The Climate Potential of Wild Grazing Landscapes

The roject "Wilde Weiden" focuses on a scientific review of the current state of knowledge regarding carbon sequestration and the climate impact of extensively grazed ecosystems. Particular emphasis is placed on extensive year-round grazing systems with robust cattle breeds, and on what can be learned from the existing scientific literature about carbon sequestration in soils and vegetation, as well as relevant greenhouse gas fluxes. The aim of the project is to systematically synthesise the current state of research, identify the key processes and drivers influencing carbon sequestration and the greenhouse gas balance of extensive grazing systems, and highlight existing knowledge gaps. The specific Swiss pilot project areas will be considered in terms of how well they relate to, and can be interpreted in the context of, the systems and processes described in the scientific literature.