Controlled grazing for small ruminants as a tool for sustainable management in karst grassland.
1995
Vidrih T. | Kotar M. | Kompan D. | Krek V. | Kotnik T. | Pogacnik M.
Rangeland deterioration due to bush encroachment as a consequence of the reduction of the number of grazing animals is the major problem of karst land in Slovenia. The low level of phosphorus (3.8 mg P205/100g), acidity (pH=5.5) and unfavourable weather conditions during summer determine the karst sward's low productivity and unsuitable botanical composition for grazing. Some results of recent research based on controlled sheep grazing are presented in brief. The effects of fertilising and liming are described and some shrubland and grassland characteristics and palatability of 4 indigenous plants are given. Oversowing and sodseeding of white clover as a tool for improving karst pastures has not proved to be efficient so far. Experimental animals were enclosed in trial paddocks. The mineral content of blood serum samples and the liveweight gains of the animals confirmed that the fertilising of soil influenced the blood mineral content. According to the research results, controlled grazing should be supported because it is far more efficient than open pasture grazing and maintains the diversity of the karst pasture plant canopy.
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