Sustainable grassland management based on grazing system unit: Concepts and models

Grazing systems are methords of grazing management that divide grazing land into units to create a stable pattern of grassland utilization for livestock and human residence. Subdivision of grasslands into grazing units can serve multiple functions, including support (such as soil conservation), provision (of animal fodder and animal products), regulation (such as climate regulation) and cultural services (heritage preservation). Damage to grassland, livestock, and human residence relationships results from inappropriate grazing management, which can easily lead to ecological and economic problems including grassland degradation and human poverty. Three models exist for rebuilding grazing units based on environmental and socioeconomic conditions: Joint household/farmer cooperative-based modern nomadic grazing patterns, household/small ranch-based settled grazing patterns, farmer cooperative/large ranch-based rotational grazing patterns.