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Mixed pastures - Smart Sward - Grasslands Thought Beyond
As a research group, one of our main areas of focus is the effective management of multi-specific grasslands. We are dedicated to exploring various aspects of this complex and dynamic ecosystem, with the goal of advancing our understanding of how to balance forage production, species diversity, and environmental sustainability.
In our research, we have been addressing several key questions related to this topic, including:
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How does stress and disturbance influence forage production and species diversity in grazed mixtures of C3-C3 and C3-C4 swards? Understanding the impact of these factors on grassland ecosystems is crucial for developing effective management strategies that promote both productivity and biodiversity.
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What are the most effective management strategies for preserving species identity and dissimilarities in biodiverse grasslands? By exploring the impact of different management approaches on species diversity and ecosystem health, we hope to identify best practices for maintaining these important ecosystems over time.
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How can we achieve a balance between high forage production and species diversity in grazed environments? This question is particularly relevant for the sustainable management of grassland ecosystems, as it requires a nuanced understanding of both the ecological and economic drivers of grassland production.
Grazing Management Flexibility
Our research group is focused on expanding our understanding of forage accumulation in grazed communities, with two main areas of inquiry:
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Identifying the range of grazing heights in pastures subjected to intermittent stocking that maintain constant forage accumulation. Understanding this range is critical for developing effective management strategies that balance forage production and grazing intensity, while promoting the health and resilience of grassland ecosystems.
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Investigating the ways in which species growth pathways change under different disturbance intensities. By exploring the impact of disturbance intensity on species growth and performance, we hope to gain a deeper understanding of the underlying mechanisms that drive forage accumulation in grazed grasslands.
