Publication Date
1997
Description
The grazing systems are an essential component of these volcanic highlands (1000-2000m). Our investigations consist of building up diagnosis tools and decision rules for a sustainable control of these fragile grazed ecosystems composed of native and sown pastures. The use of a systemic approach allows us to analyse the interrelationship between the vegetation dynamic and the agricultural practices through three biological indicators which relate to one hundred paddocks in six cattle farms. Concerning the vegetation dynamics, it seems that some management practices lead to a nonreversable degradation stage. As regards the forage system, the measure of sward-height and estimation of the volume of available herbage show a poor relationship between management practices of pastures and the biological seasonal rhythm. The mineral nutritional composition of vegetation illustrates that fertilizing practices are not adapted to the particular nature of soil (especially Phosphorous availability).
Citation
Blanfort, V; Thomas, P; Balent, G; and Michon, A, "Sustainability of Management Practices of Mountain Pastures in Reunion Island (Indian Ocean)" (2024). IGC Proceedings (1993-2023). 2.
https://uknowledge.uky.edu/igc/1997/session21/2
Included in
Agricultural Science Commons, Agronomy and Crop Sciences Commons, Plant Biology Commons, Plant Pathology Commons, Soil Science Commons, Weed Science Commons
Sustainability of Management Practices of Mountain Pastures in Reunion Island (Indian Ocean)
The grazing systems are an essential component of these volcanic highlands (1000-2000m). Our investigations consist of building up diagnosis tools and decision rules for a sustainable control of these fragile grazed ecosystems composed of native and sown pastures. The use of a systemic approach allows us to analyse the interrelationship between the vegetation dynamic and the agricultural practices through three biological indicators which relate to one hundred paddocks in six cattle farms. Concerning the vegetation dynamics, it seems that some management practices lead to a nonreversable degradation stage. As regards the forage system, the measure of sward-height and estimation of the volume of available herbage show a poor relationship between management practices of pastures and the biological seasonal rhythm. The mineral nutritional composition of vegetation illustrates that fertilizing practices are not adapted to the particular nature of soil (especially Phosphorous availability).
