R SOC375 Study Guide - Final Guide: Allan Savory, Livestock Grazing Comparison, Ecological Succession

• School: University of Alberta
• Department: Rural Sociology
• Course: R SOC375
• Professor: John Parkins

Document Summary

Scientometric polarization on holistic management as competing understandings. Farmers: natural scientists, like to experiment and observe and risk averse. Whole farm conversions to new commodities or practices are uncommon without substantial evidence about benefits of the new practice (academic or from ag advisors/fellow farmers). Mimic intense yet brief grazing pressure of large herds in parts of africa. Hoof and tooth pressure in wild or with managed livestock, improves water and nutrient cycling and land cover. Relies on holistic-goal setting and adaptive decision making. Experimental scientists see no benefits from the practices, particularly not the scale pf production. Management-oriented agricultural, ecological and social scientists report benefits at farm scale. Hm: animal impact does not degrade rangelands, expedites plant succession, improves water penetration (hoof action) Carefully controlling time animals are grazing and leaving time for pasture recovery avoids plant stress and degradation. Systematic monitoring was introduced later correcting perceptions of time controlled hm.