plant monocultures. Despite this, non-additive effects of microbiomes within different soil aggregates enhanced the strength of PSF under ungrazed grassland, but decreased PSF strength under intensively grazed grassland. Plant mixture-related increases in PSF effects markedly enhanced diversity-dependent overyielding, primarily due to complementary effects. Selection effects played far less of a role. Our work suggests that PSF contributes to diversity-dependent overyielding in grasslands via non-additive effects of microbiomes within different soil aggregates. The implication of our work is that assessing the effectiveness of sustainable grassland restoration and management on soil properties requires inspection of soil aggregate size-specific microbiomes, as these are relevant determinants of the feedback interactions between soil and plant performance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiliang Li
- Key Laboratory of Grassland Ecology and Restoration, Institute of Grassland Research, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Hohhot, 010010, China; Department of Terrestrial Ecology, Netherlands Institute of Ecology (NIOO-KNAW), Wageningen, 6700AB, the Netherlands
| | - Zhen Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Grassland Ecology and Restoration, Institute of Grassland Research, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Hohhot, 010010, China
| | - Xiaotao Lü
- Erguna Forest-Steppe Ecotone Research Station, Institute of Applied Ecology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenyang, 110016, China
| | - Yuanheng Li
- Key Laboratory of Grassland Ecology and Restoration, Institute of Grassland Research, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Hohhot, 010010, China.
| | - Ke Jin
- Key Laboratory of Grassland Ecology and Restoration, Institute of Grassland Research, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Hohhot, 010010, China
| | - Wim H van der Putten
- Department of Terrestrial Ecology, Netherlands Institute of Ecology (NIOO-KNAW), Wageningen, 6700AB, the Netherlands; Department of Nematology, Wageningen University & Research, Wageningen 6700 ES, the Netherlands
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10
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11
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Morris CD. How Biodiversity-Friendly Is Regenerative Grazing? Front Ecol Evol 2021. [DOI: 10.3389/fevo.2021.816374] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Regenerative grazing management (ReGM) seeks to mimic natural grazing dynamics to restore degraded soils and the ecological processes underpinning sustainable livestock production while enhancing biodiversity. Regenerative grazing, including holistic planned grazing and related methods, is an adaptive, rotational stocking approach in which dense livestock herds are rotated rapidly through multiple paddocks in short bouts of grazing to defoliate plants evenly and infrequently, interspersed with long recovery periods to boost regrowth. The concentrated “hoof action” of herds in ReGM is regarded vital for regenerating soils and ecosystem services. Evidence (from 58 studies) that ReGM benefits biodiversity is reviewed. Soils enriched by ReGM have increased microbial bioactivity, higher fungal:bacteria biomass, greater functional diversity, and richer microarthropods and macrofauna communities. Vegetation responds inconsistently, with increased, neutral, or decreased total plant diversity, richness of forage grasses and invasive species under ReGM: grasses tend to be favored but shrubs and forbs can be depleted by the mechanical action of hooves. Trampling also reduces numerous arthropods by altering vegetation structure, but creates favorable habitat and food for a few taxa, such as dung beetles. Similarly, grazing-induced structural changes benefit some birds (for foraging, nest sites) while heavy stocking during winter and droughts reduces food for seedeaters and songbirds. With herding and no fences, wildlife (herbivores and predators) thrives on nutritious regrowth while having access to large undisturbed areas. It is concluded that ReGM does not universally promote biodiversity but can be adapted to provide greater landscape habitat heterogeneity suitable to a wider range of biota.
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12
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Ma Z, Shrestha BM, Bork EW, Chang SX, Carlyle CN, Döbert TF, Sobrinho LS, Boyce MS. Soil greenhouse gas emissions and grazing management in northern temperate grasslands. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2021; 796:148975. [PMID: 34271393 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2021.148975] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/04/2021] [Revised: 07/04/2021] [Accepted: 07/07/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Adaptive multi-paddock (AMP) grazing, a grazing system in which individual paddocks are grazed for a short duration at a high stock density and followed by a long rest period, is claimed to be an effective tool to sustainably manage and improve grasslands and enhance their ecosystem services. However, whether AMP grazing is superior to conventional grazing (n-AMP) in reducing soil greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions is unclear. Here, we measured CO2, CH4, and N2O fluxes between August 2017 and August 2019 in 12 pairs of AMP vs. n-AMP ranches distributed across an agro-climatic gradient in Alberta, Canada. We found that field GHG fluxes did not differ between AMP and n-AMP grazing systems, but instead were regulated by specific management attributes, environmental conditions, and soil properties, including cattle stocking rate, cultivation history, soil moisture content, and soil bulk density. Specifically, we found that seasonal mean CO2 emissions increased with increasing cattle stocking rates, while CH4 uptake was lower in grasslands with a history of cultivation. Seasonal mean CO2 emissions increased while CH4 uptake decreased with increasing soil moisture content. In addition, CH4 uptake decreased with increasing soil bulk density. Observed N2O emissions were poorly predicted by the management, environmental conditions, and soil properties investigated in our study. We conclude that AMP grazing does not have an advantage over n-AMP grazing in reducing GHG fluxes from grasslands. Future efforts to develop optimal management strategies (e.g., the use of sustainable stocking rates and avoided cultivation) that reduce GHG emissions should also consider the environmental conditions and soil properties unique to every grassland ecosystem.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zilong Ma
- Department of Renewable Resources, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB T6G 2E3, Canada; State Key Laboratory of Biocontrol, School of Ecology, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510275, China
| | - Bharat M Shrestha
- Department of Renewable Resources, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB T6G 2E3, Canada
| | - Edward W Bork
- Department of Agricultural, Food and Nutritional Science, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB T6G 2P5, Canada
| | - Scott X Chang
- Department of Renewable Resources, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB T6G 2E3, Canada.
| | - Cameron N Carlyle
- Department of Agricultural, Food and Nutritional Science, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB T6G 2P5, Canada
| | - Timm F Döbert
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB T6G 2R3, Canada
| | - Laio Silva Sobrinho
- Department of Renewable Resources, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB T6G 2E3, Canada
| | - Mark S Boyce
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB T6G 2R3, Canada
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13
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Thornton CM, Elledge AE. Heavy grazing of buffel grass pasture in the Brigalow Belt bioregion of Queensland, Australia, more than tripled runoff and exports of total suspended solids compared to conservative grazing. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2021; 171:112704. [PMID: 34298328 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2021.112704] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/06/2021] [Revised: 06/13/2021] [Accepted: 07/04/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Loss of sediment and particulate nutrients in runoff from the extensive grazing lands of the Fitzroy Basin, central Queensland, continue to contribute to the declining health of the Great Barrier Reef. This study measured differences in hydrology and water quality from conservative and heavy grazing pressures on rundown improved grass pastures in the Fitzroy Basin. Conservative grazing pressure was defined as the safe long-term carrying capacity for rundown buffel grass pasture, whereas heavy grazing pressure was defined as the recommended stocking rate for newly established buffel grass pasture. Heavy grazing of rundown pasture resulted in 2.5 times more bare ground and only 8% of the pasture biomass compared to conservative grazing. Heavy grazing also resulted in 3.6 times more total runoff and 3.3 times the peak runoff rate compared to conservative grazing. Loads of total suspended solids, nitrogen and phosphorus in runoff were also greater from heavy than conservative grazing.
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Affiliation(s)
- C M Thornton
- Department of Resources, PO Box 1762, Rockhampton, Queensland 4700, Australia.
| | - A E Elledge
- Department of Resources, PO Box 1762, Rockhampton, Queensland 4700, Australia
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14
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Hacker RB, McDonald SE. Prospects for sustainable use of the pastoral areas of Australia’s southern rangelands: a synthesis. RANGELAND JOURNAL 2021. [DOI: 10.1071/rj21036] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
There is growing recognition of the need to achieve land use across the southern Australian rangelands that accommodates changing societal preferences and ensures the capacity of future generations to satisfy their own preferences. This paper considers the prospects for sustainable use of the pastoral lands based either on continued grazing or emerging, alternative land uses. After an overview of the southern rangelands environment, the status of the pastoral industry, its environmental impacts, and key issues for pastoral management, we propose four principles and 19 associated guidelines for sustainable pastoralism. Although some continued withdrawal of land from pastoralism is anticipated, we expect that pastoralism will continue throughout much of the region currently grazed, particularly in the higher rainfall environments in the east. Within these areas, sustainable pastoral land use should be achievable by the application of four broad management principles, as follows: (1) manage grazing within a risk management framework based on the concept of tactical grazing, (2) develop infrastructure to allow best management of both domestic and non-domestic grazing pressure, (3) incorporate management of invasive native scrub, where required, into overall, ongoing property management and (4) manage grazing to enhance biodiversity conservation at landscape scale. Application of these principles and guidelines will require the development of appropriate policy settings, particularly in relation to kangaroo management, climate change, and natural resource governance, together with innovative approaches to research, development and extension. Policy development will also be required if the new industry of carbon sequestration is to deliver socio-ecological benefits without perverse outcomes. Other emerging industries based on renewable energy or ecosystem services appear to have considerable potential, with little risk of adverse ecological consequences.
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Oñatibia GR, Golluscio RA, Texeira M, Paruelo JM. Controls of forage selective defoliation by sheep in arid rangelands. Ecosphere 2020. [DOI: 10.1002/ecs2.3285] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Gastón R. Oñatibia
- CONICET‐Universidad de Buenos Aires Instituto de Investigaciones Fisiológicas y Ecológicas Vinculadas a la Agricultura (IFEVA) Av. San Martín 4453 (C1417DSE) Buenos Aires1417Argentina
- Departamento de Recursos Naturales y Ambiente Facultad de Agronomía Universidad de Buenos Aires Buenos Aires1417Argentina
| | - Rodolfo A. Golluscio
- CONICET‐Universidad de Buenos Aires Instituto de Investigaciones Fisiológicas y Ecológicas Vinculadas a la Agricultura (IFEVA) Av. San Martín 4453 (C1417DSE) Buenos Aires1417Argentina
- Departamento de Producción Animal Facultad de Agronomía Universidad de Buenos Aires Buenos Aires1416Argentina
| | - Marcos Texeira
- CONICET‐Universidad de Buenos Aires Instituto de Investigaciones Fisiológicas y Ecológicas Vinculadas a la Agricultura (IFEVA) Av. San Martín 4453 (C1417DSE) Buenos Aires1417Argentina
- Departamento de Métodos Cuantitativos y Sistemas de Información Facultad de Agronomía Universidad de Buenos Aires Buenos Aires1417Argentina
| | - José M. Paruelo
- CONICET‐Universidad de Buenos Aires Instituto de Investigaciones Fisiológicas y Ecológicas Vinculadas a la Agricultura (IFEVA) Av. San Martín 4453 (C1417DSE) Buenos Aires1417Argentina
- Departamento de Métodos Cuantitativos y Sistemas de Información Facultad de Agronomía Universidad de Buenos Aires Buenos Aires1417Argentina
- INIA La Estanzuela Instituto Nacional de Investigación Agropecuaria Ruta 50 km 11 Colonia Uruguay
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16
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Song L, Pan Y, Gong J, Li X, Liu M, Yang B, Zhang Z, Baoyin T. Physiology of Leymus chinensis under seasonal grazing: Implications for the development of sustainable grazing in a temperate grassland of Inner Mongolia. JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT 2020; 271:110984. [PMID: 32579531 DOI: 10.1016/j.jenvman.2020.110984] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2020] [Revised: 05/17/2020] [Accepted: 06/16/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Plants have different physiological characteristics as the season changes, grazing management in compliance with plant growth and development characteristics may provide new ideas for sustainable livestock development. However, there has been little research on seasonal grazing and plants physiological responses under it. Here, we studied a typical steppe ecosystem of Inner Mongolia, with Leymus chinensis as the dominant species, in five grazing treatments: continuous grazing, seasonal grazing (which started in spring or in early and late summer), and no grazing (the control). We analyzed growth and resistance of L. chinensis in the five treatments by measuring annual primary productivity, morphological traits and various physiological processes. Compared with continuous grazing, seasonal grazing significantly alleviated grassland degradation. The plants were less affected by stress under spring grazing, with net photosynthesis and non-photochemical quenching closer to the control values and with a lower malondialdehyde content. The annual primary production of plants under grazing started in the early and late summer were 3-4 times the value under continuous grazing. Regrowth under early-summer grazing was greatly improved, and stress resistance was stronger with a higher proline content and high antioxidant enzyme activity. And nutrient accumulation at the end of the growing season such as abundant soluble sugars were transferred from aboveground tissue to the roots in September under late-summer grazing, which benefited regrowth the next year. All these physiological processes were regulated by hormonal changes. Our results highlight how plants response grazing stress in different growing seasons and suggest that seasonal grazing can improve the stress resistance and regrowth capacity of forage vegetation, and applying this knowledge can promote more sustainable grazing practices.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liangyuan Song
- State Key Laboratory of Surface Processes and Resource Ecology, Beijing Key Laboratory of Traditional Chinese Medicine Protection and Utilization, Faculty of Geographical Science, Beijing Normal University, Beijing, 100875, China
| | - Yan Pan
- State Key Laboratory of Surface Processes and Resource Ecology, Beijing Key Laboratory of Traditional Chinese Medicine Protection and Utilization, Faculty of Geographical Science, Beijing Normal University, Beijing, 100875, China; The High School Affiliated to University of Science & Technology Beijing, PR China
| | - Jirui Gong
- State Key Laboratory of Surface Processes and Resource Ecology, Beijing Key Laboratory of Traditional Chinese Medicine Protection and Utilization, Faculty of Geographical Science, Beijing Normal University, Beijing, 100875, China.
| | - Xiaobing Li
- State Key Laboratory of Surface Processes and Resource Ecology, Beijing Key Laboratory of Traditional Chinese Medicine Protection and Utilization, Faculty of Geographical Science, Beijing Normal University, Beijing, 100875, China
| | - Min Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Surface Processes and Resource Ecology, Beijing Key Laboratory of Traditional Chinese Medicine Protection and Utilization, Faculty of Geographical Science, Beijing Normal University, Beijing, 100875, China; Key Laboratory of Tourism and Resources Environment in Taishan University, Taian, 271021, China
| | - Bo Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Surface Processes and Resource Ecology, Beijing Key Laboratory of Traditional Chinese Medicine Protection and Utilization, Faculty of Geographical Science, Beijing Normal University, Beijing, 100875, China
| | - Zihe Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Surface Processes and Resource Ecology, Beijing Key Laboratory of Traditional Chinese Medicine Protection and Utilization, Faculty of Geographical Science, Beijing Normal University, Beijing, 100875, China
| | - Taogetao Baoyin
- College of Life Sciences, Inner Mongolia University, Hohhot, 010021, PR China.
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Oñatibia GR, Amengual G, Boyero L, Aguiar MR. Aridity exacerbates grazing‐induced rangeland degradation: A population approach for dominant grasses. J Appl Ecol 2020. [DOI: 10.1111/1365-2664.13704] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Gastón R. Oñatibia
- Instituto de Investigaciones Fisiológicas y Ecológicas Vinculadas a la Agricultura (IFEVA) CONICET‐Universidad de Buenos Aires Buenos Aires Argentina
- Facultad de Agronomía Departamento de Recursos Naturales y Ambiente Cátedra de Ecología Universidad de Buenos Aires Buenos Aires Argentina
| | - Gerónimo Amengual
- Facultad de Agronomía Departamento de Recursos Naturales y Ambiente Cátedra de Ecología Universidad de Buenos Aires Buenos Aires Argentina
| | - Luciano Boyero
- Instituto de Investigaciones Fisiológicas y Ecológicas Vinculadas a la Agricultura (IFEVA) CONICET‐Universidad de Buenos Aires Buenos Aires Argentina
- Facultad de Agronomía Departamento de Recursos Naturales y Ambiente Cátedra de Ecología Universidad de Buenos Aires Buenos Aires Argentina
| | - Martín R. Aguiar
- Instituto de Investigaciones Fisiológicas y Ecológicas Vinculadas a la Agricultura (IFEVA) CONICET‐Universidad de Buenos Aires Buenos Aires Argentina
- Facultad de Agronomía Departamento de Recursos Naturales y Ambiente Cátedra de Ecología Universidad de Buenos Aires Buenos Aires Argentina
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18
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Hodgkinson KC, Wang D. Preventing rangeland degradation: a shared problem for Australia and China. RANGELAND JOURNAL 2020. [DOI: 10.1071/rj20068] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
Rangeland degradation continues in Australia, China and elsewhere. The stocking rate/animal production relationship has been a successful concept for pastoralists wanting to avoid degradation and/or raise incomes. However, there are no means available of alerting pastoralists to the approach of critical thresholds that would ‘flip’ rangelands into alternative states when grazing-stressed. Critical threshold forecasting for avoiding degradation (and seizing restoration opportunities) could be made available online. Research has yet to find, assemble and test the set of indicators needed to forecast the approach of critical thresholds envisaged in State-and-Transition thinking. Forecasting at paddock, property and regional scales would have to involve high-performance computing because the thresholds will be space and time dependent. The case for Australia and China to contribute cooperatively to this research effort rests on the large number of contrasting rangeland ecosystems across the two countries that represent rangelands globally. A proven history of past collaboration is extant with existing research programs on plant population dynamics, landscape patchiness/leakiness and soil biota status, and their responses to the separate and combined effects of climate and grazing animals. The road to adoption would involve partnerships with pastoralists throughout the process, remote sensing to identify approaching thresholds in real time, application of high-performance computing and possibly artificial intelligence, and packaging of forecasts for different socio-economic rangeland systems.
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Waters CM, McDonald SE, Reseigh J, Grant R, Burnside DG. Insights on the relationship between total grazing pressure management and sustainable land management: key indicators to verify impacts. RANGELAND JOURNAL 2019. [DOI: 10.1071/rj19078] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
Demonstrating sustainable land management (SLM) requires an understanding of the linkages between grazing management and environmental stewardship. Grazing management practices that incorporate strategic periods of rest are promoted internationally as best practice. However, spatial and temporal trends in unmanaged feral (goat) and native (kangaroo) populations in the southern Australian rangelands can result land managers having, at times, control over less than half the grazing pressure, precluding the ability to rest pastures. Few empirical studies have examined the impacts of total grazing pressure (TGP) on biodiversity and resource condition, while the inability to manage grazing intensity at critical times may result in negative impacts on ground cover, changes in pasture species composition, increased rates of soil loss and reduce the ability for soils to store carbon. The widespread adoption of TGP control through exclusion fencing in the southern Australian rangelands has created unprecedented opportunities to manage total grazing pressure, although there is little direct evidence that this infrastructure leads to more sustainable land management. Here we identify several key indicators that are either outcome- or activity-based that could serve as a basis for verification of the impacts of TGP management. Since TGP is the basic determinant of the impact of herbivory on vegetation it follows that the ability for rangeland pastoral management to demonstrate SLM and environmental stewardship will rely on using evidence-based indicators to support environmental social licence to operate.
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