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Rotational Grazing & Regenerative Practices (Alentejo)

Context & Location​

  • Alentejo (southern Portuguese interior), mainland Portugal
  • Mediterranean climate
  • Grassland-based pastoral system

Objectives​

  • Assess the benefits of rotational grazing
  • Assess long-term effects of regenerative grazing practices

Problem Description​

Although this farm is managed under regenerative principles, it shows soil nutritional deficiencies. It is important to optimize grazing efficiency and contribute to improving soil health.

Proposed Approach / Pilot Logic​

Implement rotational grazing with 1.8-ha paddocks to allow grass recovery.

Data & Measurements​

  • Soil chemistry: pH, organic matter, N, P, K, Ca, S, Mo
  • Soil biology: microbial diversity and pathogen presence
  • Indicators of compaction and nutrient excess

Key Findings (Preliminary)​

  • Critical deficiencies of micronutrients such as molybdenum, zinc and boron
  • Vulnerability to biotic and abiotic stress
  • Phosphorus deficiency

Expected Value​

  • Expected the optimization of grazing efficiency

Why this pilot matters​

It highlights that grazing alone is not sufficient, and that adaptive regenerative soil practices and soil analysis and correction are essential to restore soil function and long-term productivity.