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Characterizing Livestock Production in Portuguese Sown Rainfed Grasslands: Applying the Inverse Approach to a Process-Based Model

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  • Tiago G. Morais

    (MARETEC—Marine, Environment and Technology Centre, Instituto Superior Técnico, Universidade de Lisboa, 1049-001 Lisboa, Portugal)

  • Ricardo F. M. Teixeira

    (MARETEC—Marine, Environment and Technology Centre, Instituto Superior Técnico, Universidade de Lisboa, 1049-001 Lisboa, Portugal)

  • Nuno R. Rodrigues

    (Terraprima—Serviços Ambientais, Sociedade Unipessoal, Lda, 2135-199 Samora Correia, Portugal)

  • Tiago Domingos

    (MARETEC—Marine, Environment and Technology Centre, Instituto Superior Técnico, Universidade de Lisboa, 1049-001 Lisboa, Portugal)

Abstract

Grasslands are a crucial resource that supports animal grazing and provides other ecosystem services. We estimated the main properties of Portuguese sown biodiverse permanent pastures rich in legumes (SBP) starting from measured data for soil organic carbon (SOC) and using the Rothamsted Carbon Model. Starting from a dataset of SOC, aboveground production (AGP) and stocking rates (SR) in SBP, we used an inverse approach to estimate root to shoot (RS) ratios, livestock dung (LD), livestock intake (LI) and the ratio between easily decomposable and resistant plant material. Results for the best fit show that AGP and belowground productivity is approximately the same (RS is equal to 0.96). Animals consume 61% of the AGP, which is within the acceptable range of protein and energy intake. Carbon inputs from dung are also within the range found in the literature (1.53 t C/livestock unit). Inputs from litter are equally distributed between decomposable and resistant material. We applied these parameters in RothC for a dataset from different sites that only comprises SOC to calculate AGP and SR. AGP and SR were consistently lower in this case, because these pastures did not receive adequate technical support. These results highlight the mechanisms for carbon sequestration in SBP.

Suggested Citation

  • Tiago G. Morais & Ricardo F. M. Teixeira & Nuno R. Rodrigues & Tiago Domingos, 2018. "Characterizing Livestock Production in Portuguese Sown Rainfed Grasslands: Applying the Inverse Approach to a Process-Based Model," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 10(12), pages 1-21, November.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:10:y:2018:i:12:p:4437-:d:185819
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    11. Ricardo F. M. Teixeira & Tiago G. Morais & Tiago Domingos, 2018. "A Practical Comparison of Regionalized Land Use and Biodiversity Life Cycle Impact Assessment Models Using Livestock Production as a Case Study," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 10(11), pages 1-19, November.
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    1. Tiago G. Morais & Ricardo F. M. Teixeira & Tiago Domingos, 2018. "The Effects on Greenhouse Gas Emissions of Ecological Intensification of Meat Production with Rainfed Sown Biodiverse Pastures," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 10(11), pages 1-23, November.
    2. Ricardo F.M. Teixeira & Lúcia Barão & Tiago G. Morais & Tiago Domingos, 2018. "“BalSim”: A Carbon, Nitrogen and Greenhouse Gas Mass Balance Model for Pastures," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 11(1), pages 1-26, December.
    3. Ricardo F.M. Teixeira & Tiago Domingos, 2019. "Current Practice and Future Perspectives for Livestock Production and Industrial Ecology," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 11(15), pages 1-5, August.
    4. Tiago G. Morais & Ricardo F. M. Teixeira & Nuno R. Rodrigues & Tiago Domingos, 2018. "Carbon Footprint of Milk from Pasture-Based Dairy Farms in Azores, Portugal," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 10(10), pages 1-22, October.

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