Perspective: Improvement in rangeland condition of the Flooding Pampa of Argentina through controlled grazing

Abstract

The Flooding Pampa grasslands situated in temperate Argentina were ungrazed historically, but now support primarily breeding herds of cattle. These extensive, flat, infertile grasslands experience seasonal floods. Although summer droughts are usual, grasses maintain productivity during the entire year and produce almost 6 t ha^‐1 a^‐1. Continuous grazing has caused deterioration of these grasslands in terms of floristic composition and soil properties (salinisation). Stocking rate has been adversely affected. Controlled grazing systems have been applied with the objective of preventing deterioration. The main characteristics of this system are the concentration of animals in large herds, non‐selective grazing of dormant vegetation during autumn and winter, and selective grazing during spring and summer. Rotational grazing ensures adequate rest for grazed plants and promotes tillering and establishment of cool season grasses. A system of controlled grazing has shown an improvement in floristic composition and in animal production, despite no increase in primary production. This system should allow for a sustainable utilization of these grasslands.