Processes underpinning natural capital account compilation highlight the potential for low-input grazing to mitigate farm carbon emissions while also improving biodiversity outcomes
Rachel Lawrence, S. Ogilvy, D. O’Brien, Mark Gardner, S. McIntyre
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引用次数: 1
Abstract
Remnant woodland areas are commonly part of livestock grazing operations in temperate Australia. These remnant areas can store substantial amounts of carbon and have important biodiversity value, but are at risk of ongoing decline due to nutrient enrichment, overgrazing, clearing of woody debris and lack of tree recruitment. The process of compiling experimental farm-scale natural capital accounts (NCA) for 11 wool-growing businesses in temperate Australia demonstrated that some wool growers may be managing these areas in ways that sustained, and at times regenerated, carbon and other natural values. When managed sensitively, these largely native areas provide forage and shelter for livestock production while carbon and associated biodiversity is also protected, and in some cases regenerated. The farm-scale NCA process highlighted that for some farm businesses net sequestration of carbon can occur at a farm-scale, substantially owing to the management approach applied to these remnant areas. The process highlighted the potential for livestock grazing approaches underpinned by the ecosystem services provided by native grasses, forbs and woodlands (i.e. low-input rather than nutrient enrichment and pasture modification) to contribute to balancing carbon emissions from other areas of more intensive management within a farm business. With the current momentum worldwide aimed at achieving net zero emissions, there is an opportunity that has not existed previously to conserve, and sometimes regenerate, these remnant woodland areas on farmland. This could contribute to reversing a crisis of biodiversity loss in this threatened ecosystem while also helping farm businesses to reduce overall carbon emissions.
期刊介绍:
The Rangeland Journal publishes original work that makes a significant contribution to understanding the biophysical, social, cultural, economic, and policy influences affecting rangeland use and management throughout the world. Rangelands are defined broadly and include all those environments where natural ecological processes predominate, and where values and benefits are based primarily on natural resources.
Articles may present the results of original research, contributions to theory or new conclusions reached from the review of a topic. Their structure need not conform to that of standard scientific articles but writing style must be clear and concise. All material presented must be well documented, critically analysed and objectively presented. All papers are peer-reviewed.
The Rangeland Journal is published on behalf of the Australian Rangeland Society.