Dr. Allan Savory

1. Carbon-Smart Farming Confronting Climate Change Rotations Soil Carbon Coalition www.soilcarboncoalition.org • long-term, rapid rotations • of crops & livestock put the carbon back where it belongs To advance the practice and engage people in opportunities to turn atmospheric carbon into soil organic matter Livestock • : land improvement by grazing Dr. Allan Savory Holistic Management • Carbon Farmers of America Abe Collins UK National Trust Joel Salatin • Mob grazing & Chicken tractor Grass-fed beef is better for people and land. Feeding cattle grass throughout their life is the most sustainable way to raise beef. Greg Judy • Grass-fed beef • Biological Agriculture Gary Zimmer This is contrary to belief livestock farming must intensify to feed increasing population. Crops • : carbon storage by plant biomass Debate on climate change & food often calls for reduced meat eating and plant-based diet, but overlooks the fact many grasslands are unsuitable for continuous cropping. • plant successions & services • biodiversity & polycultures Grasslands support many ecosystem services: watersheds, wildlife, biodiversity, carbon capture, weather, etc. • plant & insect communities • weed & pest control Grazing livestock can contribute to grassland maintenance to turn grass into human food. • home-grown fertility

2. Carbon-Smart Farming Confronting Climate Change Rotations • long-term, rapid rotations • of crops & livestock Karoo Region of South Africa average rainfall: 23 cm/year Conventional Continuous Grazing Holistic Planned Grazing higher stocking densities tightly packed herds frequent movements well-planned rotations no technology, irrigation, or fertilizer mimic behavior of natural herds with predators quickens desertification Reversing desertification is a global warming mitigation strategy because carbon is stored in stable, long-lasting organic matter in soil Conversion of semi-desert to healthy savanna= carbon capture of 25 to 60 t C/ha Improvement in soil and vegetation restores water tables Vegetation cover contributes to evaporative cooling PHOTO: Kroon Family

3. Carbon-Smart Farming Confronting Climate Change Rotations Zimbabwe • long-term, rapid rotations • of crops & livestock average rainfall: 60 cm/year Barren land eroding for decades transformed to healthy grassland savanna Karoo Region of South Africa average rainfall: 23 cm/year Conventional Continuous Grazing Holistic Planned Grazing In one year, fast-growing, short-rooted annuals start to grow (white stringy plants) Land is put in a monitored grazing plan heavy concentration of 500 cattle corralled on site 7 to 10 evenings left excess dung & plant litter higher stocking densities tightly packed herds frequent movements well-planned rotations no technology, irrigation, or fertilizer mimic behavior of natural herds with predators quickens desertification Eventually, as grazing plan continues, site will be covered in perennials If grazing stops, plants oxidize, and land likely returns to desert After full recovery in 25−30 years, SOC density will increase to 25−60 tons C/ha Dense annuals provide ground cover to retain moisture & build biodiversity in soil Annuals are first-phase in restoration, but soil carbon capture is minimal After 8 years, perennials appear (taller pinkish-beige plants) Deep roots accelerate soil carbon capture Photos: ACHM, Seth Itzkan PHOTO: Kroon Family

4. Carbon-Smart Farming Confronting Climate Change Rotations • long-term, rapid rotations • of crops & livestock Las Pilas Ranch, Coahuila, Mexico average rainfall: 50 cm/year Karoo Region of South Africa In 25 years, barren land completely revived average rainfall: 23 cm/year Conventional Continuous Grazing Holistic Planned Grazing higher stocking densities tightly packed herds frequent movements well-planned rotations no technology, irrigation, or fertilizer mimic behavior of natural herds with predators Pond is grown over and no longer needed, as dried-up springs flow year-round again Looks to be more water in 1963, but runoff was captured by a man-made pond; a 1-inch rain filled the pond quickens desertification even a 6-inch rain is all absorbed, with no standing water in the pond PHOTOS: Guillermo Osuna Restoration with Holistic Planned Grazing started in 1978 Livestock doubled; grazing by a plan to give close attention to grass health In 2003, restored land holds six times more water than depleted terrain Water is held in soil and vegetation in a state called “green water” PHOTO: Kroon Family