Grasslands of the World.pdf - Disasters and Conflicts - UNEP

210
Grasslands of the world
Research has focused on technology for increased production. Monitoring
the effects of recommended technology with respect to biological and
economic sustainability has received little attention. The search for alternative
production from grasslands, such as agrotourism and game harvesting , would
allow diversification of use of these ecosystems . There is a need to find reliable
sustainability indicators to allow us to ensure that recommended technologies
are sustainable, so coming generations receive a better resource than we
inherited.
Ecological grassland management for maintaining productivity
Natural grasslands are the main basis for meat and fibre production in the
region, and are also a huge reservoir of valuable grass and legume species, which
it is necessary to select and screen under cultivation . Only with deep knowledge
of the behaviour of native species will it be possible to conserve and improve the
natural grasslands and protect the soil from erosion and degradation . Research
in the region suggests that the potential of natural grasslands is very high, close
to cultivated pastures, with better persistence.
Studies on natural grassland dynamics with several management -controlled
factors reflect ongoing changes that occur slowly, with seasonal variations more
important than grazing effects. Over longer periods, high continuous grazing
and a high sheep :cattle ratio encourages pasture degradation and lower primary
production. Quite often, high stocking rates are maintained for economic
and social reasons, but ultimately lead to poorer animal production. Higher
stocking rates may increase short-term economic returns, but they increase
operational risks. Continuous and deeper studies of native grasslands and
native forage species will increase understanding of the factors that promote
high secondary productivity – meat and wool in this case – through primary
production increases related to better use and conservation of forage.
When stocking rates are adjusted to grassland potential and grazing
methods include rest periods, grasslands can be maintained, with variations due
to seasonal changes. These prairie ecosystems are highly stable and are capable
of recovering after severe impacts, such as droughts .
Spatial heterogeneity is high on most of the grasslands, mainly due to soil
type , combined with weather fluctuations and grazing management . Vegetation
types must have management practices adjusted to the morphological and
physiological characteristics of the dominant species, so they are better
managed as independent units. When planning grazing systems , it is necessary
to know precisely which species are present in the vegetation , concentrating
on productive types, particularly when coarse ordinary grasses are dominant,
because prolonged rests and low stocking rates may be beneficial. Determining
a proper stocking rate that achieve animal performance objectives without
ecosystem deterioration is the most important management decision. Each
grassland has a production potential that determines its carrying capacity. The