New Cattle Grazing Technique May Capture and Store Carbon in the Soil

Cattle are often viewed as a detriment when it comes to greenhouse gas emissions. But could beef production actually help capture and store carbon? Scientists may have found a way to use beef production to help restore ecosystems.

In this case, the researchers examined the adaptive multi-paddock (AMP) grazing management technique that involves using small-sized fields to provide short periods of grazing for livestock and long recovery periods for fields. This method mimics the migrations of wild herd animals, such as elk, bison and deer.

The researchers decided to compare AMP grazing with conventional, continuous grazing methods. They concentrated on whether the methods store carbon in the soil and, if so, which is the most successful.

"By using measures-such as the carbon stored, the water absorbed and retained, populations of fungi, bacteria, wild life and insects, and rancher and animal well-being-we are comparing adaptive grazing with conventional grazing to see if the former actually improves ranch ecosystems," said Peter Byck, one of the researchers, in a news release. "We hope to study and compare 36 ranches located in four diverse eco-regions across the U.S. and southern Canada."

Previous research actually shows that ranches practicing AMP grazing sequestered an additional 30 tons of carbon per hectare over 10 years compared to conventionally grazed ranches. Although the research is space, it provides a solid framework on which to build.

"Current methods used to capture and store carbon are industrial in nature and expensive," said Byck. "Adaptive grazing is a natural technology. Ranchers who use the technique are earning more, becoming financially healthy."

This latest research could help pave the way for better cattle management practices. While this isn't a cure-all, it could help reduce some of the carbon being released into the atmosphere and make for more eco-friendly cattle ranching.

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