Grazing Impacts on Biodiversity, Carbon Cycle, Water Efficiency, and Animal Welfare: Review

This review examines the role of pasture-based livestock systems in promoting agri-environmental sustainability across four key dimensions: biodiversity, water-use efficiency, carbon cycle, and animal welfare. Despite growing political and scientific interest in extensive grazing, the existing literature remains fragmented and limits a comprehensive understanding of grazing?s multidimensional impacts. To address this gap, we conducted a review of studies published between 2010 and 2025, following the Cochrane Handbook and applying the PICO (Population, Intervention, Comparison, Outcome) framework. The analysis focused exclusively on studies conducted in Europe to explore the state of the art on the topic and analyze future policy implications. The results indicate that moderate and well-managed grazing improves biodiversity, increases water-use efficiency, and promotes soil carbon sequestration, especially through rotation practices and tree integration. Access to pasture improves animal welfare, although outcomes vary depending on infrastructure and environmental conditions. The review emphasizes the need for integrated approaches that combine traditional knowledge, environmental design, and precision tools to maximize the sustainability of grazing systems.