What was the challenge/ problem addressed?
With the conventional farming methods and use of various grazing systems by the mountain farmers, the conversion to organic farming or the extensification of grazing areas have always remained to be ineffective as well as soil and plant development still remained unsatisfactory even after the development of new operating concept for the conversion of conventional farming to organic farming (organic hay milk, direct marketing, breeding of dual-purpose breeds).This is as a result to the unfavourable location of the farm site (inaccessible steep slope, terminal moraine), the increasing weather extremes and their negative effects (erosion, plant population, yield) and the lack of land and resources at the beginning, new solutions were sought. Therefore, the aim of this project is to test different approaches to site-appropriate, climate-friendly, resilient grassland management. The common denominator here is “Holistic Planned Grazing” pasture management (according to A. Savory). In addition, the use of natural ecosystem processes is intended to reduce both labour volumes and emissions and lower operating costs. As in nature, there can be neither standardised methods nor regulations. Only a holistic approach guarantees a high degree of adaptability while simultaneously reducing emissions.
How did you solve the problem?
KUHproKLIMA integrated different farms to determine various initial conditions and define needs and personal operating goals in a contextualised manner. Specific initial analyses ensured individually tailored action plans and proposals. Changes and progress in terms of ecosystem services were monitored closely over the entire duration of the project.
An illustrative best-practice guide was created. In addition to providing comprehensive knowledge on the topic of “ecosystem performance”, this guide offers various proposed solutions, including practical tips and tricks from day-to-day operations. The guide also serves as a decision-making aid to help farmers decide in favour of more climate-friendly, livelihood-securing grassland management.
What is innovative in your practical case?
Use of cows as tools to intergrate into the grassland ecosystem to improve the soil and learning how to correctly manage them.
Its more that we transfered of methods used more in dryland aeras before into our context (high concentrated rainfall events, heavy soils,..
What are the success factors in solving the problem?
The project was marked by the following success factors:
- Trial of new practices i.e we transfered methods used more in dryland areas into our context (high concentrated rainfall events, heavy soils)
- Exchange of new ideas with other farmers
- Developed strategic plan for the project
- Application of social science evaluation technics in agriculture.
- Questions coming from the farmer.
- Appropriate study design.
Unexpected fails, if any
No failures, but it was difficult especially at the beginning with various corona-lock-downs. We had to postpone meetings and workshops. The energy crisis and inflation came with the war in Ukraine.
Lessons learned
Some of the lessons learned include:
- Change in farming is always about farmers.Any case study concerning farmers should be well described for all as currently due to climate change,farmers needs new ideas and strategies on how to continue with farming and not a new product.
- What makes a farm resilient is not all about money but it is the capability to adapt,resist and transform.
- You cannot completely compare the farms despite several similar characteristics, there is always something indifferent i.e Most of all farmers have different starting points/ resources and different goals.
- It is impossible to improve the farmer´s soil status if he/she has no concept and change in mindset. It is important for a farmer to acquire more knowledge on his/her land and herd to use them as a tool for restoring ecosystem processes.
- We also came to realise that,there is need of doing more research on the emmissions in dairy systems under regenerative managed grazing situations concerning biodiversity, carbon sequestration, water and nutrients cycles.
- For one to see an important improvement in grassland,he/she need atleast six years since it takes at least 2 years for the farmer to adopt new management techniques and perform well.
What role does the advisor or advisory service play within the practical case?
The main role that the advisors played was to do knowledge transfer since they were specialists in soil biology,holistic herd management and plant ecology,they carried out some research and gave advice appropriately,they conducted workshops also.Their experiences contributed significantly on developing study design and in the identification of test plots.
Can your approach be transferred and/or adapted for other innovation challenges and regions?
Yes.
For sharing the experience on the good practice, please contact Christine Bajohr (phone: 01727642530, mail: kugelsuedhanghof@t-online.de
