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Effect of Rotational Grazing on Soil Quality and Animal Behavior in an Integrated Crop–Livestock (ICL) System on Small Subtropical Farms

Author

Listed:
  • Valdemir Antoneli

    (Department of Geography, Campus of the Irati, Unicentro University, Paraná 84500-000, Brazil)

  • Leticia Martini Gamba

    (Department of Geography, Campus of the Irati, Unicentro University, Paraná 84500-000, Brazil)

  • Joao Anésio Bednarz

    (Department of Geography, Campus of the Irati, Unicentro University, Paraná 84500-000, Brazil)

  • Maria Paz Corrales Marmol

    (Faculty of Veterinary and Agricultural Sciences, Autonomous University of San Sebastian, San Lorenzo 2160, Paraguay)

  • Michael Vrahnakis

    (Department of Forestry, Wood Sciences and Design, University of Thessaly, GR-43131 Karditsa, Greece)

  • Aristeidis Kastridis

    (Department of Forestry, Wood Sciences and Design, University of Thessaly, GR-43131 Karditsa, Greece)

  • George N. Zaimes

    (Laboratory of Geomorphology, Edaphology & Riparian Areas (GERi Lab), Democritus University of Thrace, GR-66100 Drama, Greece)

Abstract

The usage of land on small farms in subtropical regions varies with climatic conditions. Agricultural cultivation typically occurs during the spring and summer (of the southern hemisphere), with tobacco being the primary crop on most small farms. During these seasons, livestock graze in pastures and woodlots. After the tobacco harvest (March), farmers plant winter cover crops, and by May, livestock is moved from the pastures to the agricultural areas. This study aimed to examine how grazing influences soil density, water infiltration rates, and animal behavior across different land types (pasture, native forest, eucalyptus reforestation, and agriculture) during the tobacco-growing season, and the off-season when grazing occurs on agricultural lands. It was found that forage availability and climatic conditions determined grazing duration in pastures and forests, under Integrated Crop–Livestock (ICL) systems. Higher forage volume in the agriculture area reduced grazing time and increased resting periods. Eucalyptus reforestation areas had the best soil conditions due to minimal grazing occurring there. An increase in soil bulk density and a decrease in water infiltration rates were observed at the end of the grazing period in both pasture and woodland areas. Year-round ICL systems appear to enhance soil quality through fallow periods, improving forage availability, soil moisture retention, and water infiltration as well.

Suggested Citation

  • Valdemir Antoneli & Leticia Martini Gamba & Joao Anésio Bednarz & Maria Paz Corrales Marmol & Michael Vrahnakis & Aristeidis Kastridis & George N. Zaimes, 2025. "Effect of Rotational Grazing on Soil Quality and Animal Behavior in an Integrated Crop–Livestock (ICL) System on Small Subtropical Farms," Land, MDPI, vol. 14(8), pages 1-15, August.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jlands:v:14:y:2025:i:8:p:1617-:d:1720831
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Buller, Luz Selene & Bergier, Ivan & Ortega, Enrique & Moraes, Anibal & Bayma-Silva, Gustavo & Zanetti, Marilia Ribeiro, 2015. "Soil improvement and mitigation of greenhouse gas emissions for integrated crop–livestock systems: Case study assessment in the Pantanal savanna highland, Brazil," Agricultural Systems, Elsevier, vol. 137(C), pages 206-219.
    2. Krzysztof Orzech & Maria Wanic & Dariusz Załuski, 2021. "The Effects of Soil Compaction and Different Tillage Systems on the Bulk Density and Moisture Content of Soil and the Yields of Winter Oilseed Rape and Cereals," Agriculture, MDPI, vol. 11(7), pages 1-17, July.
    3. Valdemir Antoneli & Manuel Pulido Fernández & Taís de Oliveira & Javier Lozano-Parra & João Anésio Bednarz & Michael Vrahnakis & Ramón García-Marín, 2020. "Partial Grazing Exclusion as Strategy to Reduce Land Degradation in the Traditional Brazilian Faxinal System: Field Data and Farmers’ Perceptions," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 12(18), pages 1-13, September.
    4. Timothy C. Durham & Tamás Mizik, 2021. "Comparative Economics of Conventional, Organic, and Alternative Agricultural Production Systems," Economies, MDPI, vol. 9(2), pages 1-22, April.
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