A framework for sustainable management of ecosystem services and disservices in perennial grassland agroecosystems

Authors: PAUDEL, SHISHIR - Oklahoma State University; COBB, ADAM - Oklahoma State University; BOUGHTON, ELIZABETH - Archbold Biological Station; Spiegal, Sheri; BOUGHTON, RAOUL - University Of Florida; SILVEIRA, MARIA - University Of Florida; SWAIN, HILARY - Archbold Biological Station; REUTER, RYAN - Oklahoma State University; GOODMAN, LAURA - Oklahoma State University; STEINER, JEAN - Kansas State University

Submitted to: Ecosphere
Publication Type: Peer Reviewed Journal
Publication Acceptance Date: 11/1/2021
Publication Date: 11/24/2021
Citation: Paudel, S., Cobb, A.B., Boughton, E.H., Spiegal, S.A., Boughton, R.K., Silveira, M.L., Swain, H.M., Reuter, R., Goodman, L.E., Steiner, J.L. 2021. A framework for sustainable management of ecosystem services and disservices in perennial grassland agroecosystems. Ecosphere. 12(11). Article e03837. https://doi.org/10.1002/ecs2.3837.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1002/ecs2.3837

Interpretive Summary: Ecosystem services and dis-services provide a way to understand the goods and services that are provided by natural and semi-natual systems. grasslands are extensive globally; understanding the benefits and tradeoffs is important for ecosystem and agricultural management. This paper provides a conceptual framework for understanding the ecosystem services from grasslands with minimal management inputs, and "dis-services" that can arise following transition from extensive to intensive agroecosystems. The authors suggest specific research priorities to better evaluate ecosystem services and disservices across management intensities. The potential benefits of landscape mosaics that include grasslands across a continuum of extensive to intensive strategies are highlighted.

Technical Abstract: Increasing demand for agricultural products is driving grassland management intensification with subsequent impacts on ecosystem services and disservices. Key questions related to grassland production as well as environmental and social concerns must be addressed to ensure sustainability. We propose a unified perspective, addressing numerous trade-offs and synergies between grassland ecosystem services and disservices, and considering an array of ecological and human consequences associated with history and ongoing shifts in management strategies. Much of our discussion utilizes evidence from humid grasslands; however, our examples and recommendations have global implications for the future of grassland management. We characterize four categories of ecosystem services and disservices (provisioning, supporting, regulating, and cultural) provided by perennial grasslands that are extensively managed (low or no input, never cultivated) or intensively managed (high-input, cultivated). We explore a range of potential outcomes following transition from extensive to intensive agroecosystems around the globe. Additionally, we suggest specific research priorities to better evaluate ecosystem services and disservices across management intensities. Finally, we highlight potential benefits of landscape mosaics that include grasslands across a continuum of extensive to intensive strategies.