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Dynamic rotational grazing : environmental performance of grassland systems: Demonstration of an innovative technology (PTD LIFE)
Start date: Jun 1, 2014, End date: Jun 1, 2019 PROJECT  FINISHED 

Background Grassland ecosystems, including the soil and hedges, hold an important part of Europe’s biodiversity. They offer ideal conditions for a vast array of species and habitats and are especially important for birds and invertebrates, providing vital breeding grounds. Grasslands are also the source of a wide range of public goods and services, ranging from meat and dairy products to recreational and tourism opportunities. In addition, they act as carbon sinks, and are therefore a vital asset in the effort to reduce levels of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere. Except for very limited areas of special natural grassland types, most European grasslands are maintained through grazing or cutting. However, changes in agricultural practices and land-use pressures mean that grasslands are disappearing at an alarming rate and are nowadays among Europe’s most threatened ecosystems. Objectives The PTD LIFE project aims to validate an innovative technology to improve the environmental performance of grassland systems and ensure their sustainability. Specifically, the project plans to develop and test an agro-environmental method called "dynamic rotational grazing" (DRG), and demonstrate its beneficial technological, ecological and economic impacts. This new method will be based on the study of sustainable agro-environmental systems. It will be tested on the farms of 120 cattle breeders, in partnership with local actors and specialised providers. Specific actions to be implemented include the preservation of hedgerows, the improvement of good breeding practices, and the selection of the most appropriate grass species. Scientific field measurements will be used to assess the effects of DRG practices on the environmental and economic sustainability of livestock farming. These will cover aerobic biodiversity in soils, fertiliser use, carbon capture, greenhouse gas emissions and farming profitability. The establishment of a network of producers will allow for the implementation of a dissemination policy at European level. Expected results: Implementation of DRG by 120 livestock breeders, improving the sustainability of their business in the face of climate change; Increased environmental resilience on at least 50 of the 120 farms applying DRG; Elimination of the use of nitrogen fertilisers, reducing nitrogen leakage on soils and nitrate contents into ground waters; Improved aerobic diversity, contributing to humification and mineralisation in grassland soils; Improved carbon capture in permanent grassland soils; A 46% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions from farming activities; Reduced production costs for livestock farmers.
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