Cells or Regenerative Grazing
CarbonLink
CarbonLink is focusing on the role of soil in absorbing carbon from the atmosphere to offset our emissions and reduce our carbon footprint MoreCell grazing was introduced to Australia in 1989 and has slowly gained ground as an accepted grazing management practice. The first cells were established at Moura in Queensland and Guyra in NSW in mid 1991.
Cell Grazing is based on 7 management principles. These are, in priority order:1. Plants need adequate rest.
2. Match Stocking rate to Carrying Capacity
3. Plan, Monitor and Manage the system
4. Manage Livestock effectively
5. Maintain a short Graze period (through more paddocks) for animal performance.
6. Maintain maximum stock density for minimum time.
7. Build diversity of plants and animals.
Detailed descriptions of these principles and references on the effects of cell grazing can be provided.
Effectively managed grazing systems such as cell grazing, sequester carbon at depth through the transfer of carbohydrate from photosynthesis in the leaf to both the daily excretion of sugars into the soil around the root zone and extension and death of root systems.
The rotational nature of the grazing system causes root hairs to slough off after each graze and be replaced during the regrowth process. This effectively acts as a carbon pump during the growing season.
The photograph below illustrates dramatically the effect of the grazing system on root development.
*The centre plant had been in a cell grazing system for only 18 months.
Cell Grazing is based on 7 management principles. These are, in priority order:1. Plants need adequate rest.
2. Match Stocking rate to Carrying Capacity
3. Plan, Monitor and Manage the system
4. Manage Livestock effectively
5. Maintain a short Graze period (through more paddocks) for animal performance.
6. Maintain maximum stock density for minimum time.
7. Build diversity of plants and animals.
Detailed descriptions of these principles and references on the effects of cell grazing can be provided.
Effectively managed grazing systems such as cell grazing, sequester carbon at depth through the transfer of carbohydrate from photosynthesis in the leaf to both the daily excretion of sugars into the soil around the root zone and extension and death of root systems.
The rotational nature of the grazing system causes root hairs to slough off after each graze and be replaced during the regrowth process. This effectively acts as a carbon pump during the growing season.
The photograph below illustrates dramatically the effect of the grazing system on root development.
*The centre plant had been in a cell grazing system for only 18 months.
