Summary
This paper presents findings from the North Wyke Farm Platform, an instrumented farm-scale ruminant research facility in southwest United Kingdom, to assess economic-environmental trade-offs in pasture-based livestock systems. The authors' data-mining analysis reveals that higher soil organic carbon stocks are associated with improved animal performance and reduced nutrient losses, whilst higher stocking density correlates with greater botanical diversity and elevated SOC. The authors argue that integrated farm-scale trials combined with environmental instrumentation provide a robust framework for identifying metrics of agricultural sustainability that can guide producers in managing soils, water, pasture and livestock in economically and environmentally acceptable ways.
UK applicability
This research directly addresses UK pastoral livestock systems and was conducted at a UK facility, making findings immediately applicable to UK farming practice and policy. The identified mechanisms linking soil health, grazing management, environmental performance and economic outcomes are particularly relevant for UK farmers seeking to improve sustainability whilst maintaining profitability.
Key measures
Soil organic carbon (SOC) stock; animal performance metrics; nutrient losses to watercourses; stocking density; botanical diversity; economic profitability
Outcomes reported
The study assessed economic-environmental trade-offs in pasture-based cattle and sheep production using high-resolution data from an instrumented farm research facility. Key measurements included relationships between soil organic carbon stock, animal performance, nutrient losses, stocking density, botanical diversity, and economic profitability.
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