the value of grass lands and mountain restoration

8/14/2019 The Value of Grass Lands and Mountain Restoration

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The value of grasslands and

mountain restorationMAINSTREAMING AGRICULTURAL BIODIVERSITY FOR FOOD

SECURITY

by C. Batello FAO, AGPC Rome

Rome 9-11-2004

Estimates of proportion of the earth covered bygrasslands vary between 20 and 40 percentdepending on definition; natural grasslands cover more

than twice the area of the worlds cropped area.

Grasslands contribute to the livelihood of over 800 M.people.


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Grasslands:

provide the base forsustainable livestock production

are vital forwatershed management

provide habitats for plants and wildlife

are important as places ofpilgrimage for local communities (for example thepasture of Kunasa is considered a beyul(sacred, hidden land) by the Bonpocommunities of Phoksundo in Nepal)

have a great potential for rehabilitation of soils degraded by mining andindustrial pollution

are important as food source and for human and animal medicinal production

are important for production offibres and energy


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Three examples of grassland biodiversity for sustainable economic

development:

Grasslands for Mountain Environments ( snow, poor soils, steep slopes)

Grasslands for Recycling of Water

Grasslands for Biomass Production


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Grasslands for mountain environments ( snow, poor soils, steepslopes)

Large building projects such as reservoirs for power stations, roads and skilifts, need rapid surface protection, restoration of stability and protection ofbiomes

Researchers, practitioners, foresters, ecologists, geotechnical and civilengineers increasingly collaborate to develop new technologies to restoreslope stability and prevent soil erosion problems

For nature protection and watershed management rather than for forageproduction, site-specific plants have been increasingly investigated inrecent years that have the following characteristics:

- Adapted to shallow, nutrient-deficient soils

- Resistant to long, cold winters, wind, summer rainfall- Extensive root systems, leaves growing close to ground

- Resistance to traction and trampling


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Grasslands for mountain environments ( snow,

steep slopes)

Agrotechnical techniques:

Channelling log erosion barriers drift of branches straw mulching -

blocking mire grips or drainage with sterile straw bales, or mechanical

barriers across slopes transplanting of pioneer species

Eco-engineering techniques:

Hydroseeding with herbaceous species ( with or without fertilization)

Hydromulching Natural mats for slopes reclamation Anchored

organic blankets to prevent gully erosion


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Grasslands for Recycling of water

Constructed wetlands are complex systems in terms ofbiology, hydraulics and water

For some applications, they are an excellent option because

they are low in cost and in maintenance requirements, offergood performance, and provide a natural appearance, if notmore beneficial ecological benefits

Constructed wetlands are especially well suited forwastewater treatment in small communities where

inexpensive land is available and skilled operators hard to findand keep


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Recycle of waters


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The primary role of emergent vegetation in Artificial Wetland Systems is

providing structure for :

enhancing flocculation sedimentation filtration

of suspended solids through idealized hydrodynamic conditions

They also insulate the water surface from cold winter temperatures

trap falling and drifting snow reducing the heat-loss effects of wind

Limited information is available to demonstrate significant or consistent

effects of the different plant species on constructed wetland performance.


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Characteristics of plants for constructed wetlands:

1. The primary purposes of Free-floating Aquatic plants such as Common

duckweed (Lemma) and Big duckweed (Spirodela) are Nutrient uptake

and shading and retard action of algal growth

Dense floating mats limit oxygen diffusion from the atmosphere and

block sunlight, but provide shelter and food for animals.

2. Rooted Floating aquatic plants such as Water Lily ( Nymphea) and

Pennyworth (Hydrocotyle) provide structure for microbial attachment and

release oxygen to the water.

3. Emergent Aquatic plants such as Common Reed (Phragmites), Cattail

( Typha) and Bulrush (Scirpus), that tolerate satured conditions, provide

structure to induce enhanced flocculation and sedimentation, are

windbreaks and insulate during winter months.


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Crop production strategies need to be developed which are as

efficient as possible in capturing sunlight (solar energy) and

storing it in plants (solar battery). Desirable characteristics for

energy feedstocks include:

1. Efficient conversion of sunlight into plant material

2. Efficient water use as moisture

3. Sunlight interception for as much of the growing season as possible

4. Minimal external inputs in the production and harvest cycle (ie.

seed, fertilizer, machine operations and crop drying)

5. Good production in poor and marginal soils.


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The world market for pulp and paper products is forecast to nearly double duringthe next three decades in response to a growing population and theeconomic development of countries in the Pacific Rim, including China.

The key to the commercialization ofhemp (Cannabis sativa L.) lies in thedevelopment of new technologies that can use the entire stem.

Kenaf(Hibiscus cannabinus L.) is also composed of two components, a short fibreinner core and long fibre bark.

Switchgrass(Panicum virgatum), a C4 prairie grass, yields in the order of 80-120tons ha/yr. The grass can be used for energy production but was morerecently identified as a close substitute for hardwood fibre in pulp and paper

making.

Miscanthus, sweet sorghum,

Indian grass (Sorghastrum nutans [L.] Nash),

Western wheatgrass (Agropyron smithiiRydb.)


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Further research

Appropriate management technologies ( mats for

mountain species, use of residues)

New and appropriate transformation technologies(biobriquettes, long fibers, feed and green manureproduction)

Seed production (seed of most species is notcommercially available)


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Recommendations

Biologists, agronomists, engineers, chemists to work as a team

Filire work: from the field to the market. Sustainable agronomic

production practices sustainable processing practices sustainable

and new market opportunities ( Three R concept: Renew Reuse Recycle)

Enhance the political and environmental compatibility of

international commitments such as the Ecosystem Approach with

the implementation of the Convention on the Protection of theAlps (Alpine Convention started in 1951 and covers an area of 20 M.

ha inhabited by 15 M. people in 8 states, 53 regions and 5800

communities).

the value of grass lands and mountain restoration

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