14 - Multifunctional approach to grassland use

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Objective

The main aim is to ensure resource-efficient, site-adapted and sustainable livestock production based on permanent grassland. This calls for the development of resilient, site-adapted management options for integrated productions systems in permanent grassland which maximise ecosystem services and multifunctionality, ensure animal health and welfare, and are adapted to future conditions (e.g. climate change).

• Specific objectives

  • Perform integrated assessment of the ecosystem services provided by grassland systems at field and farm level, including synergies and trade-offs, to develop solutions for optimising multifunctionality and the provision of ecosystem services (e.g. forage yield and quality, retention of biodiversity, carbon storage, provision of organic fertiliser for crop production systems, landscape conservation, water quality and cultural services).
  • Optimise a site-adapted grassland management system in agronomic and environmental terms so that it supports multifunctional and resilient plant communities with negligible weed growth (and minimum herbicide use), taking into account plant communities, environmental conditions, animal species and breeds and the interactions between them.
  • Adapt the botanic composition and management of permanent grassland to the changing climate (adaptation and mitigation measures). This includes agroforestry and silvo-pastoralism, intelligent grazing management and forage production (e.g. by harnessing the potential of remote sensing technologies, etc.), utilising the functional diversity of plants (e.g. drought-resistant species), and symbiotic agriculture – taking into account and promoting animal health and welfare.
  • Further develop methods and processes for conserving forage crops to maintain and improve the quality of forage production. Evaluate the forage quality of individual plant species and varieties, including in mixtures.
  • Evaluate the potential of grass protein as an alternative source of protein for monogastric animals.
  • Develop strategies for better integration of grass- and plant-based production systems to improve the nutrient cycle and use efficiency, reconnect the nitrogen and carbon cycle, reduce agricultural environmental pollution and make highly efficient use of grassland.
  • Use new technologies for grassland management to increase multifunctionality by providing better information (e.g. yield estimates and mapping), to reduce the workload (e.g. virtual fences), and to respond to new challenges (e.g. systems for controlling predators in mountain areas).

Expected outcomes

Stakeholders receive important information about the ecosystem services which permanent grassland can provide when production is adapted to local conditions. They are aware of the role and importance of their production system in an agroecological context. Based on the recommendations provided, participants can adapt forage production to climate change and ensure that their production systems are both ecologically and economically sustainable, partly through the use of new technologies. Better grassland management and better conservation of green fodder lead to improved livestock health and welfare. Policy makers receive important information to help them make strategic decisions about ecosystem services in the context of sustainability and agroecology.

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