Examining climate benefits from rangeland and pasture management practices in the United States: opportunities, tradeoffs, and information gaps
摘要
Grazing lands in the United States are the foundation of a $140 billion ruminant livestock production industry in the United States (U.S.) and management of these range and pasture lands holds strong support from government programs. This paper reviews current published literature to identify which land management practices have beneficial ecosystem and climate outcomes for carbon sequestration and greenhouse gas drawdown. We examined practices defined by the National Resource Conservation Service (NRCS) to provide an assessment for conservation planners and ranchers in the U.S., while noting that the application of these practices can vary across landscapes. Data needs are extensive and outcomes for some management practices are mixed, but practices including wetland restoration and pasture and hay planting have clear climate benefits and should be incentivized.