Effect of Rotational Grazing on Soil Quality and Animal Behavior in an Integrated Crop–Livestock (ICL) System on Small Subtropical Farms

Valdemir Antoneli, Leticia Martini Gamba, Joao Anésio Bednarz, Maria Paz Corrales Marmol, Michael Vrahnakis (), Aristeidis Kastridis and George N. Zaimes
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Valdemir Antoneli: Department of Geography, Campus of the Irati, Unicentro University, Paraná 84500-000, Brazil
Leticia Martini Gamba: Department of Geography, Campus of the Irati, Unicentro University, Paraná 84500-000, Brazil
Joao Anésio Bednarz: Department of Geography, Campus of the Irati, Unicentro University, Paraná 84500-000, Brazil
Maria Paz Corrales Marmol: Faculty of Veterinary and Agricultural Sciences, Autonomous University of San Sebastian, San Lorenzo 2160, Paraguay
Michael Vrahnakis: Department of Forestry, Wood Sciences and Design, University of Thessaly, GR-43131 Karditsa, Greece
Aristeidis Kastridis: Department of Forestry, Wood Sciences and Design, University of Thessaly, GR-43131 Karditsa, Greece
George N. Zaimes: Laboratory of Geomorphology, Edaphology & Riparian Areas (GERi Lab), Democritus University of Thrace, GR-66100 Drama, Greece

Land, 2025, vol. 14, issue 8, 1-15

Abstract: The usage of land on small farms in subtropical regions varies with climatic conditions. Agricultural cultivation typically occurs during the spring and summer (of the southern hemisphere), with tobacco being the primary crop on most small farms. During these seasons, livestock graze in pastures and woodlots. After the tobacco harvest (March), farmers plant winter cover crops, and by May, livestock is moved from the pastures to the agricultural areas. This study aimed to examine how grazing influences soil density, water infiltration rates, and animal behavior across different land types (pasture, native forest, eucalyptus reforestation, and agriculture) during the tobacco-growing season, and the off-season when grazing occurs on agricultural lands. It was found that forage availability and climatic conditions determined grazing duration in pastures and forests, under Integrated Crop–Livestock (ICL) systems. Higher forage volume in the agriculture area reduced grazing time and increased resting periods. Eucalyptus reforestation areas had the best soil conditions due to minimal grazing occurring there. An increase in soil bulk density and a decrease in water infiltration rates were observed at the end of the grazing period in both pasture and woodland areas. Year-round ICL systems appear to enhance soil quality through fallow periods, improving forage availability, soil moisture retention, and water infiltration as well.

Keywords: extensive grazing; woodlots; agriculture; animal rotation; soil quality (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: Q15 Q2 Q24 Q28 Q5 R14 R52 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2025
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