Enhancing forage–livestock system productivity and mitigating greenhouse gas emissions via sustainable pasture management of two Brachiaria cultivars

Abstract

Context Forage–livestock systems contribute to Brazilian greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, harming the environment and reducing bioeconomic efficiency. Employing technologies like pasture management is crucial for sustainable mitigation. Aims Our objective was to measure greenhouse gas emissions of beef cattle in forage systems by exploring well-managed Brachiaria hybrid pastures in the Brazilian Amazon Biome. Methods The experimental design was a randomised complete block, with two cultivars: Ipyporã and Mulato II, in four replicates, totalling eight experimental units, and each experimental unit was 1.5 ha. Key results Ipyporã pastures had 88.5% greater herbage mass than Mulato II in January (8350 vs 4430 kg dry mass ha−1). There was no difference between cultivars for soil GHG emissions. The greatest enteric methane and carbon dioxide values were measured in February. In Ipyporã pastures, the average daily gain was 57% and 50% greater than in Mulato II, in February (837 vs 533 g day−1) and March (1054 vs 700 g day−1) respectively. Enteric methane and carbon dioxide were 34% and 48% less respectively in Ipyporã pastures in February. Conclusions Soil GHG emissions in fertilised pastures followed similar patterns across different cultivars, but those with greater production tended to produce more emissions (soil and enteric) due to fertilisation and increased stocking rates. Implications Forage–livestock production systems benefit from adequate grazing and pasture management of two Brachiaria cultivars, resulting in greater productivity compared to GHG emissions. This leads to reduced emissions per unit of product, contributing to the development of a more efficient and sustainable forage–livestock system.