- Extensive grazing
Livestock, particularly heavy species such as cattle, can have a number of damaging impacts on soil including compaction, destruction of soil structure (poaching) and loss of vegetation. The literature suggests that treading by livestock increases soil strength and bulk density and reduces macro-porosity and infiltration of water into the soil, resulting in pooling and water logging with consequent impacts of denitrification and nitrous oxide emissions. Soil compaction will also increase the risk of run-off with consequent impacts on water quality and flood risks.
Reduced stocking density will limit soil compaction, thereby facilitating more rapid infiltration during precipitation events and potentially reducing peak flows and sediment runoff.
The EU has established rules and standards for the welfare of farm animals and the protection of the environment, including regulations for limiting the density of livestock farming operations to prevent overgrazing, soil degradation, and excessive alterations of biogeochemical cycles of nitrogen and phosphorus.
There may also be issues due to management decisions which can increase risks due to livestock without changing stocking levels. For example, increased out-wintering of cattle to avoid housing costs will exacerbate risks due to the increased vulnerability of soils during the winter months. The measure may be effectively achieved by moving grazing livestock from high-risk areas or by increasing the use of housing. Whether the reduction in pressure is achieved through direct reductions in stocking density, movement from high-risk areas or housing, there will be impacts on farm business in terms of direct or opportunity costs.
The spatial distribution of livestock in the EU indicates a correlation between high livestock density, intensified manure production, and high nitrogen pollution levels, alongside further adverse impacts on environmental indicators such as phosphorus surplus and soil degradation. Therefore, reducing livestock density could be a valid strategy to mitigate negative externalities associated with intensive livestock systems, and could be particularly relevant in some EU 'hotspot' regions with high livestock density values.
