Holistic versus continuous grazing in Patagonia: A station-scale case study of plant and animal production

We compared animal and vegetation responses of a 13 600-ha area under holistic grazing management (HGM) with similar continuous (CGM) in Patagonian station. Limitations were dry 2012−2016 experimental period, poorer soils, native guanacos (Lama guanicoe) the HGM area. Forage standing crop this before experience was lower remained so during study: (194 ± 31 vs. 244±33 kg matter.ha−1 CGM). Six monitoring sites showed remarkable (though mostly nonsignificant) improvements total cover (10.6% 10.9% CGM) short palatable grasses (21.4% 23.9%, respectively). Species richness small changes (−1 −6%), bare soil interpatches decreased (−11.9 −5.4%), land function indicators Stability (5.4% 9.9%), Infiltration (12.4% 12.0%), Nutrient recycling (4.2% 20.6%) increased. Tussock changed significantly management, as it −6% (ns) grew 42% (P = 0.03) CGM, probably due to coarse tussock forage consumption HGM. Sheep 15% lighter (43.9 0.5 51.7 kg.ewe−1 CGM P < 0.001), ewes scored 28% body condition (1.60 2.25, lambing rates 36% (48.3 2.1% 74.2 1.9%). Rotation ended 2015 consequence low rates, sheep reproductive recovered values both areas. Positive areas may be driven by residual effects destocking 3 decades ago show that improvement is possible using moderate stocking rates. Although could argued rest periods positive long term, its negative on production should addressed, fast regeneration intense these severely restricted habitats not expected. Slow, persistent progress careful seems achievable systems.