For a long time, scrub has been perceived as an obstacle on livestock farms, a worthless resource to be removed in favour of pasture. However, recent research and projects such as LIFE Scrubsnet have shown that proper scrub management not only contributes to biodiversity conservation, but also improves the productivity and sustainability of livestock farms.
Benefits of scrubland in extensive livestock farming
Scrubland fulfils multiple ecological functions that can be exploited in livestock production:
🔹 Soil protection and erosion reduction : By acting as a natural barrier, scrubland prevents the loss of fertile soil and improves its structure.
🔹 Shelter and food for beneficial fauna : Many species essential to the ecological balance depend on scrubland for their survival.
🔹 Regulation of the water cycle : Reduces evaporation, favours infiltration and improves the quality of the grass in periods of drought.
🔹 Nutrient supply and regeneration of trees : Its presence in the dehesa-montado contributes to soil fertility and ecosystem recovery.
Sustainable Livestock Management with LIFE Scrubsnet
The LIFE Scrubsnet Livestock Management Protocol provides tools and strategies to harness these benefits without compromising farm profitability. Through practices such as managed grazing or the combination of different livestock species, it is possible to integrate scrubland into production in an efficient and regenerative way.
📩 Download the protocol here 👉 https://lifescrubsnet.eu/project-material/
🌿 The key is to manage, not to eliminate. Conserving scrubland is investing in a more resilient ecosystem and more sustainable livestock farming.
#Biodiversity #Agroecology #HolisticManagement #Sustainability #LifeScrubsnet