Summary
This paper presents a data-driven approach to comprehensive assessment of economic-environmental trade-offs in pasture-based ruminant systems, using intensive instrumentation at the North Wyke Farm Platform. The analysis reveals that environmental and economic performance are often positively correlated rather than antagonistic, with higher soil organic carbon associated with improved animal performance and reduced nutrient losses. The authors argue that farm-scale trials combined with environmental instrumentation provide a scientifically rigorous basis for sustainable livestock production guidance.
UK applicability
Directly applicable to UK practice; the North Wyke Farm Platform is located in southwest England and the findings address UK pasture-based cattle and sheep systems. The methodology and findings can inform UK farming policy and on-farm decision-making regarding soil management, stocking rates and sustainability.
Key measures
Soil organic carbon stock, animal performance metrics, nutrient losses to watercourses, stocking density, botanical diversity, economic profitability
Outcomes reported
The study assessed economic-environmental trade-offs in cattle and sheep production systems using high-resolution instrumented farm data. It examined relationships between soil organic carbon, animal performance, nutrient losses, stocking density, botanical diversity and farm profitability.
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