Rotational pasture management to increase the sustainability of mountain livestock farms in the Alpine region

Abstract Over the past 30 years, farming in Alpine region has undergone important changes: average number of animals per farm and use external inputs have increased while diversity practices decreased, becoming similar to intensive farming. This change led a reduction supply agroecosystem services sustainability mountain livestock sector. In this study, we investigated rotational grazing as alternative continuous improve practices. Greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions such carbon dioxide, methane nitrous oxide were measured together with soil properties (bulk density, saturated hydraulic conductivity, organic content plant biomass) for two seasons using static chambers. The results showed that had positive impact on biomass: minimize disturbance, reduce compaction GHG increase water infiltration. Therefore, practice revealed clear benefits terms protection climate mitigation adaptation.