Use of atypical plant resources for cattle farming in Western Europe to drive agroecological transition

IF 6.1 1区农林科学 Q1 AGRICULTURE, MULTIDISCIPLINARY

Agricultural Systems Pub Date : 2025-04-02 DOI:10.1016/j.agsy.2025.104329

T. Puech , A. Farruggia , D. Durant , J.F. Glinec , S. Novak , F. Signoret , F. Stark , D. Sterling

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引用次数: 0

Abstract

CONTEXT

In the efforts to optimize their production processes and yields, livestock systems overlook less productive on-farm areas and resources. Given the challenges of feed self-sufficiency, climate change mitigation and adaptation, and biodiversity conservation, it makes sense to revalue these resources to support agroecological transition in livestock systems.

OBJECTIVE

This paper introduces the concept of ‘atypical resources’, defined as plant resources that are part of the farm environment but are not conventionally used. The aim is to explore their nature, access, use and potential contribution to the performance of livestock systems.

METHODS

The study examines four unique and under-researched cattle farming systems (dairy or beef) using atypical resources in Western France through comprehensive analysis, and assessment of nitrogen metabolism.

RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS

Our results show a rich diversity of atypical resources such as abandoned land, hedgerow slopes, woody leaves, ditch bottoms and marsh reeds. These resources, coming from the farms themselves or their surroundings, are used for animal feed and/or bedding. The contribution of atypical resources in the nitrogen metabolism of the system ranges from almost 0 % to 12 %, while their contribution to animal feed varies for almost 0 % to 29 %. In addition, the management practices and grassland-based farming systems associated with these resources may limit N waste, preserve habitats and enhance biodiversity.

SIGNIFICANCE

This article examines an under-explored but critical issue that is essential to address the current challenges of livestock systems in Western Europe. We advocate for further research to generate knowledge and methods that harness the multiple services provided by atypical resources, thereby facilitating agroecological transition and addressing spatial management challenges.

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来源期刊

Agricultural Systems 农林科学-农业综合

CiteScore

13.30

自引率

7.60%

发文量

174

审稿时长

30 days

期刊介绍： Agricultural Systems is an international journal that deals with interactions - among the components of agricultural systems, among hierarchical levels of agricultural systems, between agricultural and other land use systems, and between agricultural systems and their natural, social and economic environments. The scope includes the development and application of systems analysis methodologies in the following areas: Systems approaches in the sustainable intensification of agriculture; pathways for sustainable intensification; crop-livestock integration; farm-level resource allocation; quantification of benefits and trade-offs at farm to landscape levels; integrative, participatory and dynamic modelling approaches for qualitative and quantitative assessments of agricultural systems and decision making; The interactions between agricultural and non-agricultural landscapes; the multiple services of agricultural systems; food security and the environment; Global change and adaptation science; transformational adaptations as driven by changes in climate, policy, values and attitudes influencing the design of farming systems; Development and application of farming systems design tools and methods for impact, scenario and case study analysis; managing the complexities of dynamic agricultural systems; innovation systems and multi stakeholder arrangements that support or promote change and (or) inform policy decisions.